Intake of grains and grain based product and diet quality in toddlers

Appropriate feeding of complementary and table foods to young children may ensure normal growth, promote healthy eating habits, and help prevent obesity and other health problems during and after childhood. The aim of this study was to estimate the intake of grains and grain based products in toddlers. Our research was based on a sample size of 102 participants (43 girls and 59 boys) who kept a three day food diary. Grains and grain based products contributed with 25.61% to their total daily energy intake. On average, participants consumed 105, 46g of grains daily, and only 63.73% of participants have met the recommended values for grain intake (United States Department of Agriculture, 2011). Refined grains contributed the most in grains intake, with 59.56g, with the average consumption of whole grains being 12.76g. Bread and cereals were most commonly consumed products. This study has provided results that had been missing for the toddler population in Croatia. However, it is necessary to include more participants from different parts of Croatia to provide representative results.