2017 Volume 22 Issue 1 Pages 7-23
This study aimed to reveal the detailed dietary characteristics of 3-year-old children and to provide information that would be valuable for nutrition education. Subjects were 89 healthy 3-year-old children. Dietary intake was assessed using 7-day semi-weighed food records during April 2012–2013 for 28 days in total (7 days per season). Energy from cereals was low and energy from snacks varied widely between individuals (0.0–40.9%). Calcium intake was 68.6% of the recommended dietary allowance. ABC analysis showed that the major foods contributing to energy/ nutrient intake differed between home and nurseries/kindergartens. Foods that are easily prepared without cooking were frequently eaten at home. Portion sizes of rice and milk were smaller than the recommended amounts, consistent with the observed nutrient intake. These results suggest that assessment of children’s nutrient and habitual dietary intake, food portion sizes, and dietary characteristics can provide a possible approach for designing community- based dietary education.
