Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess dietary fiber intake and the relationship between dietary fiber intake and nutrient intakes of elementary school students. Food consumption of 200 elementary school students (100 boys, 100 girls) in the 6th grade in Gimhae was assessed by 2-day estimated food records. Nutrient intakes were calculated using CAN-pro and total dietary fiber (TDF) intake using the TDF tables of the common Korean foods. The mean height and weight of the boys were 147.7 cm and 42.1 kg. The mean height and weight of the girls were 149.1 cm and 41.1 kg. The mean body mass index (BMI) of the boys (19.3 kg/m2) was significantly higher than that of the girls (18.4 kg/m2, p +/- 0.05). Average daily intake of energy of the boys and girls was 1733 and 1778 kcal, respectively. Intakes of protein, P, and niacin of the boys and girls exceeded 110% of current RDA. Intakes of Fe, vitamin B1, and vitamin B2 of the boys were similar to RDA. Intake of vitamin B1 exceeded 110% of current RDA and intakes of Fe and vitamin A were similar to RDA among the girls. Ca intake of the boys and girls was 74.2% and 60.1% of RDA, respectively. Vitamin C intake of the boys and girls were 63.6% and 71.7% of RDA, respectively. Intakes of fat, Ca, P, and vitamin B2 of the boys were significantly higher than the girls. Intakes of Fe and vitamin A of the boys were significantly lower than the girls. Average daily intakes of TDF of the boys and girls were 11.2 g and 11.1 g, respectively. TDF intake of the children at the 6th grade of elementary school was about 70% of "age (yr) + 5 g", a recommended level for American children. Major food groups to supply dietary fiber were vegetables, grains, and seasonings among the boys and girls. Major sources of dietary fiber were Kimchi, rice, and red pepper powder which supplied 17.85%. 15.71%, and 5.18% of TDF among the boys and 18.02%, 16.22%, and 6.58% among the girls. Daily fiber intake showed significant positive correlations with intakes of grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, and seasonings among the boys and girls. Daily fiber intake showed significant positive correlations with intakes of energy, carbohydrates, protein, lipids, Ca, P, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, niacin, and vitamin C among both the boys and girls. From the results of this study we could conclude that it is recommended to increase dietary fiber intake in elementary school students at upper level.

• Keywords: dietary fiber intake; nutrient intake; elementary school children