Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate food habits, nutrients intakes and nutritional quality of the preschool children living in Seoul. The study was performed by analyzing a questionnaire answered by the mothers of 233 subjects aged 2 to 6 years old. A three-day dietary intakes survey, using a 24 hour recall method was used by both the mothers and teachers of the children in day care centers. Twenty eight, 65.9 and 21.8% of preschool children were underweight, normal and overweight or obese, respectively. It was found that 19.8% of preschool children replied that they skipped breakfast sometimes. The major reasons for skipping breakfast were 'snacks'(38.3%) and 'no appetite' (32.6%). The proportion of subjects having unbalanced meals was 61.6%. From the 24-recall survey, it was found that all nutrients intakes were higher than those of the Korean RDA except zinc. The proportions of carbohydrate, protein and fat from total calories were 56,1, 17.2 and 30.7%. The P/M/S ratio was 0.62 : 0.86 : 1. Nutrient adquacy (NAR), mean of nutrient adequacy ratio (MAR) and index of nutritional quality (INQ) were considered adequate. In conclusion, the dietary intakes of children aged 2 to 6 were assumed adequate judging from nutrient intakes, although some attention should be paid to fat intake in this age group.

• Keywords: food habits; nutrient intake; nutrient quality; fatty acids pattern; preschool children