Eating patterns and fat intake in school children in Croatia

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess the quality of children's daily diet and some nutritional habits with regard to fat, cholesterol and saturated fatty acid (SFA) intake. Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) with weight, height, Body Mass Index (BMI) and body fat as anthropometric parameter was used in children aged 7-10 years. The average energy intake in almost all subgroups was below the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) level while protein intake was double the RDA. The intake of vitamins and minerals correlated with fat intake. Iodine, selenium and vitamin D intake was not sufficient in all the children. In subgroups of children with low fat, cholesterol and SFA intake, the intake of calcium was below RDA. According to BMI, the population was considered as non-obese. The total energy, fat, cholesterol and SFA intake showed no or weakly significant correlation with antropometric factors in all the subgroups. The results showed that high fat intake in children's diet was not accompanied with dietary patterns that were all considered as unhealthy