A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

The Contribution of Preschool Meals to the Diet of Finnish Preschoolers




AuthorsLiisa Korkalo, Kaija Nissinen, Essi Skaffari, Henna Vepsäläinen, Reetta Lehto, Riikka Kaukonen, Leena Koivusilta, Nina Sajaniemi, Eva Roos, Maijaliisa Erkkola

PublisherM D P I

Publication year2019

JournalNutrients

Article number1531

Volume11

Issue7

Number of pages16

ISSN2072-6643

eISSN2072-6643

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.3390/nu11071531

Web address https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/11/7/1531/htm

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/41373084


Abstract

Preschool meals may influence the formation of children’s dietary habits and health. We assessed the contribution of preschool meals to the diet of Finnish children. We used food record data from the cross-sectional DAGIS survey and selected recording days which included all three meals (breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack) at preschool. We analyzed the diet of three- to four-year-olds (n = 324) and five- to six-year-olds (n = 233). Preschool meals accounted for 54% of the weekday’s energy intake in both age groups, and provided ≥60% of total fiber, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and vitamins D and E. More than 60% of fish dishes but only one third of total daily fresh fruit were consumed at preschool. The mean (SD) percentages of energy from protein and fat at preschool were 17% (3%) and 30% (7%) in the younger and 17% (3%) and 31% (6%) in the older age group, respectively. The mean proportions of energy from added sugar at preschool were below 5% in both age groups. On average, salt intake exceeded recommendations and 60% of salt came from preschool food. Tackling high salt intake should be a future goal of guidance for early childhood education and care food services.


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