Nutrient intake among Samoan children aged 2-4 years in 2015

Ann Hum Biol. 2018 May;45(3):239-243. doi: 10.1080/03014460.2018.1473491.

Abstract

Background: Young children are particularly vulnerable to malnutrition as nutrition transition progresses. The aim of this study was to examine the adequacy of macro- and micronutrient intake among 2-4.99-year-old Samoan children.

Methods: Child dietary intake was measured using a 117-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) with a 30-day reference period. Daily total energy and nutrient intake was calculated by multiplying the frequency of daily consumption by the nutrient content of a fixed, standard portion size. Adequacy of macro- and micronutrient intake was determined using age-specific US Dietary Guidelines.

Results: Most children met or exceeded recommendations for carbohydrate, fat and protein intake. More than half of the sample were not meeting the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for calcium (59.0%), 44.6% were not meeting RDA for potassium and intake of vitamin A and E was inadequate among 25.9% and 25.6%, respectively. Eighty per cent of children exceeded the tolerable upper limit for sodium. Adequacy of intake varied by age and census region of residence.

Conclusion: Since inadequate dietary micronutrient intake was more common among older children (4-4.99 years) and those in the rural region, intervention should be targeted at those groups.

Keywords: Macronutrient; Samoa; childhood; micronutrient; obesity.

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Eating*
  • Energy Intake*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Samoa