engleski

Dietary habits in regard to milk and milk products consumption among elementary school children in Croatia

Nutrient needs are highest during the growth spurt, when intense change in body composition occur. Assessment of dietary habits of elementary school children in Croatia, based on the food frequency questioner, indicate that only 45% of pupils consume milk every day, additional 45% of children consume milk 3-6 times per week, while 10 % of schoolchildren drink milk only 1-2 times a week. 24 hour recall method and computer software HRANA have been applied for calculation of nutrient content and of mean daily energy and nutrient intake provided by meals served in school canteens (so called "milk meals") and meals eaten at home. Results indicate that mean daily intake of calcium is lower than recommended. In view of new scientific findings which support calcium intake greater than the RDA, on the average of 713 mg of Ca daily is significantly lower than recommended. Regional differences in milk and milk products consumption among schoolchildren in Croatia are also present. Taking into consideration the role of dairy foods, being the richest source of calcium, necessary for bone mineral accreation and prevention of osteoporosis in later life, one of the objectives of Croatian food and nutrition policy till 2005. is to achieve increase of milk and milk products consumption by 25%.

milk; consumption; schoolchildren; nutrition

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