Evaluation of nutritional status of pre-school children in sharkia governorate

Abstract EN

The aim of the study was to evaluate the nutritional status of children attending preschools located in sharkia governorate, Egypt.

the study was carried out in 2008until 2010.

the studied samples were pre-school children (boys and girls) aged between 4-6 years.

they were selected from the kinder garden, in sharkia government.

the total randomly pre-school children samples were200 children divided to 100 children from k.g in rural areas sorted as 46 boys and 54 girls.

100 children were from urban areas sorted as 47 boys and 53 girls.

information about home food intake was collected by parents, on the same days, the kind and quantity of food eaten by the child in the preschool were noted.

the results revealed that the nutritional status of more than half of the children was appropriate, however, one out of five children exhibited overweight in rural area, while one out of four children exhibited overweight or obesity in urban area.

the analyzed menus revealed that most nutrients were oversupplied in relation to the requirements.

the intake of total protein, animal proteins, copper, as well as vitamins a, b2, and b6, exceeded the recommended levels more than twice.

other b-group vitamins, vitamin c, phosphorus, magnesium, and sodium were supplied in a considerable surplus too.

on the other hand, more than a half of the children received diets with insufficient amounts of calcium, potassium, and cholesterol in rural and urban areas (male and female).the dietary deficiencies may have a negative impact on the physical and mental development of the children and may increase a risk of diseases in their future adult life.