Nutrition risk in the child and adolescent population of the Basque country: the enKid Study

Abstract

Cross-sectional population studies provide valuable information for nutrition surveillance and planning intervention strategies. The enKid Study is the largest nutrition survey on the child and adolescent Spanish population to date. In the present paper, nutrition risks in children and young people of the Basque country based on the enKid Study subsample for the Basque region are presented. Dietary assessment was completed by means of a 24 h recall and a food frequency questionnaire completed in an interview with the mother or caregiver for children under 13 years. A second 24 h recall was completed on 25% of the sample. Body weight, height and circumference were measured on each individual. Overweight and obesity were defined using Cole et al. cut-offs. Fat intake supplied 40% of energy intake and saturated fats 13·8 %. Overall, 80% of the sample had intakes of fat above 35 %. Main food sources of fats were added fats (32 %), meat (20 %) and milk products (20 %). Buns, cakes and pastry supplied 11% of total fat intake. The nutrients showing the highest proportion of people who did not reach one third (33 %) of the Spanish dietary reference intake levels were vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin A and folate. Prevailing food pattern showed a high consumption of meat and meat products, milk, dairy products and cereals. Conversely, consumption of fruit, vegetables and fish was low; in fact, 89% of the sample had a normal consumption of fruit and vegetables below five portions a day. Prevalence of obesity was estimated at 3·94 %, and 17·85% of the sample was classified as overweight. © The Authors 2006.