Comparison in the dietary intake of preschool children, attending national daycare centres (Junji), in the eastern area of Santiago, Chile

The objective of this study was to evaluate the energy intake of obese and normal nutritional status preschoolers, from four to five years old, attending several day care centres (JUNJI), in the eastern area of Santiago. The sample comprised 85 normal nutritional status and 35 obese children, representative of a population of 450 children. The food intake was evaluated twice a week and on one weekend day. At the day care centre, food intake was measured by food weighing and at the home; it was measured by food-recording. FAO 2001 energy requirements were used to calculate the energy requirements of the children. In both obese and normal nutritional status, energy intake was similar in the educational institution and home, although this energy intake corresponds to there meals time at JUNJI and only one serving at home. In respect to energy requirements of preschool children, both obese and normal nutritional status boys are at energy balance during the week (90 versus 110%). In the corresponding female groups, energy intake exceeds their energy requirement (116 and 111% respectively). In conclusion, energy intake at home, is greater and of minor quality, situation that worsens over the weekend in all preschoolers, independently of their nutritional condition (energy adequacy > 114%).