Breakfast quality differences among children and adolescents in Croatia.

The aim of this study was to establish nutrient intake from breakfast in children and adolescents in Croatia (n = 1190). A quantified FFQ method was used. The results showed that 1.7% of subjects skip breakfast. Energy intake from breakfast was 26% RDA. Adolescents obtained significantly more energy from carbohydrates and less from fat than children. Children had significantly higher cholesterol and significantly lower dietary fiber intake than adolescents. Intakes of almost all examined micronutrients differed significantly according to age. Milk and dairy products were major energy contributors in children's breakfast whereas most of the adolescents' energy came from cereal products. Breakfasts containing at least one dairy food, one cereal food and fruit/fruit juice were consumed by 13.7% and 21.9% of children and adolescents respectively. A total of 33.3% and 47.6% of subjects respectively consumed milk every day while 15.9% and 10.4% did not consume milk for breakfast at all. Subjects with BMI > 85th percentile had significantly higher energy intake while those with BMI < 25th percentile had significantly lower energy intake than those of normal weight. Education about adequate nutrition and human health and providing breakfast at schools would improve dietary habits of this population.