Atherosclerosis precursors in Finnish children and adolescents. VIII. Food consumption and nutrient intakes.

A dietary survey was conducted in 1980 in connection with the Multicentre Study on Atherosclerosis Precursors in Finnish Children in five urban and 12 rural communes in various parts of Finland. 1,768 children aged 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 years were interviewed using the 48 hour recall method. Food consumption, and the intakes of energy and 49 nutrients were calculated. The intakes of energy and most nutrients increased in the successive age groups until the age of 15 years. There were only small differences in the diet of children belonging to different social classes. Protein accounted for 14% of total energy intake, fat for 38%, total carbohydrate for 48%, and sucrose for 10%. The ratio of polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids in the diet (P/S) was 0.24 for the whole material, which is higher than found in previous studies in Finland. The P/S ratio was higher in urban areas and West Finland than in rural areas and in East Finland. The share of fat of energy intake exceeded the recommendation given by the Ministry of Health and the P/S ratio was lower than recommended. The mean daily intakes of energy and vitamins met the recommendations. Of the mineral elements, the intakes of calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and manganese were abundant. The intakes of iron, copper, zinc, molybdenum and chromium were lower than recommended in most age groups and the intakes of selenium and fluorine in all age groups. The large share of refined foods in the children's diet was the main reason for the low nutrient densities.