Nutritional status and food consumption in 10–11 year old Dutch boys (Dutch Nutrition Surveillance System)

Abstract

As part of the Dutch Nutrition Surveillance System, cardiovascular risk factors and food consumption (24 h recall) as well as haematological, Fe and vitamin status (A, B6, C) were assessed in 126 Dutch boys aged 10–11 years (response 71 %). Body mass index (BMI) and the sum of four skinfolds were strongly associated (r0.85,P< 0.01) and 8% of the boys were overweight (BMI > 20.1 kg/m2). Elevated serum total cholesterol levels (> 4.4 mmol/l) were observed in 38 %; total cholesterol and low-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol levels were strongly associated (r0.88,P< 0.001). Intake of fat was high (38 % of energy) and too much fat was saturated (polyunsaturated: saturated 0.44, guideline: 0.5–1.0), whereas intake of carbohydrate (49% of energy) and dietary fibre was low. About 12% of the boys had insufficient Fe stores (plasma ferritin < 12.0 μg/l) and the mean Fe intake (9.0 mg/d) was below recommended daily allowance (10.0 mg/d). Plasma ferritin was, however, not associated with haematological indices and no frank anaemias were observed. No marginal values were observed for vitamins A, B6and C status. In conclusion, the main nutritional risks in boys aged 10–11 years are cardiovascular risk factors and Fe nutrition.