Community Nutrition Update: Community Nutrition Update: Childhood NutritionChildhood Nutrition
Preschool and Elementary School
~Ages One to Eleven Years~
Patty Case, OSU Extension Service, Klamath County
OutlineOutline
Characteristics of childhoodNutritional issues
– Imbalances– Iron– Tooth Decay
Key Messages Nutrition Education
General CharacteristicsGeneral Characteristics of Childhood of Childhood
Growth rate slowsNutrient needs remain highEmotional growth rate increases
Emotional ChangesEmotional Changes
ToddlerPreschoolSchool Age
Nutrition GoalsNutrition Goals
Achieve normal growth & developmentLearn to enjoy a variety of nutritious foodsTransition from dependent eating to
independent smoothly
Nutritional IssuesNutritional Issues
Nutritional deficiencies replaced with nutritional imbalances
CalciumIronTooth decay
Nutritional ImbalancesNutritional Imbalances
Skipping meals effects school performanceOne in five children get 5-A-Day
(average about 3 1/2 servings per day)
Fat intake about 34% of caloriesSnacking has increased, contributes 20-42% of
daily energy intakeImbalances association with chronic diseases
(Krebs-Smith et al, 1996;USDA ,2000)
Healthy Eating IndexHealthy Eating Index
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Childr
en 2-
3
Childr
en 4-
6
Childr
en 7-
10
Female
s 11-
14
Males 1
1-14
Female
s 15-
18
Males 1
5-18
Poor Diet
Needs Improvement
Good Diet
The Healthy Eating Index: 1994-96. US Dept of Ag, Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion
IronIron
Most common deficiencyGreater problem in children of low-income
familiesOnly 60% of females 6-11 years met RDAShown to cause lower scores of mental and
motor functioning
(CSFII 1994-96)
Tooth DecayTooth Decay Single most common disease of childhood Effects all income levels 50% have cavities by 2nd grade Among low income, 50% of decay goes untreated Treatment
– Well balanced diet, moderate snacking– Early hygiene and dental care– Fluoridated toothpaste and water
(Healthy People 2010)
Key MessagesKey Messages
Five-A-DayAppropriate SnackingRegular BreakfastFeeding ResponsibilitiesVariety and Experimentation with Foods
Feeding ResponsibilitiesFeeding Responsibilities
(E.Satter)
AdultsAdults ChildrenChildren
What
When
Where
How Much
Whether or Not
Children’s Children’s Food Food
PyramidPyramid
•Portions vary with age
•Whole milk for under 2 yrs
•Snacks are mini-meals
Nutrition Ed—What Works?Nutrition Ed—What Works?
More exposure is better—how much?Developmentally appropriateAdult influenceFocus on behavior change
Lytle et al, 1997; Contento et al, 1995
SummarySummary
Dietary quality needs improvement. Childhood food habits/choices track into
adolescence. Need to find ways to weave “key messages” into
children’s and families lives. Need to engage children early in education.
App 10-24-02