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