TOTAL-ENERGY EXPENDITURE AND ENERGY-INTAKE IN THE PRESCHOOL-CHILD - ACOMPARISON

In a cohort (n 81) of healthy children aged 1.5-4.5 years, measurement s of energy intake and energy expenditure,were compared. Energy intake was calculated following a 4 d weighed record completed by the mother or guardian of the child. Total energy expenditure was measured using the doubly-labelled water technique. Mean energy intake and expenditu re in the cohort were 4773 kJ/d and 4928 kJ/d respectively. The mean r elative bias between the techniques was 154 kJ/d. In the older childre n (3.5-4.5 years) the mean relative bias was only 37 kJ/d. At the popu lation level the measurements of energy intake and energy expenditure were extremely close, and the study has provided sufficient confidence in weighed intake methodology for it to be used in a major nationwide study of dietary intake and nutritional status of children aged 1.5-4 .5 years.