DIETARY APPROACHES FOR REDUCING FAT INTAKE OF PRESCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN

Study objective. The present study was conducted to determine the effe cts of applying different fat reduction strategies to the overall nutr ient profile of diets for preschool-age children. Design. Computer mod eling techniques were used to modify the diets of children (ages 2 thr ough 3 and 4 through 5 years old) to meet contemporary dietary recomme ndations (<30% of calories from total fat, <10% from saturated fatty a cids, and <300 mg of cholesterol daily). Fat reduction strategies were applied to a 1-week menu that included preschoolers' favorite foods. Strategies applied were replacing high-fat meat exchanges with lean me at exchanges (+/- three high-fat meat exchanges per week), replacing h igher fat milks with skim milk, replacing high-fat meat exchanges with medium-fat meat exchanges, using fat-modified products, using low-fat preparation techniques, and added fat. All diets were made isocaloric after modifications were applied. Results. It is more difficult to me et all recommendations for the 2- and 3-year-old children. Use of skim milk is the simplest strategy to use for the 4- and 5-year-old childr en, although other single strategies are effective. Conclusions. When multiple strategies are effected. some diets are very low in fat (<20% of calories) and potentially inadequate in energy and nutrients. It i s important that caregivers know the appropriate foods to choose when modifying fat in children's diets to ensure meeting energy and nutrien t requirements.