The 'age+5' rule: Comparisons of dietary fiber intake among 4- to 10-year-old children

Objective To determine children's sources of dietary fiber and to identify the food group choices made by those who met the "age+5" rule, which recomm ends that children daily consume an amount of fiber that is equal to their age plus an additional. 5 g fiber. Design This study used 24-hour dietary recalls and 1-day food records to as sess the nutrient intake and food group choices of children who did and did not meet the recommendations of the age+5 rule. Subjects The 1989-1991 US Department of Agriculture Continuing Survey of Fo od Intakes by Individuals provided the study sample of 603 children between the ages of 4 and 6 years and 782 children between the ages of 7 and 10 ye ars. Statistical analyses Differences in nutrient and food group intakes between age categories were determined by t tests. Results Only 45% of 4- to 6-year-olds and 32% of 7- to 10-year-olds consume d adequate fiber to meet the age+5 rule. Those who met the age+5 rule did s o by consuming significantly more high- and low-fiber breads and cereals, f ruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Children with low fiber intake s had significantly higher energy-adjusted intakes of fat and cholesterol, whereas those who met the age+5 rule had significantly higher energy-adjust ed intakes of dietary Fiber, vitamins A and E, folate, magnesium, and iron. Applications The majority of the children had low intakes of dietary fiber, suggesting that they are at risk for future chronic disease. Parents and s chool foodservice personnel should strive to offer fiber-rich foods to chil dren so their acceptance and consumption of them will be increased.