ENERGY-INTAKE OF 1 TO 18 YEAR-OLD GERMAN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

In a sample of 695 healthy well-nourished German children and adolesce nts covering the total age range from 1 to 18 years, 3d weighed diet r ecords were collected and measurements of body height and weight were taken. 10 % non-plausible records (reported energy intake (EI):estimat ed basal metabolic rate (BMR) < Cut off 1.06) were excluded from furth er analysis. The rate of non-plausible records was low in the childhoo d age groups (2-6 %), higher in the male (10 %), and highest in the fe male adolescents (30 %). Recalculation of age and sex specific cut off s based on assumed light physical activity levels (PAL) reduced the ex clusion rate to 6.5 % (total) and 20 % (female adolescents). The repor ted energy intake of the total sample based on plausible records (n=62 7, EI:BMR greater than or equal to 1.06) was close to the new estimati ons of energy requirements assuming light physical activity which are proposed for the revision of the current FAO/WHO energy requirements. The sample was of normal height and weight compared to the Netherlands growth references. For a definite interpretation of the low reported energy intake in the context of health promoting physical activity pat terns of children and adolescents more scientific evidence should be a vailable.