RELATION BETWEEN DIETARY-FAT AND ENERGY AND MICRONUTRIENT INTAKES

Concern has been raised about the energy and nutrient adequacy of low fat diets for children that aim to prevent cardiovascular disease in W estern populations. The diets of 174 randomly chosen schoolchildren ag ed 8-12 years from middle and high socioeconomic groups were analysed to determine their nutrient composition in relation to fat intake. The mean percentages of energy intake from fat and saturated fat were 31 and 13%, respectively, and 44% of all children reported consuming <30% of their energy from fat. The energy intake did not change across the spectrum of fat intake. A decreased fat intake was associated with an increased sugar intake, but also with increased nutrient densities of thiamin, niacin, folate, vitamin C, magnesium, and iron, reflecting a n increased intake of fruit, vegetables, and grains. Parental educatio nal level was the most important determinant of fat intake (inverse re lation). It is concluded that a self selected low fat intake among chi ldren from average to high socioeconomic backgrounds does not compromi se their intake of major nutrients or energy.