A study was performed on the breakfast habits of 200 schoolchildren between 9 and 13 years of age. The subjects were classified into two groups: group C, children who consumed fortified breakfast cereals (65 boys and 35 girls), and group NC, children who did not (64 boys and 36 girls). The different dietary habits and the nutritional status of the two groups were analyzed. Haematological, biochemical, anthropometric, and dietary data were collected, the latter involving a 5-day food record. The children of the C group were found not only to have a more complete and nutritive breakfast, but also showed better dietary patterns for the rest of the day. Their lipid intake (% kJ) was lower and the carbohydrate intake (g/d and % kJ) higher than in the NC children. The intakes of thiamine, pyridoxine, folates, and β-carotenes were also higher in group C. Better dietary habits were reflected in higher blood levels of some important compounds. Group C children had higher retinol, serum folate, and riboflavin levels than NC children. The percentage of children with hypercholesterolaemia (serum cholesterol > 4.5 mmol/l) was higher amongst those of the NC group: 37% as compared with 18% of the C children.

Smoking could be harmful to the intake and folate status. For smokers who will not give up the habit, improved dietary intake or a folate supplement is advisable.

A questionnaire was used to investigate the schoolday and holiday breakfast habits of a group of 742 pupils (420 boys and 322 girls) aged between 9 and 13 years. The subjects attended four different schools in Madrid with populations of medium and medium–high socioeconomic level. Most pupils (53%) ate dairy products and cereals for breakfast and 10% also ate fruit: breakfasts that could be considered adequate or satisfactory. However, it was also observed that 17% of boys and 33% of girls took only dairy products at breakfast. In most cases (98%) this was limited to a glass of milk, an intake insufficient to start the day. Three per cent of boys and 5% of girls took no breakfast at all. Boys in general and the younger children of the sample spent more time at breakfast than girls or older children. They also included a wider variety of foods in their breakfasts. Most of the schoolchildren had breakfast at home (95%), either alone (42%) or with their brothers and sisters (43%). Only 25% had breakfast with their parents. Breakfast made a contribution of 15.6±0.4% to the recommended daily intake of energy. In 88% of cases, the contribution of breakfast was lower than 25% of total calories, the advisable level for this meal. During holidays the percentage of children who took no breakfast decreased to 2% of boys and 1% of girls. However, the differences observed between holidays and working days were not great. Perhaps the most important difference lies in the time spent eating breakfast, 10.8±0.3 minutes on schooldays and 20±0.6 minutes during holidays (P<0.001). The modification of dietary habits to increase the quantity and variety of foods consumed before starting daily activity probably has a positive impact on physical and intellectual performance. It would also help in the attainment of better nutritional status and better health.

The energy and nutrient intake of a group of 29 non-institutionalised elderly males was evaluated. Subjects were between 65 and 79 years of age and practised sport (usually tennis) daily. Their high income classified them as belonging to a high socioeconomic group. The subjects consumed more fruits, fish and non-alcoholic beverages than results reported for the sedentary elderly. Although the nutritional situation of the subjects is better than that of other elderly Spanish groups, more than 50% of the population showed intakes of vitamin D, zinc and magnesium lower than 80% of the recommended intakes (RI). Even though the intake of many of these nutrients will be higher than the observed, given the degree of underreporting noticed, a risk of falling into situations of deficit of these micronutrients must be considered. These require adjustment if a more optimum health and functional status is to be achieved.

No abstract