The expression of biological potential in humans is impacted by various factors, with nutrition being a primary determinant.
Objective: The objective is to ascertain the average daily intake of basic foods among children aged 1–19 years in Bulgaria within the framework of a comprehensive nutritional survey.
Methods: A cross-sectional and retrospective study was carried out in 2020 involving a nationally representative sample of 984 children aged 1–19 years. Detailed information about children aged 10 years and younger was gathered through direct interviews with their parent. The children participating in the study were randomly chosen from the lists of individuals surveyed by the Ministry of Education and Science. The nutrition of all children was assessed using a 24-hour dietary recall method, focusing on their food intake from the preceding day (24-h recall). The dietary intake of children was evaluated over two non-consecutive days during the week: a weekday and a weekend day. The information collected from the children was compared to the data obtained in the 2014 survey.
Results:
The analysis of average daily consumption in children aged 1–19 years revealed a significant preference for lean meat, a limited intake of milk, fish and eggs and a high consumption of non-alcoholic carbonated drinks containing sugar among children over 7 years of age.
Conclusion: The evidence gathered on the nutrition among children aged 1–19 years draws attention to both the beneficial and detrimental aspects of basic food consumption. It underscores the necessity for focused initiatives aimed at fostering positive changes in children's nutrition that will have a long-lasting effect not only during childhood but also in later life.
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