The non-ferrous industrial plant in Plovdiv has been built and functioned for decades. Research show that despite of the fresh and clean air, the soil and vegetation used by people and live-stock are polluted with lead. Children are a risky age group, because of their on-going growth and development, as well as the abilities for adaptation of the child's organism. The aim of this study is to evaluate the nutrient and energy intake and food consumption of children aged 10-14 years, from the village of Kuklen - nearby the non-ferrous industrial plant in Plovdiv. The present epidemiologic survey was conducted in 2003 and included 49 children aged 10-14 years, differentiated by sex - 22 boys and 27 girls. The ‘24 hour recall` of food consumption for the previous day method was used. Results show that the average mixed protein (animal and vegetative) intake is 54.1g for boys and 45.2 g for girls and delivers 10% of the daily food energy (E%). Fats provide 38-39 E% (Dietary Reference Intakes for Bulgarians, 2005 are 25-30 E%). Carbohydrates deficit tendency is observed - 51-52 E% (recomm. 55-65 E%). The food energy in boys meets the recommendations, while that for girls covers 84% of the requirements. All researched children show intake deficiency of vitamin B1, calcium, zinc, iron. The intake of nutrients and energy is relevant to the food consumption. Milk in the daily menu is inadequate: 97.3-95.7 g (recomm. 400 g, 380 g resp.). The consumption of cheese is also unsatisfactory 21 g for boys and 12g for girls (recomm. 35 g/day). Too low is the consumption of vegetables - 68 g/day for boys and 85 g/day for girls, which covers 22-30% of the recommendations. Boys have consumed 226 g (i.e. 63% of the recommendations) of fruits, while girls - 205 g (i.e. 97% of the recommendations). In conclusion, various suggestions for the development of a complex interventional program are made in order to diminish the risk of potential chemical food pollutions and to balance the food intake.
Scripta Scientifica Medica 2009; 41(1): 39-43.
Email this article (Login required) 
