Challenges of dietary intake assessment in preschool children – conclusions from a dietary intervention study on polish preschoolers¹

*Sylwia Merkiel, Wojciech Chalcarz

Summary
Aim. The aim was to present difficulties connected with dietary intake assessment in preschoolers which we concluded from a dietary intervention study.
Results. The intervention study aimed to modify preschoolers’ dietary intake and physical activity to improve their nutritional status and physical fitness. We chose a seven-day weighed food record to ensure the highest validity of the results and to reduce the risk of casualness. One of the difficulties was the fact that the data had to be recorded by several people, including preschool staff and family members. The necessity to weigh and write down all foods consumed by the children was one of the most frequent complaint from parents and preschool staff and reason for withdrawing some children from the study. To calculate energy and nutrient intakes, we used Dieta which we think is the best such computer programme in Poland. However, it does not provide the possibility to add to its database new dishes, foodstuffs or supplements.
The effort of keeping the food record was the discouraging factor for many parents to take part in the study. Preschool staff were dissatisfied with many of the dietary changes. Most parents were highly dissatisfied with the effort to introduce dietary changes at home.
Summary. When selecting method of dietary intake, seven-day weighed food record should be preferred. The Dieta is a very useful tool for calculating dietary intakes, however it requires urgent improvements. Dietary intervention studies in preschoolers should last longer than a preschool year and should include extensive education of preschool staff and parents.

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