engleski

Micronutrients in kindergarten meals in Northeast part of Croatia

Background. Micronutrients are known to be important for the normal growth and development of children. The 85% guideline of daily recommended energy, macronutrient and micronutrient intake is supposed to be given during ten hour stay in kindergarten. Aim. To determine the quantity of several micronutrients ( calcium, magnesium, selenium, iron and copper ) in kindergarten meals and to compare them with the recommended values (RDA-Recommended Daily Allowance) for preschool children (4-6 years of age) in aim to eventually predict and/ or prevent micronutrient deficiency related disorders. Methods. Micronutrients in 54 kindergarten daily meals from kindergarten in Osijek-Baranja County, Croatia were evaluated. Micronutrients were determined by atomic absorption techniques (flame and hydride generation AAS), model 1100 ; model 2380 MHS-10, Perkin Elmer. Chemicals: Merck (Darmstadt) ; Perkin Elmer. Results. The values of all micronutrients (with the exception of magnesium) were less than 60% RDA. Conclusions. The measured values of micronutrients in kindergarten meals emerged concern of possibly unrecognised micronutrient deficiency related disorders in our preschool children. Additional efforts are needed to improve the diet patterns in kindergartens as well as epidemiological studies to further evaluate this problem.

Micronutrients ; Kindergarten meals ; Preschool children ; Croatia

8th International Symposium on Metal Ions in Biology and Medicine