Nutrient adequacy and Mediterranean Diet in Spanish school children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate dietary habits and nutritional status of Spanish school children and adolescents, and their relationship with the Mediterranean Diet.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study by face-to-face interview.

SETTING

Free living children and adolescents of all Spanish regions.

SUBJECTS

A random sample of 3166 people aged 6-24 y.

METHODS

Home interviews conducted by a team of 43 dietitians included 24-h recalls (a second 24-h recall in 25% of the sample) and a short frequency questionnaire to determine the quality of the Mediterranean Diet (KIDMED).

RESULTS

The participation rate was 68%. In general, the adequacy of the Mediterranean Diet rose with increased mean intakes of the majority of vitamins and minerals and decreased percentages of inadequate intakes (&<2/3 of the RNI) for calcium, magnesium, vitamin B(6) and C in both sexes, and iron and vitamin A only in females.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that the Mediterranean Diet contributes to nutritional quality, and also shows concomitant risks as the Mediterranean Diet deteriorates.