Achievable guidelines for food consumption to reach a balanced fat and nutrient intake in childhood and adolescence.

In many highly industrialized countries a reduction in the high average intake of fat, especially saturated fatty acids and cholesterol, has been recommended for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases for the general population, including children. However, it has not yet been shown that such a diet is generally achievable in childhood and that it meets the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for essential nutrients. Based on results of a nutrition survey using a 3-day weighing method for 350 German children and adolescents (1-14 years of age), achievable dietary modifications have been proposed to improve the observed nutrient intake (percentages of energy intake from protein:fat/saturated fatty acids:carbohydrates 13:39/18:48%). Age-related average daily quantities are given for 11 main food groups (e.g., milk, lean meat, visible fats, grain products, vegetables). The main proposals for food consuption are: avoidance of fatty meat and fatty meat products, reduction of fatty foodstuffs commonly consumed with bread and of foodstuffs with a high sucrose content and an increase in whole grain cereal products, potatoes and vegetables. The food consumption proposals are compatible with the typical meal patterns of German children and adolescents. Nutrient content of the proposed diet is presented. The proportions of protein:fat/saturated fatty acids:carbohydrates are 13:35/12:52% of total energy intake. It is shown that the US RDA for most of the calculated minerals, trace elements and vitamins can be met by the proposed balanced mixed diet without using special dietary products or products with added nutrients.