Food intake and meal patterns of adolescents, São Paulo, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE

To assess food intake and meal patterns in adolescents, a cross-sectional study was conducted with 228 adolescents from a public school, SP, Brazil.

METHODS

Total energy, macronutrients, calcium, iron, and vitamin A intakes were evaluated. The food pattern was compared with the eating patterns established by the Food Pyramid for adolescents. Meal frequency was assessed to identify meal skipping. Descriptive statistics and Chi Square were used.

RESULTS

Mean energy intake was lower than estimated for 66% adolescents, carbohydrate intake was lower than estimated for 50% adolescents, fat intake was higher than estimated for 50% of adolescents, and protein intake was above the recommendation for 40% of adolescents. Among adolescents studied, 21% skipped breakfast and one third of them had snacks instead of lunch or dinner.

CONCLUSION

The diet of adolescents had insufficient energy intake and deficient intake of fruits and vegetables. Meal patterns were satisfactory, but breakfast should be encouraged.