The relationship of eating frequency and caloric density to energy intake among rural Mexican preschool children.

The energy intake of children in a population characterized by chronic malnutrition was measured in order to examine the effects of eating frequency and caloric density. Forty-five children aged 33-60 months were each observed continuously throughout one day. Food intake was determined by weighing and all aspects of food-related behavior were recorded. The children ate on average 13.5 +/- 4 times each day. Children who ate more frequently had significantly higher energy intake than children who ate fewer than 13 times [1655 vs. 1395 kcal (6928 vs. 5839 kJ)], and the excess was consumed during snacks. The caloric density of all foods consumed averaged 121 kcal (507 kJ) per 100 g. While children served meals of low caloric density [less than 100 kcal (419 kJ) per 100 g] consumed less energy at meals than did other children [709 vs. 900 kcal (2968 vs. 3767 kJ)], they consumed more energy from snacks [917 vs. 617 kcal (3839 vs. 2583 kJ]. Thus, total energy intake did not differ significantly between children served meals of lower vs. higher caloric density.