[Characteristics of the dietary intake of French children from 3 to 24 months of age. Diet of French infants].

The food consumption of 543 French infants, aged 3 to 24 months, was recorded during a 3 day period. The nutrient intake data were calculated by a computerized food table. The 1981 recommended dietary amounts proposed by the Committee of the Centre National de Coordination des Etudes et Recherches sur la Nutrition et l'Alimentation were used to assess adequacy of intake. Our results showed a great variability between individuals considering the caloric intake. The mean energy intakes were greater than the recommended amounts for the age range of 6 to 12 months: therefore a revision of the recommended amounts appears necessary. A marked decrease of the consumption of infant formulas was noted between 4-5 months (57% of the total energy intake) and 6-7 months (18% of the total energy intake). The consumption of the other baby foods was the highest at 6-7 months (23% of the total energy intake). The probability that a French infant has a protein intake less than the recommended amounts was less than 0.02. This probability was 0.04 for calcium intake and 0.50 to 0.78 for iron intake according to age. An increase of the iron intake from 4-5 months is a justified dietary goal. The mean intake of linoleic acid was the smallest at a mean age of 8 to 12 months and represented less than 2% of the caloric intake.