[Nutritional condition, food consumption and nutritional intake in students in Saudi Arabia. II. Food consumption and nutritional intake].

In field surveys in 13 schools in different regions of Saudi-Arabia, energy expenditure, food consumption, and nutrient intake were studied. Cereal products, especially bread, have the greatest significance in nutrition. Many students do not eat other foodstuffs regularly. A certain dependency of food consumption from the region was found in regard to the schools. The frequency of foodstuffs was generally low, but lowest in remote villages. In some age groups, the sufficient energy intake leaves much to be desired, 70 % do not reach recommended dietary allowances of animal protein and 100 % in fat. Intake of carbohydrates was too high, while intake of linoleic acid, minerals and vitamins is too low of nearly all test persons. To secure regularly a sufficient intake of essential nutrients, a school lunch program for the Saudi-Arabian boys is to be recommended.