The association between family economic status and nutrient intake among preschool children attending nursery schools in Japan.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVES

This cross-sectional study investigated the association between equivalent income and energy and nutrient intake among nursery school children.

METHODS AND STUDY

DESIGN

A total of 761 preschool children aged 3 to 6 years participated. Energy and nutrient intakes were calculated using four-day food records consisting of two non-consecutive weekdays and two non-consecutive weekend days, collected between October and December in 2019 and 2020. Equivalent income was calculated by dividing household income by the square root of the number of household members. Nutrient inadequacy was evaluated using the DRIs for Japanese (2020). Analysis of covariance was used to compare intakes among equivalent income groups, and χ2 tests were used to compare the prevalence of nutrient inadequacy. Analyses were conducted separately by sex, with significance set at p <0.05.

RESULTS

Children in the low equivalent income group had a lower percentage of energy from protein, a higher percentage from carbohydrates, and lower intakes of several nutrients. Evaluations based on the DRIs showed higher prevalence of nutrient inadequacy including vitamin A, calcium and iron in the low equivalent income group.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest a significant association between household economic status and dietary intake among preschool children in Japanese nursery schools. Collaboration among families, dietitians and local governments is essential to promote healthy eating habits in early childhood.