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Competitive foods increase the intake of energy and decrease the intake of certain nutrients by adolescents consuming
Susan B Templeton1, Martha A Marlette, Myna Panemangalore
1Department of Land Grant Programs, Kentucky State University, 400 East Main St, Frankfort, KY 40601, USA.
Journal of the American Dietetic Association
|January 26, 2005
Summary
Adolescents purchasing competitive foods alongside school lunches consumed fewer nutrients and more energy from competitive items. School cafeteria planners should offer healthier competitive food options.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Adolescent Health
- School Food Programs
Background:
- Competitive foods are a significant source of energy and nutrients for adolescents.
- Understanding the impact of competitive foods on overall nutrient intake is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine how competitive foods influence energy and nutrient intake in adolescents within a school lunch program.
Main Methods:
- Weighed plate waste data assessed energy and nutrient consumption from school lunch and competitive food items.
- Compared nutrient intake between sixth-grade students who chose competitive foods versus those who did not.
- Analyzed data from 493 (no competitive foods) and 250 (competitive foods) students over 24 days.
Main Results:
- Adolescents consuming competitive foods had significantly lower intakes of energy, calcium, and vitamin A from school lunch.
- Competitive foods accounted for over one-third of total meal energy.
- Increased plate waste was observed in students who purchased competitive foods.
Conclusions:
- Competitive food purchasers reduced school lunch consumption, leading to lower nutrient intake.
- School cafeteria planners should prioritize healthier competitive food, snack, and drink options.