Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2026
Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Nutrient Intakes of Third Graders: Results from the Child and Adolescent Trial for Cardiovascular Health (CATCH)
Leslie A Lytle1, Mary Kay Eszery, Theresa Nicklas
1School of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55454.
Insights
Third-grade children in the Child and Adolescent Trial for Cardiovascular Health (CATCH) study consumed high levels of fat, saturated fat, and sodium. School meals significantly impacted nutrient intake, with higher consumption linked to greater energy and fat intake.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Pediatric Health
- Public Health
Background:
- Cardiovascular health in children is a growing concern.
- Dietary habits established in childhood can impact long-term health.
- The Child and Adolescent Trial for Cardiovascular Health (CATCH) study aims to improve children's health behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report baseline nutrient intakes of third-grade children in the CATCH cohort.
- To analyze intakes of total energy, sodium, dietary cholesterol, and fat (total and saturated).
- To identify variations in nutrient intake based on sex, ethnicity, geographic location, and school meal consumption.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a food record-assisted, 24-hour dietary recall method.
- Assessed 1874 third-grade children from four states with diverse ethnic backgrounds.
- Collected data on nutrient intake, including energy, sodium, cholesterol, total fat, and saturated fat.
Main Results:
- Third-grade students exceeded recommended levels for energy from fat, saturated fat, and sodium.
- Significant differences in nutrient intake were observed by sex, geographic site, and ethnicity.
- Children consuming more school meals had higher intakes of energy, saturated fat, and dietary cholesterol.
Conclusions:
- Baseline dietary patterns in CATCH participants indicate suboptimal nutrient intake.
- Geographic location and school meal participation are significant factors influencing children's diets.
- Findings highlight the need for targeted nutritional interventions in school settings.
Abstract:
The purpose of this article is to report on baseline intakes of 1874 third-grade children representing a subsample of the Child and Adolescent Trial for Cardiovascular Health (CATCH) cohort. Intakes were assessed using a single, food record-assisted, 24-hour recall. The sample is unique in that it is drawn from four states and includes students from various ethnic backgrounds. Nutrients of interest include total energy, sodium, dietary cholesterol, and percent of energy from total fat and saturated fat. At baseline, third-grade students were consuming above nationally recommended levels of energy from fat, saturated fat, and sodium. The CATCH findings show a mean energy intake of 2031 kcal with significant differences by sex. Significant differences by site were seen for percent of energy from total fat, saturated fat, and dietary cholesterol. Children from Minnesota consumed the lowest proportion of energy from total fat and saturated fat while children from Texas had the highest proportion of energy from total fat and saturated fat. Intake of dietary cholesterol was lowest in Minnesota and highest in Louisiana. Nutrient differences by ethnic group were seen only for energy, with African Americans having the highest energy intake and Hispanics having the lowest energy intake. The number of meals consumed from school food service significantly influenced children's nutrient, intake; children consuming two meals from school food service had significantly greater intakes of energy, saturated fat, and dietary cholesterol compared to students consuming one or no meals from school food-service. The results are compared to other national nutritional surveys of children.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...
01:25Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
01:29Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include:
01:29Assessment of the Cardiovascular System II: Inspection
Head and Neck
01:27Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...
01:20Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...