[Nutrition in school-age children: a survey at a nursery school]

The results of a social-nutritional investigation in a maternal school are reported. Aim of the present study was to evaluate the dietary habits and life style in a group of 3-6 years old children and their compliance in following a diet in accordance with the LARN86 recommendations. The enquiry was carried out by a questionnaire, by an analysis of the ingesta and by a paediatric and auxological examination. Blood and instrumental tests (Lipids panel, Blood glucose, Insulin, Fructosamine, IgE, ECG) were performed in children with high familial risk of atherosclerosis. The main findings were the following: i. 17 children (21%) were classified as having high atherosclerosis familial risk; ii. the atherosclerosis high risk group showed also increased incidence (p less than 0.01) of familial allergy; iii. children had higher approval for food with high carbohydrate and animal protein content; iv. fat intake was proportional to the number of different types of fat bought by the families; v. excessive dietary lipids and low carbohydrate intake were found in most families. The revaluation at the end of the study showed a good compliance for the proposed diet scheme by children, but a poor compliance by their families.