[Socioeconomic differences in nutrition and nutritional status in 10-11-year-old boys]

The relation between socio-economic status and food consumption and nutritional status was investigated in boys aged 10-11 yr (n = 125) who participated in a survey in 1987. Based on the parents' education and profession, boys were categorized in three levels of socio-economic status. In the lower socio-economic category (n = 59) body mass index and skinfold thickness are higher (p less than 0.05) than in the highest category (n = 41) and caries is more prevalent (83% vs 51%). In comparison with both higher groups, dairy products, vegetables and fruit are less frequently used in the lower category, and consumption of protein, calcium and riboflavin is lower (p less than 0.05). These results indicate an increased risk of caries and obesity in the lower socio-economic group. The other differences clearly have an unfavourable tendency, but do not indicate directly increased risk of nutritional deficiencies or nutrition-related diseases in the lower socio-economic group.