Dietary sources of energy, protein, fat and fibre in 375 English adolescents

The aim of this report of the dietary sources of energy, protein, fat and fibre in 375 English adolescents aged 11-14 years is to contribute to the development of health education. Each child recorded their dietary intake five times over a 2-year period using a 3-day diary with interview. Food tables (Paul & Southgate, 1978) were used to calculate nutrient intake. The results are the mean of all 15 days intake. Potatoes (chips and crisps) were the largest single source of energy but 'meat' was the main source of protein and fat, other important sources of fat were the spreading fats, milk, chips and crisps. Chips were the main source of fibre but white bread, crisps and baked beans also contributed similar proportions of fibre. Some differences between the sexes and social classes were observed; the lower social class children appeared to have more undesirable eating habits.