[Nutritional Study in Spanish Pediatric Population (EsNuPI)]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nutrition
• Public Health
• Dietary Habits

Background:

• Promoting healthy lifestyles in children is crucial for long-term disease prevention.
• Understanding dietary patterns and behaviors in early childhood is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess eating patterns, physical activity, and sedentary behaviors in Spanish children aged 1-9 years.
• To compare these habits between children consuming standard milk (RS) and those using milk formula (AMS).

Main Methods:

• A prospective, observational, cross-sectional study involving 1,514 children.
• Utilized food frequency questionnaires, physical activity/sedentary behavior questionnaires, and two 24-hour dietary recalls.

Main Results:

• Standard milk consumers (RS) had significantly higher daily energy intake (1,503 Kcal vs. 1,404 Kcal).
• Protein and fat contributions were higher in the RS group, while carbohydrate intake was higher in the milk formula (AMS) group.
• Significant differences were observed in the contribution of food groups to energy intake between the two groups.

Conclusions:

• Spanish children (1-9 years) exhibit adequate but slightly elevated energy intake compared to recommendations.
• Diets are characterized by high protein and fat, with low carbohydrate content.
• Milk formula (AMS) consumers demonstrated better adherence to dietary guidelines, indicating superior diet quality.