Relationships between social class, nutrient intake and dietary patterns in Edinburgh schoolchildren

Social class may have an important influence on dietary intakes and health. Information on specific nutrient differences between children of high and low social classes may help explain health inequalities and identify target areas for nutrition education. In this study, energy and nutrient intakes were estimated in 136 7-8-year-olds, from a range of social backgrounds, using 7-day weighed inventories. A structured questionnaire was used to establish social class. Lower social class children had significantly lower daily intakes of many micronutrients, which nevertheless met dietary reference values, and a higher percentage energy from fat. In addition, lower social class children consumed less breakfast cereal, more full fat milk, were more likely to take school meals and received a greater proportion of energy and nutrients from snacks than higher social class children. Lower social class children were significantly shorter, but this association was independent of diet. The results suggest that lower social class children are a vulnerable group nutritionally. Nutrition education should focus on influencing the dietary patterns of lower social class children to favour a decrease in percentage energy from fat.