Carbohydrate (CHO), Protein and Fat Intake of Healthy Pakistani School Children in a 24 Hour Period

Objective: To determine the frequency pattern of CHO, protein and fat intake in 24 hours by Pakistani school children of different socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds) 6 to 16 years of age.

Methods: The cross-sectional study was a multistage stratified sampling, done in a part of nationwide survey funded by the Higher Education Commission, Pakistan (HEC, Ref no: 20-441/R&D/2008). Sample collection of the study was done from 2006-2009, and growth centile charts have already been published (JPMA 2012; 62:367-77). This is the final paper of the completed project and includes data on only the nutritional status. Final statistical analysis of the nutrition aspect was done from 2012 to 2013 and comprised assessment of quality and quantity of CHO, protein and fats consumed by healthy schoolchildren in a 24 hrs recall (breakfast, brunch, lunch, tea time, dinner and bed time). Food records of 11, 237 school children were subjected to United States Department of Agriculture food exchange list. SPSS 18 was used for statistical analysis.

Results: The age range of the study subjects was 6-16 years, and they represented different areas of Pakistan. The consumption of CHO was high (range: 60-74%) compared to protein (10-12%) and fat (18-32%).

Conclusion: Schoolchildren in Pakistan were found to be taking a deficient amount of protein and fat in their daily diet, while. CHO intake was higher than normal.