Alimentary investigation carried out at a nursery located in a municipality in the southern zone of the State of São Paulo

Abstract

In order to determine the quantitative level of food ingestion of a group of prescholar children attended to a local nursery, and to detect the possibly existing nutrition deficiencies, an alimentary investigation was carried out by method of directly weighing the food during seven consecutive days, both at the nursery and at the homes. Results revealed a severe deficit in the children's food consumption level, especially as concerns animal proteins, vitamins and minerals (chiefly calcium) which elements are fundamental during the phase of intense growth and development as it occurs at the prescholar age.