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Canadian Journal of Public Health = Revue Canadienne de Santé Publique logoLink to Canadian Journal of Public Health = Revue Canadienne de Santé Publique
. 2007 Jan 1;98(1):12–16. doi: 10.1007/BF03405377

Nutrient Intakes and Food Consumption Patterns Among Ontario Students in Grades Six, Seven, and Eight

Rhona M Hanning 13,✉, Sarah J Woodruff 13, Irene Lambraki 13, Linda Jessup 13, Pete Driezen 23, Caroline C Murphy 33
PMCID: PMC6976020  PMID: 17278670

Abstract

Background

The increased prevalence of overweight in Canadian children has stimulated interest in their lifestyle behaviours. The purpose of this research was to investigate dietary intake and food behaviours of Ontario students in grades six, seven, and eight.

Methods

Males and females from grades six to eight were recruited from a stratified random selection of schools from Ontario. Data were collected using the web-based “Food Behaviour Questionnaire”, which included a 24-hour diet recall and food frequency questionnaire. Nutrients were analyzed using ESHA Food Processor and the 2001 Canadian Nutrient File database. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated based on self-reported weight and height, and classified according to the Centers for Disease Control BMI for age percentiles.

Results

The sample included males (n=315) and females (n=346) in grades 6, 7, and 8 from 15 schools in Ontario. According to Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating (CFGHE), median intakes were below recommendations for all participants, with the exception of meat and alternatives. Participants consumed a median of 54%, 15%, 31%, 11%, and 8% of total energy from carbohydrates, protein, total fat, saturated fat, and added sugars, respectively. Participants consumed 25% of total energy from foods from the “other” food group (CFGHE). Males had higher intakes of energy, carbohydrates, fat, saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, protein, thiamine, niacin, iron, and zinc than females (all p<0.05), and consumed more grain products servings (p<0.05).

Conclusion

The high consumption of “other” foods, at the expense of nutrient-dense food groups, may ultimately be contributing to the increased weights in childhood and adolescence.

MeSH terms: Child, adolescent, food intake, assessment, nutrition, dietary habits

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