Dietary habits and nutrient intake in Swedish children 4 year old and school children in grade 2 and 5. Riksmaten – children 2003

A national food survey was carried out during 2003 on children 4 year old and school children in grade 2 and in grade 5. The method was an open and estimated food diary over four consecutive days. All days were evenly represented in the survey. The food diary was filled in by the children or with the help of parents or carer. Portion sizes and amounts of all food and drink eaten by the children were estimated with the help of a picture book. It was also noted when and where food was eaten as well as the fat content, mode of preparation, certain additives and brand name. Intake of supplements and level of physical activity was also recorded. In addition, an optically readable questionnaire contained questions about weight, height, parents’ education and profession, ethnic background and regional residence. Children 4 year old were randomly sampled from a stratified sample of municipalities representative of Sweden. School children were sampled on the basis of school classes. The survey took place during spring and autumn 2003. The sample size of children 4 year old was 924 of which 590 fulfilled the survey. 1 209 children in grade 2 were sampled of which 889 fulfilled the survey and 1 290 children in grade 5 were sampled of which 1 016 fulfilled the survey. Children 4 year old dropped out due to time constraints or that day-care institutions did not want to participate. School children dropped out because it was too difficult, they forgot or did not have time. Purpose: The main purpose was to increase the knowledge about what children in the studied ages are eating and drinking, examine meal patterns, energy and nutrient intake, and also identify possible associations between eating habits and background factors.