This study analyzes the results of a dietary intake survey. The main goal was to estimate the nutrient and energy intake of children in final phase of childhood and the nutritional adequacy of their diet. The studied group was composed of 247 schoolchildren (150 females and 97 males, aged nine to ten years old) from public schools of the city of Maceió, state of Alagoas. Food intake data were collected through a 24-hour dietary recall and compared with the standards of National Research Council-Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA, 1989). According to the results, the children food intake, independently of the sex, was deficient in energy and micronutrients, specially vitamins and some minerals, with the exception of iron. These findings suggest that in this group specific nutrients deficits can be a limiting factor which may contribute to an inadequate growth performance during adolescence.
child; preschool; nutrients; eating
