OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to verify the extent to which the 24 hour recall, used as a tool to assess dietary intake, contributes to the assessment of biological parameters involved in the metabolism of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D in stunted children and adolescents. METHODS: A total of 59 stunted children and adolescents seen at the outpatient clinic that specializes in stunting of the Endocrinology Service of Hospital das Clínicas in Porto Alegre, were assessed. Organic, genetic and endocrine causes of stunting were excluded from the assessment. Serum calcium, phosphorus, creatinine, vitamin D, parathormone and alkaline phosphatase and urine calcium, phosphorus, creatinine and sodium were measured. The 24 hour recall was used to determine dietary intake of these nutrients. RESULTS: Calcium and vitamin D intakes were low according to the values recommended for the two genders and studied age groups. There was a negative correlation between parathormone and dietary vitamin D (r= -0.46; p<0.01), calcium intake (r= -0.41; p<0.001), urine calcium (r= -0.41; p<0.001) and the calcium excretion index in the 24 hour urine (r= -0.36; p<0.01). CONCLUSION: When the 24-hour recall results were compared with their biochemical parameters, this instrument seemed to estimate the dietary micronutrient intakes of children and adolescents correctly.
Food consumption; Nutrition surveys; Biological markers; Metabolism; Nutrition
