Foods and beverages that make significant contributions to macro- and micronutrient intakes of children in South Africa – do they meet the food-based dietary guidelines?

Abstract

Objective. The aim of this study was to determine which foods and beverages contribute most ( ≥ 5% of total) to energy, macronutrient and micronutrient intakes of South African children aged 12 - 108 months. It was also our intention to evaluate the dietary content according to the Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDGs) (2001) for South Africans aged 7 years and older. Low energy and micronutrient intakes are widespread in South Africa and it is important to examine which foods are currently contributing to nutrient intake in order to make appropriate suggestions regarding dietary improvements.