Nutrition In School Age Children

Question 1

Why is healthy eating and physical activity important for children and adolescents?

Answer 1

They are particularly important for growth and development.

Question 2

What dietary issues are prevalent among schoolchildren, especially adolescents?

Answer 2

Deficiencies in micronutrients and poor diets.

Question 3

What health problems are commonly seen in schoolchildren?

Answer 3

Obesity, iron deficiency, iodine deficiency, bone development issues, and dental health problems.

Question 4

What approach has been recognized in the UK for promoting good nutrition in schools?

Answer 4

A whole school approach with standards for food in schools.

Question 5

What are the key changes recommended in food provision in schools?

Answer 5

• Increase availability of fruits and vegetables
• Reduce availability of deep-fried foods
• Limit processed meats
• Control sweetened products
• Regulate breakfast cereal provision

Question 6

What is the current recommendation for total fat intake as a percentage of food energy for children?

Answer 6

< 35% food energy.

Question 7

What is the recommended intake of free sugars for children?

Answer 7

< 5% total dietary energy.

Question 8

Fill in the blank: The average intake of fruit and vegetables for school children is _______.

Answer 8

[low].

Question 9

What major nutritional deficiencies are observed among adolescents in the UK?

Answer 9

Iron, vitamin A, calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and iodine.

Question 10

What is the target for physical activity for children and young people in the UK?

Answer 10

At least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity daily.

Question 11

True or False: The diets of teenage girls are a particular concern due to poor nutritional status.

Answer 11

True.

Question 12

What is the salt intake recommendation for children aged 4-6 years?

Answer 12

< 3g/day.

Question 13

What is the contribution of foods to saturated fat intakes for children aged 4-18 years?

Answer 13

• Biscuits, buns, cakes, and pastries: 40-50%
• Yogurts and dairy desserts: 20%
• Burgers and sausages: 40-50%
• Sugar and chocolate confectionery: >85%

Question 14

What percentage of primary school children in Scotland take school lunches?

Answer 14

62%.

Question 15

What is a significant risk factor associated with childhood obesity?

Answer 15

Raised LDL cholesterol and blood pressure.

Question 16

What is the recommended intake of dietary fiber for teenagers aged 16+ years?

Answer 16

> 30g/day.

Question 17

What are the recommendations for fluid intake for boys aged 14-18 years?

Answer 17

2.5 l/day from drinks.

Question 18

What is the primary focus of the ‘Hungry for Success’ initiative in Scotland?

Answer 18

A Whole School Approach to School Meals.

Question 19

Fill in the blank: The average intake of vitamin D for boys aged 4-10 years is _______.

Answer 19

10 ug/day.

Question 20

What factors influence the nutritional requirements of schoolchildren?

Answer 20

• Food attitudes and behaviors
• Access
• Availability
• Affordability
• School food policy

Question 21

What is indicated by plasma ferritin levels <15ug/L in boys aged 11-18 years?

Answer 21

Low iron levels (long term).

Question 22

What has been observed regarding the nutritional quality of school lunches compared to packed lunches?

Answer 22

School lunches have better nutritional quality.

Question 23

How many minutes of physical activity should children and young people engage in per day?

Answer 23

At least 60 minutes per day

This recommendation applies across the week.

Question 24

What types of physical activity should children and young people engage in?

Answer 24

A variety of types and intensities

This helps develop movement skills, muscular fitness, and bone strength.

Question 25

What should all children and young people minimize?

Answer 25

Time spent being sedentary for extended periods

This is important for overall health.

Question 26

What was the target for children regarding physical activity by 2022?

Answer 26

80% of all children aged < 16 years meeting the minimum recommended levels

This is according to the Physical Activity Task Force 2003.

Question 27

At what age does children’s physical activity start declining according to a U.K. study?

Answer 27

Age 7

Researchers recommend promoting exercise well before adolescence.

Question 28

What are the consequences of physical inactivity in young people?

Answer 28

Implications for learning, mental health, cardiovascular fitness, and unhealthy weight status

Sedentary behavior is associated with obesity.

Question 29

What are the iron requirements for teenage boys and girls?

Answer 29

11.8 mg/d for boys and 14.8 mg/d for girls

Requirements increase due to accelerated growth and onset of menstrual bleeding in girls.

Question 30

What do the proposed standards for school meals aim to improve?

Answer 30

Diet quality and provide choice

They also support public health and align with Scottish Dietary Goals.

Question 31

What changes are needed in school lunches regarding free sugar?

Answer 31

Substantial changes

The nutrient standard for fibre also needs to align with the new Scottish Dietary Goals.

Question 32

What do nutrient standards for school lunches set out?

Answer 32

Proportion of nutrients pupils should receive

This applies to an average day’s school lunch.

Question 33

What do food standards and drink standards define?

Answer 33

Types of food and drinks offered in school lunches

They also set nutritional requirements for specific food and drink types.

Question 34

What are some of the standards from the food provision services?

Answer 34

Increase the availability of fruit and vegetables.
Changes to the definition of savoury snacks, availability and nutrient content.
Bread-fibre
Deep- fried and fried foods-availability reduced.