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 a significant risk factor associated with childhood obesity?

Answer 13

Raised LDL cholesterol and blood pressure.

Question 14

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

Answer 14

> 30g/day.

Question 15

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

Answer 15

2.5 l/day from drinks.

Question 16

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

Answer 16

A Whole School Approach to School Meals.

Question 17

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

Answer 17

10 ug/day.

Question 18

What factors influence the nutritional requirements of schoolchildren?

Answer 18

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

Question 19

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

Answer 19

Low iron levels (long term).

Question 20

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

Answer 20

School lunches have better nutritional quality.

Question 21

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

Answer 21

At least 60 minutes per day

This recommendation applies across the week.

Question 22

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

Answer 22

A variety of types and intensities

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

Question 23

What should all children and young people minimize?

Answer 23

Time spent being sedentary for extended periods

This is important for overall health.

Question 24

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

Answer 24

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

This is according to the Physical Activity Task Force 2003.

Question 25

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

Answer 25

Age 7

Researchers recommend promoting exercise well before adolescence.

Question 26

What are the consequences of physical inactivity in young people?

Answer 26

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

Sedentary behavior is associated with obesity.

Question 27

What are the iron requirements for teenage boys and girls?

Answer 27

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 28

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

Answer 28

Diet quality and provide choice

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

Question 29

What changes are needed in school lunches regarding free sugar?

Answer 29

Substantial changes

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

Question 30

What do nutrient standards for school lunches set out?

Answer 30

Proportion of nutrients pupils should receive

•Changes in the energy requirement of school lunches
•Substantial changes are needed in terms of free sugar.
•The nutrient standard for fibre also need to be brought in line with the new SDG.

This applies to an average day’s school lunch.

Question 31

What do food standards and drink standards define?

Answer 31

Types of food and drinks offered in school lunches

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

Question 32

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

Answer 32

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.