Children’s Food Intake and Frequency in the Municipality of Cabedelo – Paraíba – Brazil

Abstract

SUMMARY Objectives: outlining a nutritional, food and socio and economic profile of children assisted by Health and Family Unit (HFU) in Poço em Cabedelo – PB Material and Methods two structured questionnaires were submitted to mothers or caretakers by a trained interviewer followed by a nutritional evaluation. Results: We noticed a low prevalence of exclusively breastfeeding for infants under 6 months of age. Concerning age group from 6 months to 9 years old, we noticed intake was most frequently found in the group of cereals and podded vegetables, meats and eggs, milk and milk derivates and sweets and fats, and least frequently were the intake of fruits, leefy greens and vegetables. We noticed good housing conditions in the municipality of Cabedelo, despite housing income below two minimum wages for most families (65.4%). 89.46% of children’s weight was adequate for their age as well as 96.15% of their height was adequate for their age. Conclusion: Food habit detected did not reflect population inadequate nutrition}. DESCRIPTORS Nutritional status. Food Intake. Children.