Preschooler's sack lunches do not meet the dietary recommendations for calcium

The objective of this study was to determine the calcium content of preschool sack lunches (n=135) prepared by parents of children age 3–5. Data were collected on 3 nonconsecutive days, analyzed by Food Intake Analysis System (FIAS) to determine the calcium content and compare it to 1/3 of the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) for children age 3, and 4–5. Portion sizes were evaluated based on Child and Adult Care Feeding Program (CACFP) guidelines. The mean calcium content of sack lunches for three year olds (275.61 ± 38.94 mg) provided more than 1/3 of the DRI (233.33 mg) for their age. Calcium content for four year olds (241.68 ± 34.27 mg) and five year olds (328.89 ± 44.86 mg) did not meet 1/3 of the DRI (333.33 mg). Primary contributing foods to calcium content in sack lunches were cheese (81%), yogurt (42%), fluid milk (21%) cheese spreads (15%), smoothies and other dairy products (13%). The mean serving of milk was 5.6 oz / sack lunch. Parents failed to provide 1/3 of the DRI for calcium in their child's sack lunch for 44% of three year olds, 77% of four year olds, and 50% of five year olds. These findings suggest the need for nutrition education of parents to assure young children receive the necessary calcium from skim milk. Research support National Cancer Institute NCIGrant Funding Source: R21 CA 123140‐01A