Nutritional quality of the morning snack consumed during school recess by schoolchildren in Guadalajara, Jalisco

Abstract

Introduction: The contribution of nutrients of snacks helps prevent fatigue, control anxiety, and maintain concentration; its consumption should be part of dietary habits. Objective: To determine the nutritional quality of the morning snack consumed during school recess by schoolchildren aged 6 to 12 in Guadalajara, Jalisco. Materials and methods: Descriptive-cross-sectional study, simple random sampling, lunchbox review using the carousel method, and enKid criteria for snack nutritional quality. Results: n=95, 43% male, 57% female, ages: 6 to 12 years, mean: 9,35 years, 3.63 food groups included. 50 % have breakfast at home, 28% (12 years) and 25% (6 years) don't have breakfast at home, it's unknown if they end up having breakfast. Based on snack nutritional quality and gender: males with poor quality: 6 years 100%, 11 years 17%, 12 years 50%; females with insufficient quality: 6 years 67%, 7 years 25%, and 10 years 36%. Conclusions: 3% didn't have a snack, and 45% consume food at school. Females show a higher deficiency in snack nutritional quality and also don't consume a complete snack.