Snack Consumption in Normal and Undernourished Preschool Children in Northeastern Thailand
Siriprapa Klunklin MPH*, Khampon Channoonmuang MSc*
Affiliation : *Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University
Objective : A cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural area of the Northeastern region in Thailand. The
study aimed to investigate factors influencing nutritional status and to explore the pattern of snack consump-
tion.
Materials and Methods : Subjects were 85 normal and 85 undernourished pre-school children with ages rang-
ing from 2-6 years old. The authors collected demographic data including socio-economic status and family
background by using an interview administered questionnaire. A 5-day food record was used to evaluate
nutritional intake.
Results : The results indicated that children in both groups preferred crispy snacks between breakfast and
lunch. Energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate, calcium and sodium intake derived from snacks and overall intake
were significantly lower in undernourished children than those in normal children (p-value < 0.01). The
results indicated that energy intake in pre-school malnourished children (2-3 years) as percentage of recom-
mended daily allowance was lower than the recommended level. High sodium intake was observed in the
presented study children and the results supported the observation that snack foods contribute to excessive
sodium intake.
Conclusion : The present results have highlighted the impact of snack consumption. Programmes aimed at
increasing nutritional knowledge and information for parents and guardians are important. Furthermore,
promotion of nutritious snack consumption among children is important.
Keywords : Snack consumption, Sodium, Preschool children, Nutritional status
