Objective: To establish a database on dietary intake among children aged 3-5 years in southern Sri Lanka.
Methods: A retrospective, quantitative method (24-hour dietary recall on 3 consecutive days) in combination with a food composition database was used to assess the nutrient intake among 248 children in Galle. Anthropometry measurements were done to assess their nutritional status.
Results: There were no significant correlations between the constituents of the diet with the anthropometric parameters. The overall mean (SD) energy intake of male children 6.23 (1.3) MJ/day was significantly higher (p = 0.05) than female counterparts [5.75 (1.3) MJ/day]. 44.0% (n=45) of males and 55.0% (n=57) of females had an energy intake below the recommended level. None of the females of 3 years of age met the daily energy requirement.
Conclusions: The intake of energy, protein, calcium, beta-carotene, vitamin D and iron was satisfactory in preschool children. Consumption of nutrients except iron and energy was better in males than in females. The dietary macro- and micro- nutrient intake by both sexes exponentially increased with age.