Calcium intake in preschool children--a study of dietary patterns in a low socioeconomic community.

Background: There is a lack of published data on sources and quantity of calcium intake in preschool children.

Study Objectives: To assess calcium intake compared with the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI), to identify major food sources of calcium, and to compare dietary patterns of healthy preschool children who do and do not meet the calcium DRI.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Primary care pediatrics practice at a large urban medical center.

Subjects: A group of 228 children aged 44 to 60 months in a low socioeconomic community.

Methods: Diet was assessed using three or four 24-hour recalls administered approximately three months apart to the parents. Nutrient values were computed using a dietary analysis program based on USDA values.

Results: Mean daily calcium intake was 852 mg/day (S.D., 271) and 44% reported mean calcium intake less than the DRI of 800 mg/day. Milk consumption accounted for 64.3% and cheese for 6.7% of the daily calcium intake. Multiple linear regression analysis adjusting for age, sex, race, body mass index, and total caloric intake confirmed the main contribution of mainly milk and, to a much lesser extent, cheese consumption, as determinants of calcium intake. All of the children who consumed less than 1.2 servings of milk (288 ml) milk per day reported mean daily calcium intake below the DRI.

Conclusions: Calcium intake below the DRI may be common in preschool children in low socioeconomic communities, and is associated primarily with lower milk intake. These findings indicate the need to promote the consumption of low-fat milk in preschool children.