Socioeconomic status, screen time, and time spent at school, and children's food consumption. / Situação socioeconômica, tempo de tela e de permanência na escola e o consumo alimentar de crianças.

The present study aimed to evaluate the association of sociodemographic factors and lifestyle with the consumption of in natura or minimally processed (INMP) foods, ultra-processed foods (UPFs), and fruits and vegetables. This was a cross-sectional study conducted with 403 children, aged 4 to 7 years, from a retrospective cohort. Sociodemographic and lifestyle variables were investigated using a sociodemographic questionnaire. Food consumption was assessed by three food records. Bivariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to analyze associations. Children with lower income had a higher consumption of INMP foods and a lower consumption of UPFs. A shorter time spent at school was associated with a lower consumption of INMP foods and a higher consumption of UPFs. Children with more screen time and less educated parents consumed less fruits and vegetables. Unfavorable sociodemographic factors were associated with a better profile of food consumption according to the level of processing, except for fruits and vegetables. The longer time spent at school and a shorter screen time contributed to a healthier diet.

Este estudo objetivou avaliar a associação de fatores sociodemográficos e estilo de vida com consumo de alimentos in natura ou minimamente processados (INMP), ultraprocessados (AUP) e frutas e hortaliças. Trata-se de estudo transversal com 403 crianças de 4 a 7 anos de uma coorte retrospectiva. Variáveis sociodemográficas e estilo de vida foram investigadas através do questionário sociodemográfico. O consumo alimentar foi avaliado por três registros alimentares. Empregaram-se análises de regressão linear bivariadas e multivariadas para analisar as associações. Crianças com menor renda apresentaram maior consumo de alimentos INMP e menor consumo de AUP. Menor tempo de permanência na escola associou-se ao menor consumo de alimentos INMP e maior consumo de AUP. Crianças com maior tempo de tela e com pais de menor escolaridade, consumiram menos frutas e hortaliças. Fatores sociodemográficos desfavoráveis se associaram ao melhor perfil de consumo de alimentos segundo o nível de processamento, exceto para frutas e hortaliças. O maior tempo de permanência na escola e menor tempo de tela contribuíram para uma alimentação mais saudável.

Situação socioeconômica, tempo de tela e de permanência na escola e o consumo alimentar de crianças / Socioeconomic status, screen time, and time spent at school, and children's food consumption

Resumo Este estudo objetivou avaliar a associação de fatores sociodemográficos e estilo de vida com consumo de alimentos in natura ou minimamente processados (INMP), ultraprocessados (AUP) e frutas e hortaliças. Trata-se de estudo transversal com 403 crianças de 4 a 7 anos de uma coorte retrospectiva. Variáveis sociodemográficas e estilo de vida foram investigadas através do questionário sociodemográfico. O consumo alimentar foi avaliado por três registros alimentares. Empregaram-se análises de regressão linear bivariadas e multivariadas para analisar as associações. Crianças com menor renda apresentaram maior consumo de alimentos INMP e menor consumo de AUP. Menor tempo de permanência na escola associou-se ao menor consumo de alimentos INMP e maior consumo de AUP. Crianças com maior tempo de tela e com pais de menor escolaridade, consumiram menos frutas e hortaliças. Fatores sociodemográficos desfavoráveis se associaram ao melhor perfil de consumo de alimentos segundo o nível de processamento, exceto para frutas e hortaliças. O maior tempo de permanência na escola e menor tempo de tela contribuíram para uma alimentação mais saudável.

Abstract The present study aimed to evaluate the association of sociodemographic factors and lifestyle with the consumption of in natura or minimally processed (INMP) foods, ultra-processed foods (UPFs), and fruits and vegetables. This was a cross-sectional study conducted with 403 children, aged 4 to 7 years, from a retrospective cohort. Sociodemographic and lifestyle variables were investigated using a sociodemographic questionnaire. Food consumption was assessed by three food records. Bivariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to analyze associations. Children with lower income had a higher consumption of INMP foods and a lower consumption of UPFs. A shorter time spent at school was associated with a lower consumption of INMP foods and a higher consumption of UPFs. Children with more screen time and less educated parents consumed less fruits and vegetables. Unfavorable sociodemographic factors were associated with a better profile of food consumption according to the level of processing, except for fruits and vegetables. The longer time spent at school and a shorter screen time contributed to a healthier diet.

Eating habits, lifestyle and intestinal constipation in children aged four to seven years.

INTRODUCTION: Objective: to investigate the association between intestinal constipation, lifestyle and eating habits in four to seven year old children. Methods: a cross-sectional study with a sample of 152 children aged four to seven years old. Intestinal constipation was characterized according to the Rome IV criteria. Excess weight was classified by the body mass index. Variables that could be associated with constipation, such as maternal constipation, lifestyle, food and water intake, were selected. In the analysis, the prevalence ratio using Poisson regression, with a robust variance and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: the prevalence of intestinal constipation was 32.2% (n = 49), of which 34.7% (n = 17) of the children were overweight. As for lifestyle, 73% of the children did not practice any regular physical activities and approximately 60% spent more than two hours a day in sedentary activities, such as watching television or playing electronic games. A statistically significant association was found between constipation and daily school time equal to or greater than 4.5 hours (p = 0.007), non-consumption of fruits (p = 0.003) and greens (p = 0.007) and regular intake of fried food (p = 0.003). Conclusion: an association between intestinal constipation and unhealthy habits, such as non-consumption of fruits and vegetables, and regular consumption of fried food was observed. Preventing intestinal constipation requires changes in the lifestyle and eating habits of the children and family.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Objetivo: investigar la asociación entre estreñimiento intestinal, estilo de vida y hábitos alimentarios en niños de cuatro a siete años. Métodos: estudio transversal con muestra de 152 niños de cuatro a siete años. El estreñimiento intestinal se caracterizó según los criterios de Roma IV. El exceso de peso fue clasificado por el índice de masa corporal. Se seleccionaron variables que podrían estar asociadas al estreñimiento, como el estreñimiento materno, el estilo de vida, los hábitos alimentarios y el consumo de agua. En los análisis, la razón de prevalencia mediante regresión de Poisson con una varianza robusta y significación estadística se estableció < 0,05. Resultados: la prevalencia de estreñimiento intestinal fue del 32,2%, de la cual el 34,7% presentaba un exceso de peso. En cuanto al estilo de vida, el 71% de los niños no practicaba actividad física regular y aproximadamente el 60% pasaba más de dos horas diarias realizando actividades sedentarias, como ver la televisión y jugar a videojuegos. Se pudo constatar una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre el estreñimiento y un tiempo diario en la escuela igual o superior a 4,5 horas (p = 0,007), escaso consumo de frutas (p = 0,003) y verduras (p = 0,007) y consumo regular de frituras (p = 0,003). Conclusiones: se pudo observar una relación directa entre el estreñimiento intestinal y los hábitos no saludables, como no consumir frutas y verduras y el consumo regular de frituras. La prevención del estreñimiento intestinal requiere cambios en el estilo de vida y los hábitos alimentarios del niño y la familia.

Family dyslipidemia and associated factors with changes in lipid profile in children. / Dislipidemia familiar e fatores associados a alterações no perfil lipídico em crianças.

This article aimed to assess the prevalence of dyslipidemia and associated factors in children aged from 4 to 7 years old. It is a cross-sectional study conducted with 402 children aged from 4 to 7 years old, accompanied by a Lactation Support Program in the first six months of life. We measured total cholesterol, triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). We selected the variables that could be associated with the lipid profile, such as the family history of dyslipidemia, nutritional status and food consumption of children. We performed Poisson regression analysis with robust variance. The level of significance adopted was p<0.05. We observed increased LDL values in 46.8% (188), total cholesterol in 37.6% (151), triglycerides in 10.4% (42) and below-desirable HDL in 33.8% (136) of the children. There was a statistically significant association between the family history of dyslipidemia with total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides (p<0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively); Early weaning with LDL (p < 0.05); Sedentarism with LDL and triglycerides (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively); as well as HDL with candy consumption (p < 0.05). There was a significant prevalence of changes in the lipid profile of the children. Nutrition education activities and programs aimed at this group are needed.

O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar a prevalência de dislipidemia e os fatores associados em crianças de 4 a 7 anos de idade. Estudo transversal, realizado com 402 crianças de 4 a 7 anos de idade, acompanhadas por um Programa de Apoio a Lactação nos primeiros seis meses de vida. Foram dosados colesterol total, triglicerídeos e lipoproteínas de alta (HDL) e baixa densidades (LDL). Selecionou-se variáveis que poderiam estar associadas ao perfil lipídico, como o histórico familiar de dislipidemia, estado nutricional e o consumo alimentar das crianças. Realizou-se análise de Regressão de Poisson com variância robusta. O nível de significância adotado foi de p < 0,05. Observou-se valores aumentados da LDL em 46,8% (188), colesterol total em 37,6% (151), triglicerídeos em 10,4% (42) e HDL abaixo do desejável em 33,8% (136) das crianças. Houve associação estatisticamente significativa entre o histórico familiar de dislipidemia com colesterol total, LDL e triglicerídeos (p < 0,05 e p < 0,001, respectivamente); Desmame precoce com LDL (p < 0,05); Sedentarismo com LDL e triglicerídeos (p < 0,05 e p < 0,001, respectivamente); bem como HDL com o consumo de bala (p < 0,05). Houve importante prevalência de alterações no perfil lipídico das crianças. São necessárias atividades de educação nutricional e programas voltados para esse grupo.

Exclusive breast-feeding and sociodemographic characteristics are associated with dietary patterns in children aged 4-7 years.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the dietary patterns of children aged 4-7 years and verify their association with sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle habits and exclusive breast-feeding (EBF). DESIGN: A cross-sectional study nested within a cohort, performed with Brazilian children aged 4-7 years. The children were re-evaluated at age 4 to 7 years and food patterns were identified a posteriori through principal component analysis. The predictive variables were related to socio-economic characteristics, lifestyle habits and duration of EBF. SETTING: Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.ParticipantsRepresentative sample of 403 children followed up by the Lactation Support Program from the Extension Program of the Universidade Federal de Viçosa during the first 6 months of life. RESULTS: Five dietary patterns were identified: 'Traditional', 'Unhealthy', 'Milk and chocolate', 'Snack' and 'Healthy'. Children who did not receive EBF until they were at least 4 months old had a higher adherence to the 'Unhealthy' and 'Snack' patterns, and older children also consumed more 'Unhealthy' foods. The highest income was associated with the highest consumption of foods of the patterns 'Unhealthy', 'Milk and chocolate' and 'Healthy'. CONCLUSIONS: In view of the results, we emphasize the importance of providing support and encouragement towards EBF in the first months of life, as it can positively influence lifelong eating habits.

Association of exclusive breastfeeding duration with consumption of ultra-processed foods, fruit and vegetables in Brazilian children.

BACKGROUND: There has been little evidence of the influence of breastfeeding on childhood eating habits. AIM: To evaluate the association between duration of exclusive breastfeeding (EB) and consumption of ultra-processed foods, fruits and vegetables by Brazilian children. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study nested in a cohort of 403 children age 4-7 years. Food consumption was evaluated by three food records and the foods were grouped by the amount of processing involved (minimal, including fruit and vegetables to ultra-processed foods). Adjusted linear and multinomial regression models were proposed to evaluate the association of EB with children's food intake. Median duration of EB was 4.0 (2.0-6.0) months and the prevalence of EB of 4 months or more was 60.9%. RESULTS: Mean energy consumption was 1536 kcal/day, 38% of energy was from ultra-processed foods. Mean intake of fruit and vegetables was 130 g/day. For each 1-month increase in duration of EB there was a 0.7% decrease in energy from ultra-processed foods (ß: - 0.7; 95% CI: - 1.3 to 0.1; p = 0.038). EB of less than 4 months was associated with the child being in the lowest tercile for consumption of fruit and vegetables (Adjusted OR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.1-3.0; p = 0.030) and the highest for consumption of ultra-processed foods (adjusted OR: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.1-2.9; p = 0.040). CONCLUSIONS: In addition to other benefits of EB, we emphasize its importance for the formation of healthy eating habits, contributing to a higher consumption of fruit and vegetables and lower consumption of ultra-processed foods in childhood.

Dislipidemia familiar e fatores associados a alterações no perfil lipídico em crianças / Family dyslipidemia and associated factors with changes in lipid profile in children

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar a prevalência de dislipidemia e os fatores associados em crianças de 4 a 7 anos de idade. Estudo transversal, realizado com 402 crianças de 4 a 7 anos de idade, acompanhadas por um Programa de Apoio a Lactação nos primeiros seis meses de vida. Foram dosados colesterol total, triglicerídeos e lipoproteínas de alta (HDL) e baixa densidades (LDL). Selecionou-se variáveis que poderiam estar associadas ao perfil lipídico, como o histórico familiar de dislipidemia, estado nutricional e o consumo alimentar das crianças. Realizou-se análise de Regressão de Poisson com variância robusta. O nível de significância adotado foi de p < 0,05. Observou-se valores aumentados da LDL em 46,8% (188), colesterol total em 37,6% (151), triglicerídeos em 10,4% (42) e HDL abaixo do desejável em 33,8% (136) das crianças. Houve associação estatisticamente significativa entre o histórico familiar de dislipidemia com colesterol total, LDL e triglicerídeos (p < 0,05 e p < 0,001, respectivamente); Desmame precoce com LDL (p < 0,05); Sedentarismo com LDL e triglicerídeos (p < 0,05 e p < 0,001, respectivamente); bem como HDL com o consumo de bala (p < 0,05). Houve importante prevalência de alterações no perfil lipídico das crianças. São necessárias atividades de educação nutricional e programas voltados para esse grupo.

Abstract This article aimed to assess the prevalence of dyslipidemia and associated factors in children aged from 4 to 7 years old. It is a cross-sectional study conducted with 402 children aged from 4 to 7 years old, accompanied by a Lactation Support Program in the first six months of life. We measured total cholesterol, triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). We selected the variables that could be associated with the lipid profile, such as the family history of dyslipidemia, nutritional status and food consumption of children. We performed Poisson regression analysis with robust variance. The level of significance adopted was p<0.05. We observed increased LDL values in 46.8% (188), total cholesterol in 37.6% (151), triglycerides in 10.4% (42) and below-desirable HDL in 33.8% (136) of the children. There was a statistically significant association between the family history of dyslipidemia with total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides (p<0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively); Early weaning with LDL (p < 0.05); Sedentarism with LDL and triglycerides (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively); as well as HDL with candy consumption (p < 0.05). There was a significant prevalence of changes in the lipid profile of the children. Nutrition education activities and programs aimed at this group are needed.

Markers of healthy eating habits, water intake, and constipation in children between 4 and 7 years of age / Marcadores de alimentação saudável, ingestão de água e constipação intestinal em crianças de 4 a 7 anos de idade

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the association between diet and constipation in children between four and seven years of age. Methods A cross-sectional study with 152 children between 4 and 7 years of age residing in Viçosa, Brazil. Constipation was defined in accordance with the Rome IV diagnostic criteria. Dietary habits were evaluated based on the frequency of food intake using a food diary for three days. Dietary analysis considered foods deemed healthy and unhealthy which could be associated with constipation, as well as the children's consumption of fruits and vegetables. The amounts of fiber and water consumed were also rated as adequate or inadequate. As part of the analyses, Student's t-test and the chi-square test were performed with a significance level of p<0.05. Results The prevalence of constipation was 32.2%. Constipation was more common among children who did not consume fruits (p=0.020) or greens (p=0.002), as well as among children who consumed "instant" chocolate drinks (p=0.033). An association was found between the frequent consumption of fried food (p=0.020), a daily water intake lower than 600mL, and constipation (p=0.028). Conclusion Unhealthy eating habits among children, such as the lack of fruit and greens intake and the consumption of "instant" chocolate drinks and fried foods, were found to be positively correlated with constipation. The low fruit and vegetable consumption observed herein reflects the need for changes in children's eating habits and the implementation of measures to promote the intake of healthy foods.

RESUMO Objetivo O estudo visa avaliar a associação do consumo alimentar de crianças de quatro a sete anos de idade com constipação intestinal. Métodos Foi realizado estudo transversal com 152 crianças de 4 a 7 anos, residentes em Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brasil. A constipação intestinal foi identificada de acordo com os critérios de Roma IV. Avaliou-se o consumo alimentar por meio da frequência de consumo de alimentos e do registro alimentar de três dias. Na análise do consumo alimentar selecionaram-se os alimentos marcadores de alimentação saudável e não saudável que poderiam estar associados à constipação, além do consumo agrupado de frutas, verduras e legumes. Verificou-se ainda adequação do consumo de fibras e ingestão de água. Nas análises, foram realizados os testes t-Student e qui-quadrado, considerando-se como significância estatística p<0,05. Resultados A prevalência de constipação foi de 32,2%, sendo maior entre as crianças que não consumiam frutas (p=0,020) e verduras (p=0,002) e consumiam achocolatados (p=0,033). Houve associação entre a constipação (p=0,028) e o consumo frequente de frituras (p=0,020), ingestão diária de água inferior a 600mL. Conclusão Hábitos não saudáveis das crianças, como a baixa ingestão de frutas e verduras, e o consumo de achocolatado e frituras, contribuíram para a associação positiva com a constipação. O baixo consumo de frutas, verduras e legumes revela a necessidade de alteração dos hábitos alimentares das crianças, bem como da implantação de ações para incentivo ao consumo de alimentos saudáveis.

Blood pressure is associated with body adiposity indicators in children aged 4 to 7 years. / A pressão arterial está associada a indicadores de adiposidade corporal em crianças de quatro a sete anos.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Studies in adults have shown an association between increased adiposity and hypertension, but few studies have analyzed this association in childhood. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between blood pressure (BP) and body adiposity indicators in children, controlling for the variables of birth conditions, sociodemographics, lifestyle and diet. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study of 399 children aged 4 to 7 years, the dependent variable was BP, measured according to the protocol established by the 7th Brazilian Guidelines on Hypertension. The explanatory variables of the study were waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and body mass index (BMI). Multiple linear regression was used to assess the independent association between adiposity and BP indicators adjusted for the variables of birth conditions, sociodemographics, lifestyle and diet. Statistical significance was set as α=5%. RESULTS: BMI for age and WHtR correlated positively with systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). After multivariate analysis, higher values of BMI (model 1) and WHtR (model 2) were associated with increased SBP and DBP. CONCLUSION: Increased body adiposity, as assessed by BMI and WHtR, was associated with increased SBP and DBP among the children studied. Thus, we suggest the use of BMI and WHtR in the nutritional assessment of children to detect changes in BP and other cardiometabolic risk factors in this population.

Nutritional status variation and intestinal and extra intestinal symptomatology in patients with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity given specialized dietary advice / Evolução do estado nutricional e sintomatologia intestinal e extra intestinal em pacientes com doença celíaca e sensibilidade ao glúten não celíaca submetidos à orientação dietética especializada

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the nutritional status variation and symptomatology of patients with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity after specialized dietary advice Methods: This prospective study included 80 patients with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Clinical, metabolic, and nutritional variables were collected from medical records, and the symptomatology was investigated by the Metabolic Screening Questionnaire. The variables were assessed on two occasions (T1 - before dietary advice and T2 - after dietary advice) with an interval of three months between T1 and T2 Results: The median age was 42 years. The prevalences of celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity were 66.2% and 33.8%, respectively. Normal weight prevailed at T1 (58.8%) and T2 (56.3%), but 30.0% of the patients at T1 and 34.9% of the patients at T2 had excess weight. The two conditions had similar symptomatology. The most frequent signs and symptoms on both occasions involved the gastrointestinal tract, followed by energy/activity and emotions. All symptoms decreased significantly after the introduction of a proper diet Conclusion: The patients were normal weight on both study occasions (T1 and T2), and the symptoms improved after dietary advice. Thus, we reinforce the importance of proper dietary management in both clinical conditions to make dietary adjustments that improve these individuals' symptomatology.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar a evolução do estado nutricional e a sintomatologia de pacientes com doença celíaca e sensibilidade ao glúten não celíaca após orientação dietética especializada Métodos: O estudo prospectivo foi realizado com 80 pacientes portadores da doença celíaca e de sensibilidade ao glúten não celíaca. A coleta das variáveis clínicas, metabólicas e nutricionais foi feita por análise dos prontuários, enquanto a sintomatologia foi investigada por meio de Questionário de Rastreamento Metabólico. As variáveis foram avaliadas em dois momentos (T1 - antes da orientação dietética e T2 - após orientação dietética), com intervalo de 3 meses entre T1 e T2 Resultados: A mediana de idade foi de 42 anos. A prevalência de doença celíaca e de sensibilidade ao glúten não celíaca foi de 66,2% e 33,8%, respectivamente. A eutrofia prevaleceu como estado nutricional de T1 (58,8%) e T2 (56,3%), porém 30,0% dos pacientes em T1 e 34,9% em T2 apresentaram excesso de peso. A sintomatologia foi similar entre as duas enfermidades. Os sinais e sintomas mais frequentes nos dois tempos foram os do trato digestório, seguido pelos relacionados à energia/atividade e às emoções. Todos os sintomas diminuíram significativamente após a introdução da dieta Conclusão: Os pacientes apresentaram estado nutricional de eutrofia nos dois momentos avaliados (T1 e T2) e houve redução dos sintomas após as orientações nutricionais. Dessa forma, reitera-se a importância do manejo dietético adequado para ambas as enfermidades clínicas a fim de adequar a dieta que favoreça a melhora da sintomatologia apresentada por esses indivíduos.

Avaliação nutricional e consumo alimentar de pacientes com doença celíaca com e sem transgressão alimentar / Nutritional evaluation and food intake of celiac disease patients compliant or not with a gluten-free diet

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o estado nutricional e a ingestão de energia e de macronutrientes de pacientes com diagnóstico de doença celíaca que transgrediam ou não a dieta isenta de glúten. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 63 pacientes com doença celíaca: 34 crianças e 29 adolescentes. Transgressão à dieta isenta de glúten foi caracterizada por meio da dosagem sérica do anticorpo antitransglutaminase tissular recombiante humana. O estado nutricional foi avaliado com base nos escores-Z de peso/idade, estatura/idade e no índice de massa corporal. A ingestão alimentar foi avaliada por meio do inquérito alimentar de 24 horas. RESULTADOS: A transgressão à dieta sem glúten foi constatada em 41,2% das crianças e em 34,5% dos adolescentes. Nas crianças com transgressão alimentar, a média do escore-Z de estatura/idade foi inferior à das crianças do grupo que não transgredia (p=0,024). Todavia, o grupo com transgressão apresentou maior escore-Z do índice de massa corporal em relação aos que não transgrediam (p=0,021). Os adolescentes que não transgrediam apresentaram maior índice de massa corporal quando comparados aos que transgrediam a dieta (p=0,037). Em relação à ingestão alimentar, não se observou diferença estatística entre os grupos. Todavia, cerca de 70,0% das crianças e adolescentes apresentaram consumo de energia acima de 120,0% da recomendação. CONCLUSÃO: As crianças que transgrediam a dieta apresentaram menor escore-Z de estatura/idade e maior escore-Z para índice de massa corporal do que crianças que seguem sem transgressões alimentares. Os adolescentes que não transgrediam a dieta apresentaram maior média de índice de massa corporal quando comparados aos que transgrediam a dieta. Consumo energético elevado foi observado tanto nas crianças quanto nos adolescentes.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the nutritional status and intakes of energy and macronutrients of celiac disease patients compliant or not with a gluten-free diet. METHODS: We studied 63 patients with celiac disease, 34 children and 29 adolescents. Noncompliance with a gluten-free diet was characterized by detection of antibodies to tissue transglutaminase in serum by recombinant human tissue transglutaminase antigen. Nutritional status was classified according to the weight-for-age, height-for-age, and body mass index Z-scores. Dietary intake was assessed by a 24-hour recall. RESULTS: The percentages of children and adolescents noncompliant with a gluten-free diet were 41.2% and 34.5%, respectively. Noncompliant children had a lower mean height-for-age Z-score than compliant children (p=0.024). However, noncompliant children had higher mean body mass index Z-score than compliant children (p=0.021). On the other hand, compliant adolescents had higher BMI than noncompliant adolescents (p=0.037). The food intake between the groups did not differ, but the energy intakes of 70.0% of the children and adolescents exceeded 120.0% of their requirements. CONCLUSION: Children who do not comply with a gluten-free diet have lower height-for-age Z-scores and higher body mass index Z-scores than children who comply. Compliant adolescents have a higher mean body mass index than noncompliant adolescents. High energy intake was observed in both children and adolescents.