RESUMO
This study deals with the dietary intakes of a representative sample of Cork city area, school-going children, aged 15-17 years (n=125). Dietary intake was assessed by diet history with published food portion sizes to estimate size. Background data and information on lifestyle were collected by means of a questionnaire. Results indicate that, in general, the study group was reasonably well nourished. However, fat consumption (40%) was higher than the target of <35% for energy intake, for both males and females, and saturated fat intake (15%) was also above the 10% of energy guideline. The percentage of energy derived from carbohydrate (45%) was below the guideline value of 50% for energy intake for males and females. Relatively low iron, calcium and folate intakes were found for females. Smoking was more prevalent among females than males. Alcohol consumption among females was higher than among males. Even though all students participated in some physical activity, less females participated in high activity sport. Based on these results, some concern about the dietary habits and the related health consequences in Cork adolescents appears justified.
