A study conducted by the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA) has found that a large percentage of children aged 1 – 5 are lacking in vital nutrient intake they need to maintain good health.

 

The study found only a minority of children achieved an adequate intake of dietary fibre and fatty acids, including omega 3, while consumption of saturated fatty acids remained high. However, the report concluded that energy intake was generally within the daily recommendations.

 

“Median energy intakes were within dietary recommendations for the age group. Overall energy contributions from carbohydrate, protein, fat and saturated fat intakes were 50%, 17%, 33% and 16%, respectively. The rates of inadequate intake of iron, zinc, calcium and vitamin C were low, as was the prevalence of iron deficiency (5%),” the report found.

 

The full report can be found here