Estimation of Macronutrient Content in Kindergartens Meals: Food Composition Tables or Chemical Analysis?

Objective: The nutrition of children in kindergartens has a great significance for proper growth and development of children. In order to save time and money, the control of macronutrients content is performed by calculations using food composition tables instead of performing a chemical analysis. Methods: We examined the macronutrients content of 240 whole day meals using food composition tables and performed chemical analysis of meals to determine adequacy and validity of food composition tables in calculation of macronutrient contents in kindergarten meals. Findings: We established no correlation (P>0.05) between the value of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Significant difference was established between the average content of proteins (t=2.57; P<0.05), and carbohydrates (t=3.20; P<0.01), but not with the content of fats in the meals (t=1.26; P>0.05) (food composition tables vs chemical analysis). Conclusion: Until we establish new food composition tables, chemical analysis remains the only valid method for assessment of macronutrients content and energy value of a meal in kindergarten.