Assessment of the nutritional status and nutrients intake in 11-14 children years old at public school city of Damghan

Introduction: Adolescence is one of the most important and vital stages of human growth. The third and last stage of quick growth and metabolism occurs in these years. In fact, adolescence is characterized by growth index and the more increased need for nutrients than other stages of life. Whereas we hadn't access to sufficient information regarding the status of nutrition and receiving nutrients by the adolescence in various regions of Iran and Damghan, it was necessary to conduct studies in this regard. Materials and Methods: In a sectional study, 150 students in 8 public schools were selected through two-stage random sampling and studied. Their height and weight was measured and then body mass index (BMI) was calculated for all individuals. The results were compared with the standardized weight, height and BMI diagrams prepared by American Center for Disease Control and Prevention. To assess nutrients intake, a food record 24 hours questionnaire. The findings related to receiving dietaries were compared with the dietary reference intakes(DRI). Results: 11% of boys and 9% of girls are underweight, 7% boys and girls are overweight, 5% boys and 4% girls are obese. Also 12% boys and 13% girls suffer from being of short height due to nutritional deficiency. Adolescences under this study suffer from shortage of daily intake of acid folic Vitamin B12, C, A and calcium and zinc minerals. Conclusion: A remarkable percentage of adolescences suffer from malnutrition problems (underweight, nutritional short height). Also shortage of receiving particular dietaries is evident in these adolescences. Therefore this task seems quite necessary regarding nutrition status of this age group.