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MenuCH Kids

Little is known about the eating habits of children and adolescents in Switzerland. The national nutrition survey menuCH-Kids provides detailed data on the nutritional status of 6- to 17-year-olds in Switzerland.

Factsheet

Situation

Children and adolescents require a balanced supply of energy and nutrients to support their physical and mental development. This is especially important during growth. A balanced diet also reduces the risk of health problems such as obesity and tooth decay. Furthermore, it lowers the likelihood of developing chronic non-communicable diseases that typically manifest in adulthood, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. However, little is known about the eating habits of these age groups in Switzerland. The national nutrition survey menuCH-Kids aimed to record what, how much, when and where children and adolescents eat, in order to assess the nutritional status of 6- to 17-year-olds in Switzerland.

Course of action

Various survey methods were used to assess the nutritional status of children and adolescents. First, the participants and their parents completed a questionnaire on eating and exercise habits. This was followed by a personal interview (24-hour recall) at one of the six study centres, during which information was collected on the time, place, type and quantity of food and beverages consumed in the previous 24 hours. Food diaries and images for portion estimation were used to support the process. The survey was conducted by dieticians whose expertise ensured accurate and valid data collection. Body measurements such as weight, height, waist and hip circumference were also recorded. The participants provided a urine sample; a blood sample was also taken from a subgroup to determine nutrition-related parameters (e.g. vitamin status). Finally, a 24-hour recall was conducted by telephone to supplement the dietary data. The nutrition & dietetics research team from the School of Health Professions was involved in both the data collection for the 24-hour recalls and the coordination of the menuCH-Kids study.

Result

According to the survey, the average diet of children and adolescents largely complies with the recommendations for the intake of major nutrients. On average, an adequate amount of carbohydrates and fibre is consumed. However, protein intake is high overall, especially among male adolescents. Fat consumption among boys and girls of all ages is at the upper limit of the recommended values. On average, fruit and vegetable consumption is rather low, while meat consumption is high. Snacks and sweet drinks are frequently consumed in considerable quantities. The study also shows that around 13 per cent of 6- to 17-year-olds are overweight or obese. Both are risk factors for chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. 10% of 6- to 17-year-olds also had blood values indicating an increased risk of diabetes.

Looking ahead

The menuCH-kids study allows Switzerland to develop nutritional recommendations that are tailored to the needs of its population, rather than relying on data from other countries. It also informs food safety policy, which is based on the actual eating habits and lifestyles of Swiss people. Risk assessments for food contaminants (e.g. heavy metals) will be based on Swiss eating habits and biological samples. The dataset will facilitate research into important and emerging topics. The data collected in the menuCH-Kids study will be used in the ‘Gender Concepts and Nutrition in Childhood (GeNI)’ project, in which the Bern University of Applied Sciences is involved.

Contact

Prof. Dr. Klazine Van der Horst

  • Direktorin
  • +41 31 848 45 72
  • Show e-mail
Logo MenuCH-Kids
Logo MenuCH-Kids

This project contributes to the following SDGs

  • 3: Good health and well-being

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