Authors : A. Nemati , G.H. Ettehad , A. Naghizadeh Baghi , M.H. Dehgan , N. Abbasgholizadeh , A. Asadi , M.M. Chinifroush Asl , I. Feizi and A. Daryani
Abstract: Nutritionists have traditionally recognized that breakfast as the most important meal of the day. Eating breakfast is important for growing and nutritional well-being of children. The aim of this study were comparison of nutrients intake, giardia infected, mean score and anthropometric factors in two groups of skip and breakfast eating. This cross-sectional study was performed during 2005 on twenty primary schools from two region of Ardebil province in Iran which were randomly selected. Anthropometric factors including height, weight and Midarm muscle Circumference (MAC) of total 795 children (401 males, 394 females) were measured. The food intake was estimated for energy and other nutrients by the 24 h-recall method for three days in week and breakfast eating was also asked to be recorded. From each stool specimen a direct preparation in saline was prepared and examined by light microscopy. The data were analyzed by using Independent Samples-T Test and Chi-square and Iranian food processor. 18.7 % (20.8% girls and 16.7% boys) of participants reported that they have skip breakfast. Height in skipping breakfast girls was more than breakfast eating, significantly (p< 0.05), but was not significant in boys. Weight, BMI and MAC in skip breakfast children were more than breakfast eating, significantly (p< 0.05). Average mean score of children was not significant two groups of eating and skipping breakfast. There was not association between breakfast consumption and giardia infected. Calorie and nutrient intake of children (exception of vitamin B2 and calcium intake of 7-10 years old boys) were not significant between two groups of breakfast consumption and breakfast skipping. In the present study, skip breakfast is seen in higher prevalence in primary school children and can affect on anthropometric factors.
A. Nemati , G.H. Ettehad , A. Naghizadeh Baghi , M.H. Dehgan , N. Abbasgholizadeh , A. Asadi , M.M. Chinifroush Asl , I. Feizi and A. Daryani , 2007. Diet, Breakfast, Giardia and School Success of Children in Ardebil, Iran . Research Journal of Biological Sciences, 2: 620-624.