[Food consumption and energy and nutrient intakes in a group of Roman adolescents].

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess food consumption in a group of Roman adolescents in order to compare the energy and nutrient intakes with requirements.
Methods: The authors have carried out a food survey on the whole scholastic population of two schools of Rome from 2003 to 2005. Nutritional status of students was assessed by measuring height, weight according to international indications. Food consumption was assessed by food records.
Results: Seventy hundred and seventy three subjects (773) 52% males, with an average age of 12.3 + or - 0.9 years were surveyed. The average daily intakes of fruit (128 g), vegetables (161 g), and legumes (12 g) were lower than recommended. The percentage of energy intake from fat (39%) and that from saturated fats (12%) were high. On the other hand, the percentage of energy intake from carbohydrates was low (46%) even if that from saturated fats (12%) was rather high. The students' diet was characterized by low intakes of fibre (16 g), calcium (815 mg) and iron (12 mg) in both males and females.
Conclusion: Results indicate that the diet of these students is unbalanced in terms of macronutrients and deficient for some micro-nutrients, suggesting the need for nutrition education policy.