To compare the food consumption and nutrient intakes of German children and adolescents in the 1980s with present dietary habits.

Two cross-sectional representative surveys, the German National Food Consumption Study (Nationale Verzehrsstudie, NVS) from 1985–8 and the nutrition module ‘EsKiMo’ of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS) from 2006, were analysed for differences in food and nutrient intakes stratified by age and sex groups.

Secondary analyses of data from representative observational studies.

Children and adolescents aged 6–17 years living in Germany in the 1980s (n 2265) and in 2006 (n 2506).

Food consumption was characterised by higher amounts of vegetables/pulses, fruits/nuts and beverages and less meat products/sausages, butter, fats/oils, potatoes/potato products and bread/pastries in 2006 than in 1985–8. The overall changes in food intake were reflected in improvements of macronutrient composition, increased water intake and lower energy density of the diet. Intake of most vitamins and minerals increased in relation to energy intake, but the nutrient density of the diet for vitamins B12 and D decreased. The most critical nutrients observed in NVS and EsKiMo were folate, vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin E, Ca and Fe. In addition, dietary fibre intake was relatively low and fatty acid and carbohydrate compositions were not favourable.

Further efforts will be necessary to improve dietary habits among children and adolescents.

Inadequate energy and nutrient intakes are a major nutritional problem in developing countries. A recent study in Beninese school-aged children in different seasons revealed a high prevalence of stunting and poor iron status that might be related to the food pattern.

To analyse the food pattern and resulting energy and nutrient intakes of rural Beninese school-aged children in relation to season and school attendance.

The study was performed in northern Benin in eighty randomly selected children aged 6–8 years. Dietary intake was assessed using observed weighed records. Food, energy and nutrient intakes were measured in post- and pre-harvest seasons. Complete food consumption data sets were available for seventy-five children.

Food pattern showed seasonal variations. Cereals, roots and tubers were the main staple foods. Contributions of animal products to the diet were very small. The food pattern was not different for either boys v. girls or for children attending v. not attending school. Median daily energy intakes were 5·0 and 5·3 MJ in the post- and pre-harvest season, respectively. Only fat and vitamin C showed seasonal differences (P < 0·05). Energy and nutrient intakes were different for boys and girls but, unexpectedly, not for children attending v. not attending school.

Seasonal variations in food pattern did not result in seasonality in energy and nutrient intakes. Because the children’s diet was low in animal products, protein, fat and vitamin C and high in fibre, the absorption of fat, fat-soluble vitamins, carotenoids, Fe and Zn might be low. Fe and Zn bioavailability from such a diet needs further investigation.