Diverse Meals As Basis of a Healthy Total Diet for Children in Germany

OBJECTIVES: A balanced diet is especially important for children and adolescents to meet their nutritional needs. The aim of this study was to use the Optimized Mixed Diet (OMD), a recognized nutritional recommendation for children and adolescents in Germany, to characterize the different meals in terms of their food and nutrient profiles and to determine how these meals complement each other. METHODS: The OMD is based on a 7-day meal plan with the usual 5 daily meals in Germany, i.e., 3 main meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and 2 snacks (mid-morning and afternoon). Foods as well as energy and nutrients were specifically identified for each of the different meals, then averaged over the 7 days, and finally summed for the entire day. Only the energy content of the meals was fixed; all other components resulted from the typical meal pattern. The total daily nutrient intake could then be compared with German nutrient reference values to verify the adequacy of the total diet. Finally, proven meal-based dietary guidelines were derived from the food and nutrient patterns of the optimized meals. RESULTS: Although the hot meal (lunch) provides only 25% of the daily energy intake, it is relatively rich (> 25% of the daily intake) in most vitamins and minerals, which distinguishes it from the other meals. The cold meals (breakfast, dinner) are especially rich in calcium and vitamin B2, due to the preferential use of dairy/milk in these meals. The two optimized snacks have a surprisingly balanced nutrient profile, each contributing nearly 12% of the daily energy intake. This is achieved by enhancing these meals with cereals, raw vegetables and fruits, while allowing foods with low nutrient density, such as sweets and pastries. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis provides comprehensible guidelines for all meals of the day in a proven national guideline for children and adolescents. Meal-based guidelines could help children become accustomed to a healthy, varied diet and facilitate flexible coordination of family meals, as well as provide guidance for daycare and school meals. Variation between and within meals also opens up the possibility of setting different stimulus patterns at different levels (neurocognition, emotion, digestion), which can not only lead to more enjoyment of food but also open up long-term health benefits. FUNDING SOURCES: None.