The scope of this study was to describe aspects of the food intake of Brazilian children and its association with social and demographic factors. The 2006 food intake data of the National Survey on Demography and Health for women and children were analyzed. The analysis considered the complexity of the sample and included 3,083 children aged two to five years old. The outcome was evaluated by considering food intake markers. The estimates of these markers was described taking into account the children's gender, age and neighborhood as well as their mothers' age and education. Chi-square heterogeneity and linear tendency tests were used in the statistical analyses. It was seen that during the seven days before the interview 50% and 25.9% of the children evaluated, respectively, had not eaten greens and vegetables. In at least one day during the previous week the prevalence of consumption of fried food was of approximately 60% and for soda and artificial juice was of 82%. Female children whose mothers were older and had more education presented the highest prevalence in consumption of healthy food. As a result of these data, it is possible to say that the intensification of campaigns of nutritional education with innovatory approaches might help improve the food intake of children.
Food consumption; Preschool; Child nutrition; NSDH
