OBJECTIVE: This study analyzes the food consumption of children from Gameleira, located in the Southern Forest Area of Pernambuco, and from São João do Tigre, located in the semiarid region of Paraíba, in the Brazilian Northeast. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 238 children from Gameleira and 207 from São João do Tigre aged <2 years. Food consumption was investigated using a 24-hour dietary recall. Nutrient intake adequacy was classified according to the Dietary Reference Intakes. RESULTS: Mean intakes of energy and most nutrients were above the reference values for all ages in both cities. The prevalences of risk of inadequate nutrient intake were high for most nutrients, especially iron and zinc, in children aged 7 to 11 months. São João do Tigre presented higher said prevalences for most studied age groups and nutrients, except for protein and iron in children aged 12 to 23 months, although the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The nutrition situation of this population is still of concern because of the high prevalence of risk of inadequate nutrient intake. Therefore, strategies that promote and ensure food and nutrition security are needed for these populations to prevent risk of nutrition disorders.
Food consumption; Child; Nutrients
