Season-related variation in dietary recalls used in a paediatric population

Mary Yannakoulia, Harokopio University
Andreas C. Drichoutis, University of Ioannina
Meropi D. Kontogianni, Harokopio University
Flora Magkanari, “Aristides Daskalopoulos” Foundation

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate variation in energy, macronutrient and selected micronutrient intake between two seasons, spring/summer and fall/winter, in children and adolescents aged 3-18 year old. Methods and Subjects: A randomly selected subgroup (n = 623) of a representative sample of Greek children and adolescents was used in the present study. Information on participants’ socio-demographic, anthropometric and lifestyle characteristics were collected through telephone interviews. Dietary assessment was based on two 24-hr recalls (the first during the spring/summer season and second six months later, during fall/winter season). Results: Reported energy intake in spring/summer was 82 ± 31 kcal higher compared to the one in fall/winter after adjusting for potential confounders (p=0.008). However, the contribution of the macronutrients to the total energy intake was not statistically different between the two periods and the same was also true for vitamin C and calcium. The results remained unchanged after excluding low energy reporters. Conclusions: One 24-hr recall is able to provide similar information as the one obtained from two recalls in two different seasons of the year, with regard to macronutrient contribution to daily energy intake, calcium and vitamin C intake in children and adolescents. The use of a second 24-h recall in a different season of the year seems to be justified only in the light of more accurate assessment of the daily energy intake.