Nutritional Assessment of Kindergartens’ Menus in Terms of Quantity: A Sample of Seven Regions in Türkiye

Abstract

Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate the menus of kindergartens in terms of quantity. Material and Method: A total of 147 autumn menus containing breakfast-lunch or breakfast-lunch-afternoon were evaluated from kindergartens serving in seven geographic regions in Türkiye. Results: In general, the amount of energy (95.7%), carbohydrate (98.9%) and micronutrients provided by menus was found sufficient, while the amount of calcium was found low (56.6%) and the amount of protein was high (217.4%) than recommendations. It was observed that the sodium (62.0%) and added sugar (8.2%) contents of the menus did not exceed the recommended amounts. In the comparison of the menus between regions, significant differences were observed in some regions in terms of some macro and micronutrients, which could be associated with cultural differences. It was determined that the protein (g) and fat (g) contents of the Mediterranean region menus were lower than the other regions (p<0.008). In the menus of Aegean, Marmara and Black Sea regions, carbohydrate (g) content was found to be higher than other regions (p<0.008). The vitamin C content of the Marmara region’s menus was also higher than the East-Southeast and Central Anatolia regions (p<0.008). The calcium content of the Black Sea region’s menus was higher than the East-Southeast, Central Anatolia, Mediterranean and Marmara regions (p<0.008). It was found that the iron content of the Aegean region’s menus was higher than the East-Southeast, Central Anatolia, Mediterranean and Marmara regions (p<0.008). Conclusion: Nutrition of children in this period, is effected especially with the effect of kindergartens. For this reason, it is thought that disseminating the National Menu Planning and Implementation Guide for Mass Nutrition Systems (Mass Consumption Places) prepared in accordance with the culture of the society and following the application with such studies will contribute to the solution of a big problem throughout the country.