Do Third Graders Eat Healthful Breakfasts?

Breakfast nutrient consumption patterns of third graders were examined using data from the Child and Adolescent Trial for Cardiovascular Health (CATCH). Twenty-four-hour recalls, assisted with a food record, were collected in 96 public schools in four States. Ninety-four percent of the children reported eating breakfast on the day of the survey: 80 percent ate at home, 13 percent at school, 3 percent at both locations, and 4 percent elsewhere. Breakfast eaters had lower total daily intakes of fat as a percentage of calories (33 vs. 35 percent) but had higher intakes of calories, vitamins, and minerals than did nonbreakfast eaters. Breakfast contributed 18 percent of total daily caloric intakes; 19 to 34 percent of vitamin and minerals; 13 to 14 percent of total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol; and 17 percent of sodium intakes. Hispanic and African American children had higher fat and saturated fat breakfast intakes than did Caucasian children. Interventions are needed to encourage primary school students to consume healthful breakfasts.