Objective: To classify the foods consumed by Mexican children 1-4 years in three food categories according to the preparation process and temporality: a) Processed Modern Foods (PMF), b) Processed Traditional Foods (PTF) and c) Non-Processed Foods.
Material and methods: Twenty-four-hour dietary recalls were collected from the National Nutrition Survey 1999 in children 1-4 years (n =1070). The contribution of each food category to the total energy, macronutrient and fiber intakes was analyzed.
Results: The contribution of PMF and PTF was as follows, respectively: Energy: 17%, 31%; total protein: 14%, 25%; non-animal protein: 10%, 10%; animal protein: 17%, 34%; carbohydrates: 18%, 26%; fiber: 4%, 5%; total fat 15%, 41%; saturated fat 16%, 52%; and cholesterol 7%, 7%.
Conclusions: The contribution of PF to the diets of Mexican children accounts for >39% of energy, total protein, animal protein, carbohydrates and fat. The authors recommend the participation of food industry to prevent malnutrition in children.