Qualidade nutricional de lancheiras de estudantes de escola privada da cidade de Patu/RN

Abstract

Introduction: In childhood, eating habits include behavioral aspects that may persist throughout life, such as the selection of quantity and quality, meal times, and the location where meals are consumed. The school phase is a crucial period for the development of food autonomy, socialization, independence, and healthy eating habits. It is expected that snacks brought to school are nutritionally appropriate since childhood nutrition forms the basis for future eating habits. Objective: To analyze the nutritional quality of foods in the lunchboxes of students in a private school in the city of Patu/RN. Methodology: A quantitative, descriptive study with children enrolled in grades 1 to 5. Ten students from each class were randomly selected for daily analysis of their lunchboxes over one week. The data were recorded on a specific form, including series, age, quantity, and frequency of foods. The foods were classified according to the Brazilian Dietary Guidelines. Results: Processed and ultra-processed foods accounted for 75% of the items, such as popcorn, artificial juices, coxinhas (chicken croquettes), pastries, and filled cookies. Conclusion: Processed and ultra-processed foods are frequently found in lunchboxes, potentially linked to children's eating habits, resulting in snacks with inadequate nutritional quality.