Factors affecting the intake of energy and protein by Ugandan preschool children

The intake of energy and protein of 45 Ugandan preschool children was measured, on at least one day each month, for periods of six months to three years, using a 24‐hour recall assessment of intake. Intake of breastmilk, at various stages in lactation, was assessed by test‐weighing some of the children. Mean daily intake of energy and protein fell below recommended levels after three months of age, but the percentage of total energy derived from protein was not low and rose with age. During the first year of life the chief factors affecting intake of energy and protein were the small amount of food offered to the children in addition to breastmilk, and after six months of age, the relatively high incidence of poor appetite. During the second year of life, children with poor appetite, and also those with good appetite who had stopped breastfeeding, had a very low intake of energy and in consequence an inadequate intake of protein. Poor appetite was a major contributory factor but the low energy concentration of the traditional diet and the infrequency of meals also limited intake.