Abstract
This study was to assess food frequency and adequacy of some fruits, vegetables, legumes, liver, meat and chicken as sources for vitamins (A, C) and minerals (iron and zinc) using a quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) among children and adolescents in five areas at South Sinai. Twenty four hour dietary recall and food frequency questionnaire was obtained in a sample of 862 children and adolescents. The food-list development was based on the contribution to vitamins A and C, iron and zinc intake. We found that the mean fruits, vegetables, legumes, liver, meat and chicken consumption per day are far less than the WHO recommendations. Vitamin A intake for children and adolescents range was 32-395 mu g/d; while vitamin C intake was 28.6-130 mg/day in all 5 areas. Iron intake for the same group ranged from 1.8-11.8 mg/day in all 5 areas. Zinc intake ranged from 1.53-7.35 mg/day in all 5 areas. All obtained intake values were below the recommended needs for iron, zinc, vitamins A and C. organized health education program is mandatory for this community. Proper supplementation of the school meal with iron, zinc, vitamins A and C could help combating these nutritional deficiencies.