Background and objectives: To investigate the dietary patterns and nutritional status of young children living in urban environments in China.
Methods and study design: A cross-sectional study was conducted of 750 children aged 6 - 35 months living in 5 large cities in China. The survey methodology included a physical exami-nation, blood hemoglobin measurements and a 24 hour dietary recall questionnaire Results: The educational lev-el of participant mothers was high (79% had attended college or university or higher), which may not be fully representative across all areas of urban China. Overall anthropometric nutritional status indicators were within acceptable ranges based on national recommendations, and there was no evidence of severe micronutrient defi-ciencies. However, we identified three significant nutritional issues that warrant attention: 1.) Later than optimal introduction and low-intake of animal-based iron-containing foods into the diet, and a need for greater inclusion of vitamin B-1 rich foods among 12-35 month old children. 2.) Presence of significant rates of anemia in 6-11 and 12-23 month old children. 3.) An increased risk of overweight/obesity.
Conclusions: Since food availability and affordability are no longer major issues in the well developed parts of urban China, achieving further im-provements in the diet and nutrition of young children in these environments is likely require more specific edu-cation to parents and other significant carers such as grandparents. The relatively high educational level and so-cio-economic status of the population group is likely to facilitate the uptake of such measures in this population group.