menuCH-Kids, the First Swiss National Nutrition Survey in Children and Adolescents

menuCH-Kids, the First Swiss National Nutrition Survey in Children and Adolescents

Public health study on the nutritional status and eating habits of children and adolescents in Switzerland

This multicentric descriptive cross-sectional observational study, including randomly selected children from 6 to 17 years old living in six regions of Switzerland (Vaud, Bern, Zurich, Luzern, St Gallen, Ticino), provide valuable information on the nutritional status of Swiss children.

The aims of this study were to 1) characterize the diet and health behaviors of children and adolescents (who eats what, how much, when, where and with whom); 2) determine the nutritional status, energy and macro- and micro-nutrient intake of children and adolescents; 3) estimate the daily intake of contaminants and other harmful substances; 4) derive population-based national reference values for selected micronutrients and vitamins.

It collected high quality representative data on food consumption, dietary and health behaviours (two 24h recalls, which are extensive interviews qualitative and quantitative about the diet of the previous day, and an online questionnaire on food propensity and dietary habits, lifestyle and sociodemographic data) as well as anthropometric and body composition parameters, blood pressure and biological samples (urine spot, optional venous blood).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy and free-living children aged between 6 and 17 years
• Permanent residents in Switzerland
• Participants and their legal guardian(s) must be able to read and speak German, French or Italian
• Informed consent provided

Exclusion Criteria:

• Known severe chronic disease (e.g. renal, gastrointestinal, cognitive disorder)
• Hospitalization (overnight stay in the last four weeks before the visit)
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Insufficient knowledge of German, French or Italian or inability to understand the study and/or to provide informed consent
• Inability to come to recruitment center
• Refusal to be informed about study incidental findings concerning the child