Study of the Dietary Intake in Multiple Child Families: A Multi-Level Analysis of Energy and Nutrient Intake and the Food Set Structure

Introduction: Availability of food necessary for maintaining health and growth of children is becoming relevant in multiple child families, where financial constraints can be an obstacle to ensuring adequate nutrition.

Objective: To conduct a multivariate analysis of the dietary intake in large families with three or more children under the age of 18.

Materials and Methods: We have analyzed microdata from a sample survey of the diet of household members in all Russian regions conducted in 2023 by the Federal State Statistics Service. The analysis included 34,077 members of the families with children under the age of 18, including 19,160 adults and 14,917 children. The dietary intake was studied by the 24-hour recall. Initial data processing and statistical analysis were carried out using IBM SPSS Statistics v.20.0, USA.

Results: The per capita income of 88 % of members of the families with three or more children is in the lower first and second income quintiles. In terms of the proportion of the macronutrients, an increase in the number of children in the family is associated with the diet that is more deficient in proteins, fats, and saturated fatty acids, but more abundant in total carbohydrates, polysaccharides, and added sugar. The contribution of dairy and fish products to energy and protein consumption in large families is lower but that of bakery products, cereals, soups is higher, while the contribution of meat products, vegetables, potatoes, and fruits does not depend on the number of children in the family. The diet of large families is noted for a lower intake of fermented dairy products, cheese, cottage cheese, sausages, fish products, fruits and vegetables. At the same time, the consumption of meat and poultry, potatoes, liquid milk, butter and confectionery does not depend on the number of children.

Conclusion: A comprehensive multi-level assessment of the nutritional status of children in large families allows us to conclude with a certain degree of confidence that there are no dramatic health consequences for disruptions in the provision of macronutrients and energy.

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