Póster

Introduction: Studies in children suggest that ready to cereal (RTEC) breakfast eaters are more likely to meet dietary nutrient reference intakes. Additionally, RTEC consumption has been associated with a better serum micronutrients status. However, data in the Mexican population has not been previously reported. The aim of this study was to examine the association between RTEC consumption and the status of vitamins (folic acid, retinol and B12) and ferritin in Mexican preschoolers (1-4 y) and school-age children (5-11 y). Methodology: Data from children (1-11 y) participating in the ENSANUT 2012 (a probabilistic national health survey of Mexico) was analyzed. Fasting blood samples were collected and dietary data was obtained through a 24-h food recall. Data was compared between RTEC consumers and non-RTEC consumers. Children were considered RTEC consumers when their cereal intake was ¡Ý30 g/ week. Quantile regression model was used to explore associations, adjusted for sex, BMI, SES, energy intake per 1000 kcal, dwelling, geographic region and the survey design. Results: In Preschoolers, adjusted median of serum vitamin B12 (557 pg/mL), folate (12.3 ng/ mL) and ferritin (22.1 ng/mL) were higher in the RTEC consumers compared to non RTEC-consumers (450.3 pg/mL, 11.8 ng/mL and 20.9 ng/mL, respectively) (p <0.05). Serum retinol was not significantly different between groups. In School-age children, the adjusted median of serum vitamin B12 and folate was higher in the RTEC consumer group (446 pg/mL and 12.1 ng/mL) in comparison with non-RTEC consumers (422.3 pg/mL and 11.9 ng/mL, respectively) (p <0.05). Serum ferritin was not significantly different between groups. Conclusions: RTEC consumers had a higher serum concentration of micronutrients vitamin B12, folate, and iron compared to non-RTEC consumers. These findings might be explained by a better diet quality in RTEC consumers which contributes to achieve dietary micronutrient recommendations.