Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Observational
Official Title: Evaluation of Nutritional Status, Food Intake and Fecal Microbiota of 1-3 Year-old Children From Four Regions of Brazil
Brief Summary: Food intake pattern and lifestyle are associated with the nutritional status and intestinal microbiota composition, and such factors are important for the proper growth and development during early childhood, as well as for the health throughout life. This cross-sectional and multicenter study will include a total of 200 children aged between 1-3 years, enrolled in early childhood public schools from different regions of Brazil (Santo André, Uberaba, Porto Alegre and Natal). Data on birth and gestational history will be collected in a form. Nutritional status will be assessed by determining the weight and height, with subsequent calculations and classification of nutritional indices. A single blood sample will be collected to investigate the blood levels of vitamins A and D, iron, calcium, alkaline phosphatase and zinc, and feces will be collected for intestinal microbiota analysis. Food intake will be assessed by direct weighing of food in 2 non-consecutive days. Considering the importance of a well-balanced diet and its effects on the child's growth, development and intestinal colonization, this study purpose is to investigate potential associations among food intake, nutritional status and intestinal microbiota of early childhood infants from four regions of Brazil.