Dutch Total Diet Study: Description and dietary intake of protein and fat of 3–11-year-old children

A Total Diet Study (TDS) of 3-5-, 6-8- and 9-11-year-old children has been conducted, based on food consumption data of the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey (DNFCS) 2019-2021. In total, 2258 foods, including beverages were bought, prepared if applicable, and pooled into 195 composite samples. Protein and fat concentrations of the composite samples were analysed and the intake per age group was calculated. For children aged 3-5 years, 6-8 years and 9-11 years, mean protein intakes were 47, 56 and 65 g/day, respectively with main contributions from “bread” and “milk and milk-based beverages”. The mean fat intakes were 56, 65 and 77 g/day, respectively. Consumption of “chocolates", "margarines and butter” and “oils and fats" contributed most to the fat intake. These intakes are higher than the reference intakes from the Health Council of the Netherlands for protein and close to the maximum intake values for fat. Protein and fat intake estimates based on concentrations of analysed foods, including beverages, from the present TDS were comparable to those obtained using the Dutch food composition database (NEVO). • A Total Diet Study (TDS) was carried out for Dutch children aged 3-11 years. • Samples were analysed for protein and fat content and mean intakes were estimated. • Dietary intake of protein by Dutch children is high. • Dietary intake of fat by Dutch children is close to maximal. • A TDS is a suitable instrument to estimate macronutrient intakes.