It was revealed that lunch skippers loose many essential nutrients including calcium and fiber when compares with others of their own age who ate lunch. The findings were presented at the 2015 American Society of Nutrition conference.

According to new analysis of data from the 2009-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) that evaluated eating patterns of 3,647 children ages 4-13 years, 13 percent of younger children and 17 percent of 9-13 year olds skip lunch on a given day. Even the data pointed that for some children, the lunch meal was primarily responsible for the higher essential nutrient intakes of vitamin D, potassium and magnesium, as well as a nutrient of concern, sodium.

“This study highlights an opportunity for both government and the food industry to develop new strategies to encourage children and adolescents to consume a healthy lunch,” Mathias said.

So it is parent’s responsibility to look after the children and making them to have lunch every day. If they are not interested in eating some regular recipes, try something different according to their taste.

AW: Lizitha