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2.0 Literature Review To Understand The Rationale Behind The Development And ...


2.0 Literature Review

To understand the rationale behind the development and implementation of healthy mid-morning break policies in schools, it is required to comprehend the compelling reasons behind the need for such course of action. A substantial body of research has shown the deterioration of the health status of children in the UK, in terms of meeting the nutritional requirements, (Bowler, et.al., 1998, Reilly, et.al., 1999, Welsh Health Survey, 2004, Office for National Statistics, 2006, Bower and Sandall, 2002, Revill, 2002, Buttris, 2006, Gregory et.al., 2000). The poor nutritional status of children results to the development of health-related conditions such as obesity (Revill, 2002; Buttriss, 2006; Dehghan, et.al., 2005; Whitaker, et.al., 1997; Reilly, et.al., 1999; Baird et.al., 2005; dietz, 1998), dental caries (Marshal, et.al., 2003; Marshall et.al., 2005; School Food Trust, 2006) and anemia (Zlotkin, undated; Mayo Clinic, 2005).In response to this concern, guidelines for healthy eating in schools were issued by the Department for Education and Skills in collaboration with the Department of Health, (Kent County Council, 2006; Department for Education and Skills, 2004). There are only a few literature that tackles the guidelines regarding food and drink policies of schools, mostly coming from the recommendations of the Department for Education and Skills (2001), and the School Food Trust (2006). Similarly, the literature available regarding the implementation of healthy eating policy in schools (National Governors' Council and Food Standards Agency, 2004; Bower and Sandall, 2002; Office for Standards in Education Department of Education and Skills, 2004; nelson, et.al., 2004), is relatively not substantial, owing to the dearth of empirical studies about the topic at hand. There are little available research materials regarding evidence of implementation of health food and drink policies in schools. Those that were examined in this study were those of Mckeown (1999), Cheater (2001), Buttriss (2005), and Bowker and others, (1998).
2.1 Dietary Profile of Primary School Pupils in the UK
Much research has been published supporting that in general, children's diets to not follow healthy eating recommendations, evidence from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (National Diet and Nutrition Survey, 2002) of young people aged 4-18 years suggests that for many children, intakes of saturated fats and sugars are high, and intakes of vitamin A, riboflavin, folate, zinc, iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium and iodine are often low compared with the reference nutrient intake (RNI). Previous studies have shown that a large percentage of children fall short of achieving the reference nutrient intake of essential vitamins and minerals (National Diet and Nutrition Survey, 2000). It is shown that children prefer to snack on foods of poor nutritional quality such as sweets and crisps (Bower and Sandall, 2002).

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