Assessment of nutritional status and dietary intake of tartrazine (E-102) containing foods of 3-18 years Children admitted to Osmaniye Private Park Hospital.

This research aims to assess the nutritional status and dietary intake of food types and amounts containing Tartrazine (E-102) colouring agent, among 3-18 years old children, during November 2016-December 2017. The study was held on a total of 100 children (49 boys and 51 girls), aged 3-18 years who were admitted to Osmaniye Private Park Hospital in Osmaniye province. 24-hour dietary recalls were determined to assess the dietary intake and daily consumed amounts and types of foods containing tartrazine (E-102) colouring agent. Anthropometric measurements of children were assessed and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. According to BMI for age, 21,0% of children was found overweight and 10,0% obese. Out of total 67,0% of children were skipping meals and most-skipped meal was breakfast (62,2%). Children were consuming a total of 62 packaged foods and only 11,2% had statement as not containing a colouring agent, 53,4% had stated the name and the code of the colouring agent on the label. Fruits (33,0%), biscuits (26,0%), chips (15,0%) and chocolates (14,0%) were mostly consumed as snacks. Children were learning the packaged foods from television (47,0%) and friends (29,0%). Percentage of children consuming tartrazine containing foods was 4%. Overall 48% of children were thinking that colouring agents do not have negative consequences on health, 17% was thinking that some of them may have health hazards and 15% was thinking that all of them have health hazards. It could be concluded that increasing awareness of population groups and especially the children and giving nutrition education on healthy nutrition for the prevention and promotion of health should be a priority. Key Words: Nutritional status, Food Additives, Tartrazine (E102)