Resumen
Antecedentes. Las dietas recomendadas para niños deben promover la salud, apoyar el crecimiento y desarrollo y prevenir el riesgo de enfermedades. El consumo excesivo de alimentos altos en grasa y el bajo consumo de frutas y verduras han sido relacionados con enfermedades crónico-degenerativas. En México, tales enfermedades están en aumento. Objetivo. El objetivo del presente estudio fue valorar el consumo de alimentos en alumnos que cursan quinto de primaria y tercero de secundaria en escuelas del sistema educativo estatal, en el estado de Baja California. Métodos. El muestreo tuvo carácter aleatorio bi-etápico. Se diseñó un cuestionario con preguntas sobre 36 alimentos. Estos fueron agrupados en los cinco grupos de alimentos que recomienda La Manzana de la Salud , y además en refrescos dulces y frituras. Los índices de valoración de dieta incluían, de acuerdo con las recomendaciones de La Manzana de la Salud , los conceptos de suficiencia, variedad y moderación. Resultados. Se observó bajo consumo de frutas, verduras y lácteos, muy bajo porcentaje (10-16%) de dieta adecuada y alto consumo de refrescos y alimentos con alto contenido en grasa. Recomendaciones. Se sugieren medidas locales, regionales y nacionales dirigidas a mejorar la dieta de los niños mexicanos.

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Abstract
Background. The recommended diet for children would promote health, support growth and development, and prevent risk of disease. High intake of fat and low consumption of fruits and vegetables have been associated to cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and stroke. In addition, chronic disease in México is increasing. Objective. The aim of this study was to assess food consumption among fifth- and ninth grade children attending public schools in the northeastern Mexican state of Baja California. Methods: A randomized block design was used to select 20 schools for either primary or secondary schools. A random sample of groups was selected from each municipality. The food frequency questionnaire used contained 36 items. Food were grouped in the five main food categories, plus soft drinks, sweets, and high fat-containing snacks. The food consumption group intake was compared to the servings recommended at the Apple of Health. It were designed three diet score to evaluate the diet, which included the assessment of variety, sufficiency and moderation. Results. It was observed a low consumption of fruits, vegetables and dairy products, and a very low percentage of children had adequacy in their diet (10-16%). In addition, a high consumption of soft drink and high-fat containing snacks was also observed, leading to costly health complications later in life. Recommendations: Several measures should be taken at different levels: individual, family, local, regional and national level to cop diet inadequacy in children.