Eureka! Institutional Repository

Purpose: The research aimed to evaluate the nutritional association between children and their mother's life style and eating habits. Sample/Method: A total of 179 pairs of mother and children were used. Of the total sample of children, 92 were boys and 87 were girls aged nine to eleven years. The adherence to Mediterranean diet of children and their mothers’ was evaluated with KIDMED and MedDietScore questionnaire, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. Results: Children who only lived with their mother showed lower consumption in fish. Furthermore, children whose mothers had a higher educational level were better fed since they had higher caloric intake as well as increased intake of protein, fat, monounsaturated fatty acids and fruits. On the other hand, fiber intake was lower compared to children whose mothers were at a lower educational level. At the same time it was found that children of smokers have an increased consumption of fiber and dairy products. Conclusions: There has been interdependence between children and their mothers’ regarding eating habits and adherence to the Mediterranean diet, yet further studies seem necessary.