Nutritional Status and its Association with Physical Development and Health Indicators in Schoolchildren of the Republic of Mordovia

Introduction. Maintaining an adequate nutritional status is a base component of pediatric health, significantly influencing the attainment of normative physical and neurocognitive development. The provision of hot meals in educational institutions is recognized as an effective public health strategy for the prevention of nutritional disorders among children and adolescents. The aim of this study is to conduct a comprehensive comparative assessment of dietary intake, nutritional status, and overall health in schoolchildren of the Republic of Mordovia receiving state-subsidized meals versus those on a conventional diet. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted, enrolling 144 schoolchildren aged 7–10 and 14 years from educational institutions in the city of Saransk. The participants were allocated into two groups: Group 1 (n = 67) comprised children receiving exclusively institutional catering in 24-hour boarding schools; Group 2 (n = 77) consisted of children attending regular schools, who consumed home-prepared meals and were provided one mandatory hot meal per day at school. An assessment of dietary patterns was performed using the “Nutrilogic” online service. Anthropometric measurements were obtained, and body mass index was calculated with consideration of sigma deviations. Statistical analysis of the results was undertaken. Intergroup differences were assessed for significance using Student’s t-test (p < 0.05). Results. Evidence indicates that students provided with comprehensive social meal programs have a lower incidence of nutritional inadequacies than their peers in standard urban schools. These students are less likely to exhibit deficits in caloric intake, complex carbohydrates, unsaturated fats, key vitamins (A, C, B-complex), and essential minerals (calcium, iron, iodine, zinc). The likely explanation is their more consistent meal frequency and a better-balanced dietary regimen. Discussion and conclusion. Deviations from normative anthropometric parameters (stature, mass, abdominal circumference, etc.) were observed with greater frequency among children receiving a conventional diet. This cohort also demonstrated a higher prevalence of nutrition-dependent pathologies. The study findings indicate the efficacy of a balanced nutritional regimen in reducing the incidence of such nutrition-dependent conditions, including digestive system disorders, obesity, and anemia. The accrued data may inform the development of regulatory frameworks governing the supplemental fortification of infant and child food products with vitamins and essential trace elements.