OBJECTIVETo examine dietary protein intake and its trend between 1991 and 2009 among Chinese children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years.

METHODSConsecutive 3 d-24 hr Dietary Recall and household income data of 14 053 children from the seven waves of the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS), 1991, 1993, 1997, 2000, 2004, 2006 and 2009 were used to describe long-term changes in dietary protein intake, percentage energy, and food sources.

RESULTSThe median of dietary protein intake of Chinese children and adolescents decreased from 60.0 g/d in 1991 to 52.6 g/d in 2009 (χ² = 109.0, P < 0.01). The dietary protein intake among children in rural areas and in low-income households decreased 8.8 g/d (χ² = 74.8, P < 0.01) and 9.8 g/d (χ² = 100.5, P < 0.01) respectively. The percentage of total energy intake from protein was 11.3%-13.0%. The percentage of protein intake equal or higher than Recommended Nutrient Intake of protein decreased from 29.5% in 1991 to 19.2% in 2009 (χ² = 259.6, P < 0.01). Furthermore, the proportion of high-quality dietary protein increased rapidly. The percentage of animal protein increased from 12.3% in 1991 to 32.2% in 2009 (χ² = 750.3, P < 0.01), while no big increase in soybean protein (lower than 5.0%).

CONCLUSIONThere is a decreasing trend in dietary protein intake among Chinese children from 1991 to 2009. The high-quality protein intake was improved but we should be concerned about the high proportion of animal protein. The children living in low-income households and in rural areas may be at risk of inadequate dietary protein.