Abstract
Due to the recommended amounts of fat and protein in the diet, carbohydrates should supplement the energy intake to the quantityneeded and, therefore, should be its main source, in particular in the form of polysaccharides, because high consumption offree sugars is associated especially with increased risk of tooth decay and obesity. Low intake of dietary fibre is associated in adultswith an increased risk of a number of diseases and some studies also suggest an influence of dietary fibre intake on child health.A varied diet with gradually increasing amounts of vegetables, fruits, potatoes, cereals and legumes will ensure sufficient amountsof carbohydrates in childhood and, if at least a part of the cereals are wholegrain, it will also provide the dietary fibre needed.