Nearly All Kids' Meals Miss Nutrition Marks

Only 3 percent of kids' meals from fast-food restaurants meet federal recommendations for nutrition, according to a new study.

The best meals had fruit as a side dish, milk to drink and usually featured deli-style sandwiches, according to a news release on the work.

One-quarter of children ages 4 to 8 eat fast food on a typical day, according to researcher Sharon Hoerr of Michigan State University.

In the study, 65 percent of kids' meals exceeded guidelines for fat, 75 percent lacked enough calcium and 85 percent needed more vitamin A.

The authors said the restaurant industry should develop and market more nutritious kids' meal options and parents should seek nutrition information and make better choices for their children.

"Through public policy efforts and purchasing choices, parents, physicians, consumer groups, policymakers and public health professionals can deliver a strong, united message to fast-food companies that kids' meals are most desirable when they are nutritious as well as tasty," Hoerr said.

The authors said raisins appeared to be the best side dish offered, because of the high iron levels.

The study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.