New research from New Zealand's University of Otago suggests improving children's diets will take more than ridding schools of unhealthy foods.

(Kazan, July 30, Tatar-inform). New research from New Zealand's University of Otago suggests improving children's diets will take more than ridding schools of unhealthy foods, reports Xinhua.

In a study published in the journal Public Health Nutrition, New Zealand Department of Human Nutrition researchers found that children's average daily cholesterol intake was actually higher when they were not at school.

They also found that children were twice as likely to eat hot chips on their days off.

Co-author Winsome Parnell said the results of the study showed there was no "quick fix" in improving children's diets.

The study showed the family environment and food provided from home was the mainstay of nutrition for New Zealand children, with the results suggesting that parents should take more responsibility for their children's food choices.

The study found that children enjoy hot food during the day and Parnell said this showed the need for better access to healthier food.

The research was based on interviews with 2572 children aged between five and 14.