Assessment of Macro Nutrients and Micro Nutrients Intake of Collage Age Population: A Population Based Study

Abstract

Background: In present India, due to increased urbanization and various other factors, there is a drastic change in the dietary patterns of college students and young adults.  Maintaining the right eating habits of college student means a lot for the prevention of many diseases that could occur in adult period. Aim: To evaluate the Macro and micro nutrients intake of the college population of Chennai Methods and Tools: Using Random sampling techniques, 1000 (500 male and 500 female) college students were selected and data regarding food frequency intake was evaluated. Nutrient intake is assessed by means of three-day dietary record. The food consumed for three consecutive days were recorded by the subjects. Food intake data were converted into raw amounts in terms of food groups and in turn were translated into energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate, and fiber using food composition tables. The nutrient intakes of the subjects were computed against Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for ensuring the appropriateness of intake derived based on RDA.  The data were tabulated and subjected to appropriate statistical analysis. Results: Consumption of Macro nutrient intake and micro nutrients were found to be more among male than female. Only vitamin C intake found to be more among female than male. It is clear that both male and female did not meet the requirements of RDA. Fat intake was more than the RDA for both male and female participants. Conclusion: Our study concludes that Macro and micro nutrient deficiency is prevalent among our study population, irrespective of the gender, whereas fat intake is more than the RDA which is leading cause for obesity and other non-communicable diseases. Thus it is essential to educate the students to consume nutrient densed food and reduce the intake of energy densed food.