Abstract

Author(s): Ejeda Manzanera, JM; Rodrigo Vega, M

Introduction: Deeping into the diet carried out by young university students, who in the future will become in female teachers, may be of interest for two reasons: to contribute to possible improvements and to enhance models of healthier dietary habits.

Aim: Assessment of food intake, energy and nutrients from the diet throughout the day in the indicated population.

Methods: The study was conducted in 210 students from the UCM, all of them women with a mean age 21.4 ± 0.7 years. Dietary intake was estimated by a continuous 7 days dietary record, previously validated. From quantitative data on food, energy and nutrients intake were estimated by food composition tables.

Results: The average energy intake was 1743.0 kcal/person/day. The energy profile of the diet was in protein 16.9%, carbohydrates 46.9%, fat 35.0% (saturated fats 11.9%, monounsaturated 16.9%, polyunsaturated 5.2% and others fats 1.0%) and alcohol 1.2%. Others nutrients: cholesterol 280.5mg, fiber 15.1g, iron 11.4mg and calcium 799.5mg.

Discussion: Research studies in future teachers, throughout periods of 7 day diet, are novel but they offer similar data to those described in university communities of Spain and other Western countries. However, we believe in the need of being addressed due to the importance that this socio-educational group can represent.

Conclusions: The diet of the universitary shows a number of imbalances that should be improved: excess of proteins and saturated fats; a deficit of carbohydrates, fiber and certain micronutrients; and inadequate intake from basic food groups, as fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes.