Calcium intake in young students of Nutrition at Santa Fe (Argentina)

Abstract

Introduction: In Argentina, 94% of the population does not meet the recommendations for the consumption of food sources of calcium (Ca), whose intake correlates with bone health and inversely with the body mass index and development of overweight and obesity.
Objective: To evaluate Ca intake, nutritional status, physical activity (PA) performance, and family history, in female students of Nutrition degree.
Methods: Descriptive-cross-sectional study in 123 university students. Weight, height, and waist circumference (CC) were measured. Family history and lifestyle were investigated. Through 3 reminders of 24 hours, the daily distribution of meals, type of dairy incorporated in breakfast and habitual
intake of total Ca and dairy Ca were evaluated. The Food Analysis and Registration System of the National Ministry of Health was used, and the results were presented with absolute and relative frequencies, using measures of central tendency and dispersion.

Results: 8.1% had a history of 1st degree of bone disease, and 19.5% of 2nd degree. 17.1% presented excess weight. The CC showed an 11.4% cardiovascular risk “increased or greatly increased”. 35% did not comply with the recommendations for PA. Almost all of the students manifested the habit
of having breakfast, however, 21.1% did not incorporate dairy in said food. Total Ca intake was 693.79 ± 208.95 mg/day, and 438.23 ± 194.53 mg/day from dairy foods, representing 60.93 ± 13.50%. Less than 10% of the students met the recommendations of 1,000 mg Ca/day.
Conclusion: Almost the entire population studied, despite being future nutrition professionals, does not comply with the recommendations for Ca consumption established by the Dietary Guidelines for the Argentine Population.