Abstract

GONZALEZ-JIMENEZ, Emilio; SCHMIDT-RIO-VALLE, Jacqueline; GARCIA-LOPEZ, Pedro A.  and  GARCIA-GARCIA, Carmen J.. Analysis of food intake and dietary habits in a population of adolescents in the city of Granada (Spain). Nutr. Hosp. [online]. 2013, vol.28, n.3, pp.779-786. ISSN 1699-5198.  https://dx.doi.org/10.3305/nh.2013.28.3.6256.

Objectives: The main research objective was to analyze the intake of macronutrients and micronutrients in a population of adolescents. The purpose of the study was to verify a significant correlation between the habit of breafasting at home each morning and the nutritional status of the sample population. Sample and methodology: The sample population was composed of 100 adolescents, 12-15 years of age, who attended two public secondary schools in the city of Granada. The study conducted was descriptive, cross-sectional, and multi-centered, and involved a comprehensive evaluation of the nutritional status of the subjects by using anthropometry. The analysis of food intake and dietary habits was based on a 72-hour record of the subjects' food intake. The protocol used had previously been elaborated and validated by the research team. Results: For all subjects, the energy intake was found to be higher than the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). The female subjects had a mean protein intake of 16% in regards to total calorific value (TCV). In the case of the male subjects, the mean protein intake was 15%. The mean consumption of fats was 106.1 for the male subjects, whereas for the females, it was 110.4 grams. The females were found to ingest more carbohydrates at a rate of 297.4 grams per day in comparison to the male subjects, whose rate of carbohydrate ingestion was 251 grams per day. The ingestion of minerals varied in both sexes though in all cases it was lower than the RDA. However, the male subjects had a calcium and zinc intake higher than the RDA for these minerals. The vitamin intake was varied and balanced in both male and female subjects, and covered the requirements for both age and sex. Regarding the variable, breakfast, a significant relation was found (p < 0.0001) between the dietary habit of breakfasting at home before going to school and the nutritional status of the students. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that an optimal nutritional and health status requires a balanced food intake and healthy dietary habits.

Keywords : Teenager; Dietary intake; Nutritional habits; Breakfast.

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