Dietary Habits and Body Composition of Turkish University Student

Abstract

Nutritional status of university students is an indicator of health and well-being at both the individual and the population level. This study examines the diet and body constitution of university students in Turkey. 3 day diet recalls were collected, anthropometric and body composition measurements were made. The sample consisted of 57 male and 63 female students. Mean BMI was significantly lower in females than males (p<0.01). Significant differences between sexes were not found as regards total cholesterol and blood glucose. More than 50% of the respondents were meeting two thirds of the RDA for niacin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, vitamin C, phosphorus and zinc. The mean intakes of total energy, carbohydrate, protein, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, zinc, vitamin D, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B6 and folate were higher in males compared with female students. This research provides important information regarding anthropometric assessment, the micronutrient and macronutrient intake of university students in Turkey. The results show the need to consider the limitations of the reference data when carrying out nutritional assessments.