Assessing the Micronutrient and Macronutrient Intakes in Female Students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and comparing them to the set standard values

Healthy nutrition especially the energy intake and the essential nutrient in female student is so important. This study aimed to assess micro and macro nutrient intakes in female students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.

This cross-sectioned study was carried out on 100 female students aged between 18 to 25 years old in 1387-1388. Anthropometrics measures were performed and two 24 hours food recalls were used to collect the dietary information and then they were analyzed using food processor 2 and then were compared to the Dietary Reference Intakes 2008) DRI).

61.1% of subjects were residing in dormitories and 12.7% were married. Prevalence of overweight or obesity and abdominal obesity in the studied subjects were 6.9% and 46.1% respectively. The mean (±SD) systolic blood pressure was 105.2±15.6 mmhg and the diastolic was 62.2±10.4 mmhg. Totally 3.9% of the subjects had hypertension. The analysis of food intake indicated that B12, folate, magnesium, potassium, calcium were in a level below the recommended ones, and vitamin C, E, pantothenic acid, B1, B3, phosphate, zinc in a level above the recommended ones, and energy intake, macronutrient, vitamin A, pyridoxine, iron, selenium were in the general appropriate level.

The findings of the study indicated that the appropriate level of macronutrients intake was used and the problem was mainly existed in micronutrients’ consumption. It is recommended to increase the intakes of important food groups such as dairy, vegetable, fruit that are good sources of micronutrients, and it is also suggested to improve strategies and the competence in this area of nutrition.