Are College Students Taking an Introductory Nutrition Course Following the Dietary Guidelines for Americans?

Abstract

Compliance of 1,254 undergraduate students in following the “Dietary Guidelines for Americans” (DGA) was studied using a self-recorded 5-day food record, and computer dietary analysis. The students completed the EAT-40 to measure abnormal attitudes or behaviors associated with food intake and body image. Data were collected when the sample was enrolled (once) in an introductory nutrition course between 1993 and 1997. Females comprised 75% of the sample, and 55% of the sample were required to complete the course as a part of their major. Students voluntarily completed the EAT-40 in week 2 (Garner & Garfinkel, 1979), and a 5-day food record (as a homework assignment) in the 12th week. Data analysis of EAT-40 scores showed that 17.5% of the women (n=l65) and 3.9% of the men (n=12) had EAT-40 scores ⩾ 30, which indicated abnormal eating attitudes and behaviors. Female EAT-40 scores were higher (p<.0001) than males. Analysis of the 5-day self-reported food records showed that the men consumed more calories (p<.0001) and had higher BMIs (p<.0001) than the women. Correlation analysis showed a weak relationship (r=0.2) between BMI and caloric intake. Five-day averages for iron, zinc, and calcium consumed by the subjects were compared to Daily Reference Intakes (DRI). Men met the DRI for iron and calcium, but not zinc. The women as a group did not meet the DRI for iron, calcium, or zinc. As a group, men consumed 30% of their calories from fat, while women consumed 27% of their calories from fat. The study concluded that the sample was meeting the DGA for fat intake (⩽30% of calories from fat), but were not meeting the DGA or DRI for measured minerals. Lack of mineral intake of the women and zinc for the men have chronic disease potential. Introductory nutrition courses need to stress and illustrate how to eat for health. Food attitudes, behaviors, and eating disorders should also be a class focus.