Features of nutrition and vitamin and mineral prevention in young people during the Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

Purpose of researh was making recommendations on diet for students in self-isolation mode, taking into account the analysis of their nutrition. Methods. A representative group was formed by random sampling. The study involved 40 students (23 women and 17 men) of Rostov State Medical University, average age 22.5 years ± 1 year (group 1). To create the database, we used the human nutritional analysis program, version 1.2.4., Registered by the Russian Agency for Patents and Trademarks 02/09/04 No. 2004610397 GUNII Nutrition RAMS. Comparison of the results was carried out with a similar group outside the conditions of self-isolation caused by the pandemic covid-19 (control group). Results. In the group of women surveyed, the energy value of the diet was 1832.77 kcal. The daily amount of incoming protein is 66.6 g, fat — 97.3 g (45 % more than the recommended amount), carbohydrates — 167.87 g (42 % lower than normal). The content of trace elements: sodium — 124 % more than normal, phosphorus — 43 %. At the same time, the content of other trace elements and vitamins is less than necessary: calcium — by 18 %, magnesium — by 39 %, vitamin B1 — by 55 %, vitamin B2 — by 35 %, niacin — by 45 %. In the group of men surveyed, the energy value of the diet was 1848.24 kcal; the amount of protein consumed — 66.93 g, fat — 97.7 g (20 % higher than normal), carbohydrates — 169.6 g (53 % less than the recommended amount). The content of trace elements: sodium — 123 % more than normal, phosphorus — 46 %. There is a lack of intake of many trace elements and vitamins: calcium — 15 % less than recommended, magnesium — 38 %, vitamin B1–54 %, vitamin B2–32 %, niacin — 45 %. Conclusion. In general, we can conclude that the nutrition of the students surveyed does not correspond to the current situation. Although the energy value of the daily diet is optimal, the ratio of macro- and micronutrients is violated. Recommendations are given to reduce the consumption of foods containing fats and phosphorus, in favor of foods containing complex carbohydrates, as well as vitamins B1, B2, niacin, magnesium and calcium. The need to minimize the consumption of salt, sugar, saturated and trans isomers of fatty acids is noted. It is also recommended in conditions of self-isolation to add specialized and fortified foods, as well as vitamin-mineral complexes, to the diet.