Ishrana studenata tokom karantina zbog COVID-19

Abstract

COVID-19 has now been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), and people are under quarantine. During quarantine, continuously hearing or reading about the pandemic can have effects on different aspects of people's lives. One of these very significant effects is on human nutrition. This study aimed to summarize the experiences of the student population in behavior and the quality of nutrition during COVID-19 quarantine with special reference to certain microelements that are necessary for immune responses. Students were invited to do an online survey during May 2020. None of the participants were infected with COVID-19. 34.2% of respondents were under stress due to constant information about the pandemic. A significant number of students had good nutritional habits. Most students did not feel a constant need for food (63.2%), nor did they consume larger amounts of food than usual (67.5%). Students (36.0%) were careful about the nutritional and energy value of food. Most of the students (86.8%) ingested micronutrients mostly through meals. The students had well-balanced meals that had a beneficial effect on their immune responses. Few students (13.2%) have used dietary supplements. Generally, this research may help for a better understanding of the importance of a proper and balanced diet and the use of dietary supplements for maintaining good health.