Multivitamin/mineral usage, MyPlate adherence, and diet quality among college students

Abstract

Little is known about multivitamin/mineral supplement (MVM) usage among college students. The purpose of this study is to investigate MVM usage and its relationship to overall dietary quality. Initiated in 2005, College Health and Nutrition Assessment Survey (CHANAS) is an ongoing cross sectional survey of the health of young adults (18–24 yrs). Participants (n=4,351; 26% men) completed a 3‐day nutrient analysis and a wellness questionnaire. Dietary quality was based upon MyPlate guidelines for the average male (19 yrs; 5′8″; 174 lbs; 30–60 mins mod‐intense activity/day) and female (19 yrs; 5′4″; 139 lbs; 30–60 mins mod‐intense activity/day) participant. Subjects were separated into 4 groups according to the number of MyPlate categories they met (0, 1, 2, ≥ 3). One‐third of all students reported MVM usage. Men were more likely than women to meet MyPlate recommendations (≥ 3 categories) (23% vs. 12% p < 0.05). MVM users were more likely than non‐users to meet MyPlate recommendations (17% vs. 13% p < 0.05). Data suggests that among college students MVM usage is associated with greater MyPlate adherence. Further, college men are more likely than college women to meet MyPlate guidelines. Supported by NHAES grant NH00541.