Select Nutrient Intakes of Health-Science and Nursing Students

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the dietary patterns compared to the DRI standards in a group of undergraduate health-science and nursing students. A group of 281 undergraduate students enrolled in nutrition class voluntarily completed the Block, Health and Habits History Questionnaire. The questionnaire contains 100-items asking frequency and amount of foods that are consumed, as well as items asking for gender, age, height, and weight. Evaluation of this instrument provides surrogate measures for daily nutrient intake.This sample included 77% females (BMI-24) and 23% males (BMI-27). Compared to the RDA, reported protein intake for males and females was 192% and 160% respectively With these increased levels of protein consumption, there was incentive to examine a select group of animal-based micronutrients. Compared to the DRI, females exhibited elevations for intakes of niacin, phosphorous, and thiamine, but were within recommended limits for calcium, folate, and magnesium. Males displayed elevated levels for each of the six micronutrients. Relative to the DRI these heightened levels of calcium, folate, magnesium, niacin, phosphorous, and thiamine may indicate an elevation in animal product consumption since many of these nutrients tend to be found in animal-based foods. Introductory nutrition classes might underscore the importance of healthful eating based on being compliant with the allocation of nutrients expressed in the food pyramid.