Vitamin And Mineral Intake Relative To The DRIs In Young Adults

Abstract

Food choices by college-age students are influenced by budgetary constraints, convenience, and irregular eating patterns which together may negatively affect micronutrient intake. NHANES groups adults from age 19-60 which may misrepresent the subset of young adults. PURPOSE: To evaluate the eating pattern of young adults in relation to micronutrient intake and the DRI. METHODS: Three-day nutrient intake reports were collected from male (n=379) and female (n=622) students, ages 18-21, enrolled in an introductory nutrition course, and entered into nutrition assessment software. Micronutrients reported included: vitamins A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, B6, B12, C, D, E, & folate, and Ca, Fe, Mg, P, K, Na & Zn. RESULTS: Both males and females met or exceeded DRI for thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, B6, B12, C, but were ≤ 50% of DRI for A, D, & E. Only Na intake exceeded DRI in females while intake of Ca, Fe, P, & Na exceeded DRI in males with iron intake being the largest male-female difference. CONCLUSION: Micronutrient intakes in this population confirm the self-reported food choices: low milk/dairy consumption and high consumption of meat products. Sodium and phosphorus intake was suggestive of high consumption of processed foods and soft drinks. Vitamin C intake is consistent with high consumption of citrus fruit and fruit smoothies. However, the consumption of fresh vegetables was lacking. Daily caloric intake was adequate for this population (males 9200 KJ; females 6700 KJ). While multivitamin use was not documented, nutrient intake based on food consumption was inadequate, suggesting a daily multivitamin may be appropriate.