Analysis of nutrient intake and dietary adequacy on weekdays and weekends among undergraduate students

Abstract

Objective: To comparatively analyze nutrient intake and dietary adequacy on weekdays (WKDs) and weekends (WKNs) among undergraduate students. Participants: University students (N = 210), 18–30 years old. Methods: A two-day food record was used. Intake of energy, macronutrients, micronutrients and fiber were calculated, without and with an adjustment for 2000 kcal of energy and compared to the corresponding nutritional requirements. Results: Energy and macronutrients’ intake was higher on WKNs (1,776.84 ± 40.68 vs. 2,025.76 ± 52.46 kcal; p < .05). There was a high predominance of hypocaloric diet on both WKDs (72%) and WKNs (57%). A low prevalence (<50%) of favorable intake level of most micronutrients and fiber was found on WKDs, WKNs, or both. There was a lower favorable intake of vitamins A, C, iron, and magnesium on WKNs, after adjusting for 2000 kcal. Conclusion: Undergraduate students showed an unfavorable nutrient intake and poor dietary quality on WKNs. Interventions that promote healthy eating are needed.

Keywords:

• Dietary habits
• energy intake
• micronutrients
• nutritional requirements

Acknowledgments

We thank all students involved in this study.

Author contribution

E. Montarroyos contributed to data collection, statistical analysis and manuscript writing. E. Nakano contributed to statistical analysis and manuscript writing. K. Bousquet-Santos contributed to study design, supervision of data collection, statistical analysis and manuscript writing.

Conflict of interest disclosure

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of Brazil and received approval from the Institutional Review Board of University of Brasilia.

Funding

No funding was used to support this research and/or the preparation of the manuscript.