Food habits and nutrient intakes of Nigerian University students in traditional halls of residence.

Abstract

Dietary intake analysis, over 7 days, of 120 randomly selected Nigerian University students aged 17-26 years, disclosed deviations from internationally accepted standards. The students were in residence at the University, where all meals were provided. Food preferences and habits were determined by questionnaire, and nutrient intake was calculated from weighed meals eaten over a 7-day period. Food intake of 95% of the students did not differ from that at home; 73% missed breakfast. The energy intake of the men (14.79 +/− 1.49 MJ/day) was significantly (p less than 0.01) higher than that of women (13.82 +/− 0.68 MJ/day); the differences increased in the older students. The energy ingested exceeded that recommended by the FAO/WHO. Protein intakes was 95.6 +/− 20.69 g/day and 102.2 +/− 10.9 g/day for women and men, respectively, also substantially above the FAO/WHO recommendations. Thiamin and vitamin A intakes were above and riboflavin intake of men and of the 20-26-year-old women was below requirements. The intakes of iron were above, and of calcium were below the FAO recommendation of 0.5 g/day.