[Dietary pattern of adolescents in Guipuzcoa]

Multiple international studies demonstrate an imbalance in the dietary pattern of adolescents resulting in a nutritional intake that is inadequate to guarantee the biochemical basis of genetic expression, health and development of the person.

A 24 hour survey (five days, weekly, holidays and seasonal rotation) in reference to RDA was given to a population of 2,407 adolescents between 14 and 16 years of age. The population included 1,232 girls (51.2%) and 1,175 boys (48.8%). The sample was determined by simple aleatory sampling (margin of error lower than 2%, level of trust 95%) which was followed by descriptive and analytic statistical processing of the data.

There is an excessive intake of lipids, saturated fats and cholesterol in both sexes. The caloric contribution in the form of complex carbohydrates and fiber is insufficient. The average intake of nutrients is sufficient, except for vitamins A and B6, folate, calcium, magnesium and zinc in both sexes and phosphorous and iron in girls. The dietary models of boys and girls present significant differences in nutrients.

The dietary pattern moves away from the balance of the Mediterranean diet and it is characterized by an excessive intake of meat, fats, sugars and candies, refined products and alcohol, as well as an insufficient intake of fruits, fresh vegetables, whole cereals, fish and low-fat dairy products. This results in an excessive intake of saturated fats and cholesterol, as well as an insufficient average intake of vitamins A and B6, folate, calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron.