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[Calcium intake among school children in Badajoz]
G Pérez1, C Campillo, A Almena
1Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz.
Anales Espanoles De Pediatria
|February 10, 2000
Summary
Adolescent boys in Spain consume more calcium than girls, with milk products being the primary source. While most students have a healthy BMI, girls do not meet calcium intake recommendations, and a significant portion are overweight or engage in unhealthy habits.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Adolescent Health
- Public Health
Context:
- Calcium intake is crucial for adolescent development.
- Dietary habits and lifestyle factors influence adolescent health outcomes.
- Understanding these factors is essential for targeted public health interventions.
Purpose:
- To assess calcium intake and its relationship with Body Mass Index (BMI) and lifestyle habits in adolescents.
- To determine if adolescents meet recommended calcium intake levels.
- To identify potential areas for nutritional education and intervention.
Summary:
- A study of 207 adolescents in Badajoz, Spain, revealed significant differences in calcium consumption between genders, with boys consuming more than girls.
- Milk products were the main source of calcium, providing 87% of intake.
- While most adolescents had a healthy BMI, a notable percentage were overweight, and girls did not meet recommended calcium intake levels.
- Calcium intake was lower in adolescents who did not participate in sports.
Impact:
- Findings highlight gender disparities in adolescent calcium intake, particularly among girls, underscoring the need for gender-specific nutritional guidance.
- The study identifies a gap in meeting recommended calcium intake, suggesting a need for public health initiatives focused on dairy consumption and calcium-rich foods.
- Results indicate that physical activity may be linked to better dietary habits, emphasizing the importance of promoting sports participation among adolescents.