Nutrient intakes of university women in Kuwait

This study assessed the nutrient intakes of 203 female college students, aged 20-31 years, mean 21 years. Results from computer analysis of 3-day food records showed that, on the basis of group means, two thirds of Recommended Daily Allowance (RDAs) was met for all nutrients except iron, zinc, folacin and vitamin D. Nutrient intake and RDAs showed no significant differences related to marital status with the exception of vitamin D and manganese (p less than 0.05). The indexes of Nutritional Quality indicated that, on average, diets of the students met or exceeded nutrient density allowance for protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6 and phosphorus. Nutrients for which the average female student consumption was below recommended standards on a calorie basis, were carbohydrates, fat, vitamin D, folacin, calcium, iron, zinc and sodium. The diets were limited in fibre, high in sugar, high in caffeine and slightly above recommendations in cholesterol. Female college students needed guidance in selecting nutrient dense foods. Attention in nutrition education programmes should be directed toward the individual student rather than the group.