Nutrient intake in Spanish adolescents SCOFF high-scorers: the AVENA study

To evaluate whether adolescents with a positive score in a screening tool for possible eating disorders (ED) have a different diet intake in comparison with those with a negative score.

Cross-sectional study performed in 235 adolescents (37.9 % boys) from Zaragoza (Spain). Age, gender, BMI, maternal education, nutrient intake (7-day record) and screening tool for detecting ED [sick control on fat food test (SCOFF)] were assessed. ANCOVA test was used to determine nutrient intake differences (namely energy, macronutrients and micronutrients) according to the SCOFF total score (SCOFF ≥2 indicates a possible case of ED). ANCOVA test was adjusted by age, maternal education and BMI. This research was based on data from the cross-sectional multicenter Alimentación y Valoración del Estado Nutricional en Adolescentes españoles (Feeding and Assessment of Nutritional status of Spanish Adolescents) study.

The proportion of adolescents with possible symptoms of ED was 21.7 %. Girls SCOFF high-scorers (SCOFF+) mean daily energy intake was significantly lower than in those SCOFF low-scorers (SCOFF-) (P < 0.001); however, in boys there was no difference. Both in girls and boys, there were no statistically significant differences according to SCOFF questionnaire for macronutrient intake, adjusted by daily energy intake. Concerning micronutrients, in girls with SCOFF+ sodium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, vitamin B₂ and niacin intakes were significantly lower than in those with SCOFF-; however, in boys, there were no differences.

Adolescent girls with current possible symptoms of ED presented lower total energy intake and several micronutrients intake compared with their peers without ED.