[Nutrition evaluation of female university students]

The self-evaluation of nutritional status, utilized as a teaching strategy of introductory nutrition course at Nursing School (São Paulo's University), gave a subsidy to this work. With this purpose, 50 female university students 3rd'semester (mean age was 21.7) were required to complete a three days food record and report their approximate height and weight. The analysis of food intake adequacy indicated that 98% of the students had insufficient intake (less than 90% of recommended of National Research Council-1980) of, at least, one of the nutrients (protein, calcium, iron, vitamin A, B1, B2, C and niacin). It was evidenced an inadequate intake (less than 90% of RDA) of calcium (80% of the students), vitamin A (72%), iron (64%), vitamin B1 (74%), vitamin B2 (56%) and vitamin C (34%). The inadequate intake was more frequently and serious (less than 60% RDA) for calcium (42%), vitamin A (20%) and iron (16%) showing a vitamins and minerals deficient diet.