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Shift related dietary intake in day and shift workers
M Lennernäs1, L Hambraeus, T Akerstedt
1Department of Nutrition, University of Uppsala, Sweden.
Appetite
|December 1, 1995
Summary
Shift work impacts meal timing, not total daily intake. Night shifts reduce food and coffee consumption during the shift but do not alter 24-hour totals. Carbohydrate intake was lower on days off for some shift workers.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Nutritional Science
- Chronobiology
Background:
- Work schedules, particularly shift work, are prevalent in industrial settings.
- Understanding the impact of varied work hours on dietary habits is crucial for worker well-being.
- Previous research indicates potential disruptions in eating patterns due to non-standard work schedules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of different work hour schedules (day, two-shift, three-shift) on the dietary intake of male industrial workers.
- To analyze nutrient and energy consumption patterns during work shifts and across 24-hour periods.
- To determine if shift work influences the circadian distribution and overall quantity of food and beverage intake.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 96 male industrial workers with varying work schedules (day, two-shift, three-shift).
- Dietary intake was assessed using repeated 24-hour recalls.
- Analysis included energy, 14 nutrients, coffee, tea, and alcohol consumption, utilizing a nutrient database.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in energy, nutrient, or coffee/tea intake were found between 8-hour morning and afternoon shifts.
- A reduction in intake was observed during 8-hour night shifts.
- Night shift work led to a redistribution of food and coffee intake but not a reduction in overall 24-hour consumption.
- Energy intake and food quality (macronutrient distribution, micronutrient density) were unaffected by shift work.
- Carbohydrate intake was lower on days off for day and three-shift workers.
- Alcohol consumption was higher on days off across all groups.
Conclusions:
- Two- and three-shift work primarily affects the circadian timing of food and coffee consumption rather than the total 24-hour intake.
- While overall nutritional quality remains largely stable, specific nutrient intakes like carbohydrates may be affected on non-work days.
- Shift work's impact on dietary patterns warrants consideration for occupational health strategies.