Energy intake as a determinant factor of vitamin status in healthy young women

The vitamin (B1, B2, B6, retinol, beta-carotene, E and ascorbic acid) status of 56 young women (aged 21-30 years) has been analysed by studying dietary intakes and biochemical parameters and relating them to energy intake. Only 25% of the sample consumed more than 2000 kcal/day and a high percentage of apparently healthy women had low vitamin intakes, especially in the case of vitamin E, B6 and retinol. Except for retinol and beta-carotene, significant correlations between energy and vitamin intakes were found. With respect to blood levels, 86% of women had deficient or marginal levels for B1, 71% for B2, 75% for B6 and 64% for beta-carotene. An adequate or optimal situation has been shown in the case of vitamin C (92%), E (88%) and retinol (77.5%). No correlation between energy intake and vitamin blood levels was found, except for vitamin B6. These data show that young women are vulnerable to developing vitamin deficiencies, especially those consuming low energy diets.