Dietary intake and anthropometric measures in a Spanish students group

Two four-day diet records were used to estimate usual energy and nutrient intake, eating patterns (habits) and contribution of meals to total energy intake, in a group of 92 biology students from the Granada University. At the same time, a series of anthropometric measures was taken from each subject (weight, height, skin pleats and arm measurement). Comparison of real intakes with those recommended was carried out using the 1980 Spanish recommendations and the 1992 European Community recommendations. For men (n = 42) mean intakes for most nutrients were similar to the recommended levels and the proportion with intakes of vitamins and minerals below 80% of the recommended intakes was also minimal. Among women (n = 50) mean intake of zinc was below 80% of the Spanish recommendation. However, there was a wide range of intakes of minerals and vitamins within both groups; therefore, we found a high percentage of subjects with intakes of some vitamins or minerals below 80% of the recommended intakes. Finally, anthropometric measures showed normal body weight, height, and body composition among the students.