BACKGROUND: Few studies have compared the diets of minor migrants with similar ethnic groups in the country of origin. Although Moroccans form the largest foreign population group in Spain, there is limited information on their dietary changes and the effects on nutritional status. AIM: To determine whether migration has caused changes in adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) in a sample of Moroccan adolescents living in Madrid (Spain) compared with their peers in northern Morocco (Al Hoceima). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 409 Moroccan pupils, 308 living in Al Hoceima and 101 living in Madrid. Food records were compiled over three non-consecutive days by pre-trained adolescents. Energy and nutrient intakes were estimated using the DIAL software, adapted to include foods usually eaten in Morocco. Diet quality indicators studied were the Mediterranean Adequacy Index (MAI), caloric profile, cholesterol (mg/1000 kcal) and fibre density (g/1000 kcal). A binary logistic regression model was used to test the association between the MAI and the adolescents' geographical location and socio-economic level. RESULTS: Moroccan adolescents living in Al Hoceima were significantly 10.5 times more likely to attain a high MAI score than their peers living in Madrid. For both sexes, migration decreased significantly the ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids (1.8 vs. 2.5). For boys, migrant adolescents had significantly higher daily energy (2860.9 vs. 2139.1 kcal), protein (13.9 vs. 13.2 %) and lower fibre (11.2 vs. 14.3) intakes than autochthonous adolescents. For girls, there were no significant differences.
BACKGROUND: Inadequate nutrient intakes in adolescents may negatively affect their future health. The identification of inadequate micronutrient intakes by dietary study provides essential information to guide educational strategies for promoting healthy eating habits. OBJECTIVE: To assess the daily micronutrient intake and the prevalence of inadequacy in a sample of middle and high-school pupils in the Rif region of Morocco. METHODS: A cross-sectional study collected dietary information from food records over three non-consecutive days in a sample (n = 302) of Moroccan Riffian adolescents (12–18 years). The DIAL software, adapted for commonly eaten Moroccan foods, was used to estimate micronutrient intakes. The proportion of individuals with intakes below the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) or the Adequate Intake (AI) level and the probability approach were used to estimate the prevalence of inadequacy. RESULTS: Regardless of gender and age group, our subjects were found to be particularly at risk of inadequate intakes of vitamins E and D, calcium and potassium. Older adolescents (14–18 years) also showed a risk of inadequate intake of folate, biotin, magnesium, iodine and zinc (among boys). CONCLUSION: For many nutrients, the daily diets of our Riffian adolescents do not meet the recommended intake levels. We emphasize the need for monitoring the dietary habits of adolescents and the development of nutrition education programs. Further studies which include the clinical and biological assessment of nutritional status, as well as the regular collection of quality and nationally representative micronutrient data, are recommended.
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