Predicted Versus Actual Nutrient Consumption in the Diet of University Students

Abstract

College students may not understand the nutrient content of their diet. The study objective was to assess students' knowledge regarding the amount of individual nutrients in their diet. Subjects consisted of nutrition and nonnutrition undergraduates and graduates. Students received information on the actual dietary standards for each nutrient. Students completed a twenty‐four hour diet record and then predicted their intake of seventeen nutrients, based on dietary recommendations. Predicted intake was measured as a percentage of recommendations on a 0% to 200% linear scale using 10% intervals. Nutrition recommendations were compiled from the DRI's, RDA's, and the USDA Dietary Guidelines. The subjects' food records were analyzed using Nutritionist V (First DataBank 1998) and compared to predicted values. The results of the study found that college students do not correctly estimate the nutrient content of their diets. Subjects consumed significantly more (P<0.05) than predicted for protein, total fat, saturated fat, fiber, calcium, iron, sodium, phosphorus, vitamin A, vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin. Subjects consumed significantly less (P<0.05) than predicted for polyunsaturated fatty acid, potassium, and cholesterol. University foodservice operators can help educate students by listing the nutrient content of the food items they serve. Nutrition education materials must focus on teaching the nutrient content of specific foods in order for students to benefit from published nutrition recommendations. It may be more effective to educate college students in proper nutrition by utilizing food groups rather than teaching about individual nutrients.