The association between calcium consumption and students body composition

Abstract

Introduction: The consumption of calcium in the Polish population is insufficient, which may negatively influence the occurrence of osteoporosis, as well as cause overweight and obesity. Aim of the research: To analyse the relationship between calcium consumption and body composition of the participants of this study. Material and methods:The study was carried out on a sample group of 103 nursing students. The study group consisted of 91 (88.3%) women and 12 (11.7%) men, aged from 19 to 33 years. The participants of the study had their body composition analysed, the body mass index (BMI) was calculated, and the authors carried out a survey involving the Dairy Products Frequency Questionnaire (ADOS-Ca) as well as their own questionnaire to evaluate the socio-economic status of the subjects. Results:The students who had the lowest calcium consumption also had the lowest BMI (p = 0.0015) and the lowest amount of visceral fat (p = 0.0260). Individuals who consumed the lowest amount of calcium also had the lowest muscle mass (p = 0.007) and bone mass (p = 0.004). However, the authors did not notice a significant statistical difference between the level of calcium consumption and the percentage of adipose tissue (p = 0.5000) as well as body water percentage (p = 0.3200). Conclusions:The results of the research do not confirm the hypothesis that high calcium consumption is associated with a lower probability of the occurrence of excess body mass and adipose tissue.

Social and economic factors influencing the age of menarche of female students at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at the Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce compared to developmental norms

“…When discussing the issue of girls' puberty, one should consider all of the genetic and socio-economic conditions, including eating habits, parents' education, self-esteem, and motivation of a healthy lifestyle among girls, as indicated by multiple studies (e.g. Nowak-Starz and Zięba [19], Zając et al [20], and Szczekala et al [21]). It should also be noted that the current standard of living in rural areas is not very different from the urban standard, and in some cases is even better.…”