Nutritional status of polluted region: evaluating student food diary

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of the study was to explore food diaries to identify differences in the received nutrients between students living in a relatively ecologically safe area and polluted region. The sample included 179 participants living in Stavropol (ecologically safe area) and Nevinnomyssk (polluted region) at the age of 17 to 23 years. Dietary intake was estimated using a 7-days food diary and nutrient intake adequacy using the computer program “Nutrition for health and longevity”. Participants did not significantly differ in age, gender, height and weight. There were total caloric and nutrients shortage in most of all students, regardless of the residence. Reduced fat consumption and pronounced deficiency of biotin, beta-carotene, choline, vitamins A, C, B6, B12, D, I, manganese, Fe, S, F, Se and Zn was found. Severity of protein, niacin, K, Ca, Mg and P deficiency in diet was higher in polluted area compared to the relatively ecologically safe area. In this regard, there are several related issues that need to be addressed in the future. These are the intake of heavy metals from food, the production and use of environmentally friendly food, and the development of functional products for students and residents of polluted regions.