Evaluation of the frequency of consumption of various groups of dairy products by students of the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Milk and dairy products are an important component of a balanced diet. Milk and dairy products deficiency contributes to the violation of the main health indicators of various age groups of the population. AIM: The purpose of this study was to analyze the frequency of consumption of various groups of dairy products by students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 388 full-time students of the Medical Institute of the Peoples Friendship University of Russia took part in the cross-sectional study. Of all the participants, 185 were men and 203 were women; the average age was (20.42.2) and (21.91.7) years, respectively. Anthropometric measurements were performed according to the standard program. The frequency of consumption of various groups of dairy products was studied using a modified questionnaire on the frequency of consumption of products. RESULTS: analysis of the questionnaire on the frequency of consumption of products demonstrated that approximately 14% of the respondents did not consume milk over the past month, about a third cottage cheese, 21% natural sour-milk products and 16% sour-milk products with various fillers. Hard cheeses and pickled cheeses are absent from daily food rations of 7% and 20% of respondents, respectively. Daily consumption was recorded as follows: milk 24% of respondents; cottage cheese 5%; fermented milk products (natural and with flavored) 9% and 8%, respectively; hard cheese 18%. The study also revealed gender differences in the characteristics of consumer preferences: women are less likely to consume cream, sour cream, soft cheese and milk. Among female students, the prevalence of overweight individuals was higher and amounted to 25% (n=50), while among male students 19% (n=35). A modest inverse relationship was found between daily milk intake and body weight, as well as between milk intake and body mass index (r=0.61 and r=0.65, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: our study revealed insufficient consumption of milk and dairy products among students. The relationship between the frequency of their consumption and indicators of physical development was noted.