The study of the frequency of consumption and food preferences of students for products containing vitamin D

Abstract

ABSTRACT. A significant portion of vitamin D, which is essential for important processes of vital activity, a person gets from food. The purpose of this study was to assess the level of consumption by young males and females of foods containing vitamin D3. One hundred and two first-year students (females — 78.4 %, males — 21.6 % between the ages of 17 and 22) participated in the study voluntarily. Data collection was carried out by questioning. The frequency of consumption and food preferences for 22 products containing vitamin D were assessed. The evaluation was carried out on a 5-point rating scale. Statistical processing of the questionnaires was carried out using the SPSS program. The results are analyzed for approval of the points of the questionnaire. It turned out that the coefficient of Alpha Cronbach is 0,912 and 0,896 for consumption and food preferences respectively. This indicates a high consistency of the items on the questionnaire about the frequency of consumption and food preferences of foods rich in vitamin D. The consumption of foods rich in vitamin D is at a pain lower level than the respondents' desire to consume them. The reasons for low consumption may be price unavailability of the product. For some products, there is a very high difference of ratings, which indicates that the level of well-being of the respondent have a great influence on food preferences. Food preferences in this case, most likely, play a secondary role. The results obtained suggest that foods rich in vitamin D are not among the preferences of young people who took part in the study. It should be noted that, low intake of foods rich in vitamin D may also be related to the global trend. This fact is of concern because the lack of vitamin D in young people leads to negative consequences, including the emergence of diseases of various kinds. Key Words: vitamin D, first-year students, 5-point rating scale.