Estimativa da ingestão de ferro e vitamina C em adolescentes no ciclo menstrual

[Inadequacy of macro and micronutrients on offer in two full-time public schools in Northeastern Brazil]

The National School Food Program guarantees the food of students in public and philanthropic schools by means of the transfer of funds. During adolescence, which is an important period of nutritional vulnerability, a healthy diet is responsible for the rates of physical growth and changes in body composition. The objective was to analyze the adequacy of macro- and micronutrients provided to adolescents in full-time public schools in northeastern Brazil. The menus were evaluated using the parameters to meet 70% of the daily nutritional needs in terms of macronutrients and micronutrients of the students involved. It was found that, for most age groups, energy requirements were not met, attaining the maximum adequacy of 86.2%, and protein ingestion was only sufficient on four days. The average amount of carbohydrates and lipids was below the recommended dose for all age groups. The levels of Vitamin C, zinc and calcium were insufficient in most of the meals on offer, though the iron quota was adequate for all age groups. The conclusion drawn is that enhanced planning needs to be incorporated in the preparation of menus to attempt to attain the requirements stipulated in the Program.

Macronutrient consumption and inadequate micronutrient intake in adults

OBJECTIVE

To estimate energy and nutrient intake and prevalence of inadequate micronutrient intake among Brazilian adults.

METHODS

Data from the National Dietary Survey, from the 2008-2009 Household Budget Survey, were used. Food consumption was evaluated through food record on two non-consecutive days. A total of 21,003 individuals (52.5% women), between 20-59 years old, participated in the survey. Usual nutrient intake was estimated according to the National Cancer Institute method. The Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) cut-off points were used to determine the prevalence of inadequate micronutrient intake. For manganese and potassium, the Adequate Intake (AI) was used as cut-off. Sodium intake was compared with the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL). The probability approach was used to determine the prevalence of inadequate iron intake. The data were analyzed according to the location of the household (urban or rural) and macro regions of Brazil.

RESULTS

The mean energy intake was 2,083 kcal among men and 1,698 kcal among women. Prevalence of inadequacy equal to or greater than 70% were observed for calcium among men and magnesium, vitamin A, and sodium among both men and women. Prevalence equal to or greater than 90% were found for calcium in women and vitamins D and E in both genders. Prevalence lower than 5% were found for iron in men and for niacin in men and women. In general, prevalence of inadequate intake was higher in the rural area and in the Northeast region.

CONCLUSIONS

Energy intake was higher among individuals who live in urban areas and in the North region. The greatest risk groups of inadequate micronutrient intake were women and those living in rural areas and in the Northeast region.