Food Intake and Clinical Blood Indices of Female College Students by Body Mass Index

Kim, Ok Hyun; Kim, Jung Hee

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the relationships among body composition, dietary intake, and clinical blood indices in college students by body mass index (BMI). Their body compositions were determined by means of BIA (Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis) method. Their dietary intake was determined using a 3-day record method and their hematological indices were determined by semi-automated microcell counter (Sysmex F-520). Their serum lipid levels were measured using biochemical analyzer (Spotchem). Subjects were classified as underweight, normal or overweight groups according to their BMI. The subjects were 69 healthy college students aged 20 to 26 years. The average age, height, weight, and BMI was 21.3 years, 162.6 cm, 54.4 kg, and 20.6 cm/m2, respectively. Their average consumption of energy was 1693 kcal, 84.7% of RDA and their mean ratio of carbohydrate: protein: fat were 54.5 : 16.4 : 29.0. There was no significant difference in nutrient intake among the groups except beta-carotene and vitamin C. The beta-carotene intake was significantly higher in the underweight group. Vitamin C intake was significantly higher in the overweight group. The mean intakes of Ca, Fe, Zn and folate of subjects were 74.8% to 83.2% of RDA. Especially, intakes of Ca, Fe, Zn and folate were lower in the abnormal weight groups. The overall mean values of the hematological indices in female college students were within the normal range and there was no significant difference among the groups. However, anemic subjects with hemoglobin (<12 g/dl) and hematocrit (<36 g/dl) accounted for about 11% of the subjects. The overall mean values of the serum lipid levels were within the normal range and there was no significant difference among the groups. But serum HDL-cholesterol level of the overweight group was lower than that of the other groups. LDL-/HDL-cholesterol ratio and AI index were significantly higher in the overweight group compared to the other groups. Based upon this study, it is necessary for college women to be educated regarding consuming more Ca, Fe, Zn, folate and less fat and cholesterol in order to have better health promotion.