Vitamin and mineral intake of adults resident in an area of metropolitan S. Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to quantify mineral and vitamin concentration in habitual diet of adults of between 20 and 88 years of age. A dietary survey was carried out between 1990-1991 as a part of the cross-sectional study: `'Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, lipemic disorders, hypertension, obesity and diabetes mellitus in a population of the metropolitan area of S. Paulo, Brazil". MATERIAL AND METHOD: The vitamin and mineral intake was examined in relation to age and sex using dietary intake based on the diet history method. Data were obtained from a sub-sample of 548 individuals. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In general, it was observed that the respective intakes of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, calcium and iron were more concentrated in the men's diet than in that of the women (p < 0.001). There are no statistical differences in the intake of vitamin A and vitamin C by sex. Elderly persons presented a lower intake of vitamins and minerals than did younger people. The intake of vitamin C had no association with age. This cross-sectional study showed that the habitual diet of the residents in the study area has low intake and low density of vitamin A and calcium.