Inadequate nutrient intake in Brazilian adolescents

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess energy and nutrient consumption and the prevalence of inadequate micronutrient intake among Brazilian adolescents. METHODS: A random sample composed of 6,797 adolescents (49.7% girls), between 10 and 18 years old, was evaluated in the first National Dietary Survey, part of the Household Budget Survey carried out in 2008-2009. Expansion factors, sample complexity design and correction of intraindividual variability were considered. The prevalence of inadequate micronutrient intake was based on the proportion of adolescents with intake below the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR). The prevalence of intake above the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) was estimated for sodium. RESULTS: The mean energy intake ranged between 1,869 kcal (10 to 13 year old females) and 2,198 kcal (14 to 18 year old males). Of the total energy intake, 57% came from carbohydrates, 27% from lipids and about 16% from proteins. Inadequacies were higher for calcium (>; 95%), phosphorous (54% to 69%) and vitamins A (66% to 85%), E (100%) and C (27% to 49%). More than 70% of adolescents reported sodium intake above the UL. CONCLUSIONS: Mean energy consumption and distribution of macro-nutrients were adequate, but prevalence of inadequate vitamin and mineral intake were high and notable consumption of sodium above the recommended levels, low levels of calcium consumption and, in 14 to 18 year old females, important inadequacies in iron intake were found.