CHANGES IN THE DIETS OF UNIVERSITY-STUDENTS OVER A 6-YEAR PERIOD (1986-1991)

First year students from six consecutive years (1986-1991) completed one week weighed dietary surveys. From these data, dietary intakes of a variety of nutrients were determined. Data were compared with literature values for other young adults; with recommended daily amounts (RDA) in place at the time, and where appropriate with more recent dietary reference values (DRV). Results show that nutrient intakes, including alcohol intakes, of students were generally similar to those of other young adults, and close to RDAs. Female students tended to eat a smaller proportion of their energy as fat, and their total energy intake showed a consistent decrease across the years studied. This could reflect the ever increasing emphasis on a slim female shape, and is notable as these females did not consider themselves to be on weight-reducing diets. Intakes of minor nutrients showed few differences compared with other young adults, although a large variation in intakes was noted. On average, most vitamin intakes were above the RDA, but vitamin A intake amongst females was declining, and in latter years was below the RDA. Female intakes of riboflavin also tended to be low. Contrary to suggestions of low calcium intakes amongst adolescents, students were consuming more than the RDA, and more calcium than other young adults. A large proportion of the females, in all years, were not reaching the RDA for iron, suggesting the possibility of iron-deficiency anaemia if intakes remain low.