FOOD CHOICES OF YOUNG COLLEGE-WOMEN CONSUMING LOW-CALCIUM OR MODERATE-CALCIUM DIETS

The purpose of this research was to investigate the eating habits of young college women, particularly the habits that affect calcium intake, and to identify methods that might be used to increase that intake. Twenty-three female college students 19 to 24 years of age attended one of four focus group interviews. Women attending two of the focus groups consumed low-calcium diets (< 400 mg/day) and those attending two groups consumed moderate-calcium diets (> 800 mg/day). Low-calcium consumers appeared to have random eating patterns and ate away from home more often than women with moderate-calcium intakes. Women suggested they would eat high-calcium foods, if the foods fit into an active lifestyle, and were low in calories. They would choose milk at a fast-food restaurant, if it was not packaged in a cardboard carton and if the restaurant advertising showed pictures of milk with meals. Graphic representation on the nutrition label showing the calcium content of the food and the portion of a woman's needs that are met by the food would be helpful. This information can be used to design new strategies for increasing the calcium consumption of young college women.