Anthropometric and Biochemical Parameters in Relation to Dietary Habits as Early Indicator of Cardiovascular Impairment in Young Adult Cohort

Abstract

Adjusted dietary assessment questionnaire was used to determine dietary habits of medical students which were related to biochemical and anthropometric markers of studied cohort. Thirty-seven young and healthy volunteers aged 19–28 years old entered the protocol and were divided according to sex and according to residence. Subjects were given questionnaires for tracking food/beverage consumption. Venous blood samples were taken after overnight fast (n = 32). Nutrient status and energy consumption were determined and analyzed. Study population had normal weight and body mass index (BMI). Biochemical characteristics were within normal reference range, while some participants had lipid profile disbalance. Men had significantly higher BMI than women. Average BMI was significantly higher in participants with elevated cholesterol levels compared to participants with normal cholesterol levels. Majority of participants consumed less than five meals per day with no major differences between students according to residence and sex. Men had significantly higher protein intake and consumed at least four meals daily compared to woman who had three or less meals daily with no differences in intake according to residence. Students with normal lipid profile consumed more carbohydrates than students with increased cholesterol. Results suggest that students with bad dietary habits have potentially higher risk for future cardiovascular problems, even before the onset of adverse effects.

Effects of Periodic Religious Fasting for Decades on Nutrient Intakes and the Blood Biochemical Profile

“…The dearth of correlations between serum biochemical parameters and nutrient intakes in our work is in accord with the few studies that have addressed the same issue or the correlation of biochemical parameters with dietary habits [21][22][23]. Indeed, these authors have found a limited number of correlation coefficients above 0.5.…”

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Physical Activity among Medical Students from the Western Balkans

“…The student population includes young adults whose health habits, i.e., proper nutrition and regular PA are necessary for mental, cognitive, and physical development [4]. When students start attending universities, they usually change their life habits [5]. A high-energy diet high in salt and irregular meals, and a lack of PA can negatively affect student health and lead to overweight and obesity [6,7].…”

“…Irregular PA is more common in people of better socioeconomic status, people of rural origin, it is associated with alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse, negative social impact (family, peers, social media, etc. ), as well as overweight and obesity [4,5,13,20,[22][23][24][25].…”

Motives and Barriers for Regular Physical Activity among Medical Students from the Western Balkans (South-East Europe Region)

“…Students represent a specifically vulnerable group, since they tend to change their habits and nutritive patterns upon enrolling into universities [ 5 ]. Due to the requirements of faculty courses, students are often physically inactive for prolonged periods during the day and are prone to consuming unhealthy meals (high energy, rich in sugars, unsaturated fats, and salt), which can consecutively have negative health consequences [ 6 , 7 ].…”