Food Consumption and Metabolic Risks in Young University Students

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the association between components of the diet, metabolic risks, and the serum concentrations of adiponectin and interleukin-6 (IL-6). With prior informed consent, an analytical cross-sectional study was carried out with 72 students in their first year of university. The subjects had a mean age of 19.2 ± 1.0 years and body mass index of 23.38 ± 4.2, and they were mainly women (80.6%). Sociodemographic, anthropometric, and dietary data and metabolic risk factors were evaluated, and biochemical parameters and adipocytokines were also considered. The data were analyzed using means, ranges, and correlations, as well as principal components. In general, the protein, fat, and sodium intake were higher than the international dietary recommendations, and deficiencies in vitamins B5 and E, potassium, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc were observed. The most frequently observed metabolic risks were insulin resistance and hypoalphalipoproteinemia. IL-6 was positively correlated with lipid and protein intake. Adiponectin showed a positive correlation with high-density lipoprotein and a negative correlation with insulin, weight, and waist, while the adiponectin pattern was similar to that of vitamins E and A, which decreased with increasing intake of calories, macronutrients, and sodium. In general, a hypercaloric diet that was high in protein, fat, and sodium and deficient in vitamins, mainly fat-soluble, was associated with a lower concentration of adiponectin and a higher concentration of IL-6, which favor the presence of metabolic risks, including insulin resistance. Intervention studies are required to evaluate the dietary intake of metabolic markers in young people without comorbidities, which will lay the foundation for implementing prevention strategies.

Mediterranean Diet, a Posteriori Dietary Patterns, Time-Related Meal Patterns and Adiposity: Results from a Cross-Sectional Study in University Students

“…High alcohol intake has also been associated with obesity in other studies, including university students [ 63 ] but not all [ 46 ]. The documented correlation of a high protein pattern with obesity is in line with the previously reported metabolic risks of this pattern [ 57 ]. Our results are of additive value given that a posteriori-defined unhealthy eating patterns are not usually associated with central obesity [ 60 ].…”

“…The median eggs and legumes intake (only for men) was in accordance with the recommendations [ 56 ]. A high meat intake has been reported in other studies in the same age group [ 57 ]. The low absolute intakes of several food groups may also be due to errors in estimating dietary intake, such as in the case of underreporting, which was high in our sample.…”

Feasibility of a Theory-Based, Online Tailored Message Program to Motivate Healthier Behaviors in College Women

“…The acceptability and usefulness of the survey with tailored messages were equivalent to previous online tailored messaging programs in children alone in a school setting [ 32 ] and with their parents/caregivers in a clinical setting [ 31 ]. Liking of food items resembled dietary intakes observed in college adults, with higher liking of unhealthier food items suggesting higher intake of nutrient dense foods and risk of not meeting dietary guidelines [ 94 , 95 , 96 , 97 ]. Physical Activity was generally not liked with scores averaging between “It’s okay” and “like it”, suggesting that available activities or environment for these activities may be insufficient to be liked enough to compel physical activity behavior in college women [ 1 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ].…”

Sex-Specific Association between Fasting Plasma Glucose and Serum Selenium Levels in Adults from Southern Mexico

“…As an illustration, countries in Asia, Europe, North America, and South America have reported an average Se intake of 2.6–48 µg/day, 10–60 µg/day, 80–221 µg/day, and 80–500 µg/day, respectively [ 31 ]. Although in Mexico it is still necessary to publish reliable information related to the Se content of the soil, it has been reported that there is an average Se intake of 37.6 ± 51.8 µg/day in the adult population, without differences between sexes [ 40 ]. Additionally, the adult population from northern Mexico has found that beans, corn tortillas and milk are responsible for 32%, 24%, and 19% of the daily Se intake, respectively [ 40 , 41 ].…”

“…Although in Mexico it is still necessary to publish reliable information related to the Se content of the soil, it has been reported that there is an average Se intake of 37.6 ± 51.8 µg/day in the adult population, without differences between sexes [ 40 ]. Additionally, the adult population from northern Mexico has found that beans, corn tortillas and milk are responsible for 32%, 24%, and 19% of the daily Se intake, respectively [ 40 , 41 ]. On the other hand, although ICP-MS is a reliable method widely used to quantify Se [ 42 , 43 ], and we carry out the Se measurement process with strict quality control, to date, there is no consensus regarding which biological sample is the most suitable for measuring Se status.…”