Dietary intake of macronutrients and micronutrients among adolescent girls: A cross sectional study

Adolescent girls require macro and micronutrients to support their growth spurt. Later in reproductive period they are at greater risk of various reproductive related complications if the requirement of these nutrients were not met. Aim: Thus, this study was designed to compare the macronutrients and micronutrients intake of adolescent girls with Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) values. Methods: A Community based cross-sectional study was carried out in five selected schools of Udupi Taluk by adopting stratified random sampling technique and 422 adolescent girls were enrolled in the study.Data on demographics, dietary pattern, anthropometric measurements were noted. Result: The study results revealed that majority, 65.2% of the adolescent girls were at 15 years of age. The BMI was low to the age,whereas height for age was corresponding in comparison with the WHO growth standard. The daily mean intake of macronutrients namely protein, fat and energy intake was 53.33 g, 47.89 g and 1693.33 kcal respectively. Similarly the daily mean intake of micronutrients like calcium, iron, zinc, was 642.86 mg, 9.74 mg and 1.97 mg respectively. Further analysis of percentage of adequacy of macronutrients and micronutrients showed that 23.1% of the adolescent girls were substantially excess in their protein intake and majority of the adolescent girls were having substantially inadequate intake of various micronutrients including iron and calcium. Conclusion: Majority of adolescent girls were substantially inadequate in their micronutrients intake. Hence there is need for regular sensitizing nutritional programme at school and community level to prevent reproductive related complications in their future life.