Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences (Nov 2023)
The Relationship between the Consumption of Different Food Groups and the Components of Metabolic Syndrome among Female Students in the Dormitories of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences
Abstract
Background and purpose: Young and college students are susceptible to risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome due to living conditions. In micronutrient studies, low levels of magnesium and zinc in women have been shown to be associated with metabolic syndrome. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between the consumption of different food groups and the components of metabolic syndrome, as well as to investigate the relationship between zinc and serum magnesium levels and the average intake of food groups among female students living in the dormitories of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. Materials and methods: In this descriptive study, 80 female students in the age range (18-25 years) participated. Metabolic syndrome indices, including anthropometric indices, lipid profile, fasting blood sugar, zinc, and serum magnesium were examined. Food intake information was obtained through food frequency questionnaire and 24-hour food recall. Results: In this research, magnesium and zinc levels were in the normal range, and no significant relationship was observed between these two elements and metabolic syndrome indices. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome with at least three simultaneous indices was seen in three patients (3.7%). Vitamin D and vitamin E intakes were at the lowest ratio compared to DRI. Only one indicator of metabolic syndrome, HDL cholesterol, in 100% of people was less than 50 mg/dl. Conclusion: Due to the nutritional boundaries that exist in dormitories for college students, appropriate planning is needed to supplement support in this group of society to prevent the long-term consequences of nutrient shortages and its future potential health hazards.
