Consumo de alimentos ricos em cálcio e fatores associados em adolescentes do sexo feminino residentes em Itaqui, RS

Abstract

Evaluate the frequency of consumption of foods rich in calcium among female adolescents, in Itaqui city, RS. Cross-sectional study, with female adolescents in high school, at night period, in the three state schools of the city. One self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain the sociodemographic data, usual food rich in calcium intake, and the presence of lactose intolerance and allergy to cow's milk protein. Weight, height and body mass index were also measured. Data analysis was performed by means of descriptive analysis. One hundred students participated in this study, with a mean age of 15.8 ± 0.9 years, 66.0% auto declared white and 73.0% belonging to social class C. It was observed that 28.4% of students were with overweight and 95.0% had adequate height for age. With regard to food consumption, only 43.0% of the adolescents consume dairy products daily, while 31.0% reported eating soft drinks on the same frequency. In addition, adolescents showed omission of meals rich in dairy products, including breakfast (39.0%), morning snack (79.0%) and supper (73.0%). In relation to diseases, 93.0% and 90.0% of the adolescents did not report lactose intolerance and allergy to cow's milk protein, respectively. It was observed a low frequency of foods rich in calcium intake, as well as inadequate dietary habits, among itaquienses adolescents. Therefore, it is necessary to stimulate better eating habits in this population, in order to prevent bone diseases in the future.