• Hui Chin Koo, Z Hadirah, A Airina, R Nurul Alifatul Amrina, and N Faziela.
• Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Tunku Abdul Rahman University College, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
• Afr Health Sci. 2019 Jun 1; 19 (2): 224322512243-2251.

BackgroundDietary composition is the cornerstone of weight management. This study aimed to investigate the effect of nutrient intakes on anthropometric profiles among university students.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted among 411 students aged 18-29 years, purposive sampled from a selected private university in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Anthropometric profiles were measured. Nutrient intakes were assessed by 3-day 24-hour diet recalls.ResultsRespondents on average had adequate macronutrient intakes, however, total consumption of dietary fiber and micronutrients were fell short of recommended levels. Significant negative associations were found between body mass index (BMI) and all the macronutrients, calcium, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin. Body fat percentage was significantly associated with all the macronutrients, calcium, zinc, thiamine and niacin. Significant inverse associations were also found between waist circumference and carbohydrate, fiber, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin. Visceral fat showed significant inverse associations with carbohydrate, fat, fiber, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin. Further, after adjusting for sex, gender and race, BMI was associated with niacin (β=-0.161, p=0.027). Body fat percentage was also found significantly associated with niacin (β=-0.180, p=0.002) and riboflavin (β=-0.132, p=0.014).ConclusionMicronutrients, especially B vitamins, are important in weight management among the young adults.© 2019 Koo et al.

18 keywords...

hide…