engleski

Anthropometric and Biochemical Parameters in Relation to Dietary Habits as Early Indicator of Cardiovascular Impairment in Young Adult Cohort

Introduction: Adjusted dietary assessment questionnaire was used to determine dietary habits of medical students which were related to biochemical and anthropometric markers of studied cohort. Methods: Thirty-seven young and healthy volunteers aged 19–28 years old entered the protocol and were divided according to sex and according to residence. Subjects were given questionnaires for tracking food/beverage consumption. Venous blood samples were taken after overnight fast (n = 32). Nutrient status and energy consumption were determined and analyzed. Results: Study population had normal weight and body mass index (BMI). Biochemical characteristics were within normal reference range, while some participants had lipid profile disbalance. Average BMI was significantly higher in participants with elevated cholesterol levels compared to participants with normal cholesterol levels. Majority of participants consumed less than five meals per day with no major differences between students according to residence and sex. Students with normal lipid profile consumed more carbohydrates than students with increased cholesterol who consumed more foods of animal origin, mainly proteins and dairy products. There was a significant negative correlation found between triglyceride levels and vegetable/fruit consumption of our study participants. Elevated cholesterol/LDL-cholesterol levels and weight problems were correlated positively to age of participants. Discussion: Results suggest that poor dietary habits change health status in a negative context in young and seemingly healthy individuals even before the noticeable manifestation of detrimental effect of it. Conclusion: Students with bad dietary habits have potentially higher risk for future cardiovascular problems ; therefore a shift to a healthier lifestyle in this particular age group serves as a prevention measure.

Body Mass Index, Diet, Nutritional status, Nutrition Assessment, Students

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