An analysis of dietary micronutrient intakes in two age groups of black South African women.
OBJECTIVE
To assess micronutrient intake of black women living in Mangaung, South Africa.


METHODS
A sample of 500 pre-menopausal black South African women (496 qualified to participate) from two age groups (25-34 and 35-44 years) were selected randomly in Mangaung, the black residential area of Bloemfontein. A validated Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (QFFQ) was used to determine dietary intake of participants. Data were categorized into the two age groups. Median micronutrient intakes were compared to the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) and Adequate Intake (AI). The prevalence of women with intakes < or = 67% of the RDA was calculated.


RESULTS
Median calcium and vitamin D intakes were lower than the AI. Of all women, 46.2% to 62.2% consumed < or = 67% of the RDA for total iron, selenium, folate and vitamin C, and more than 94% consumed < or = 67% of the RDA for selenium. At least 25% of all women consumed < or = 67% of the RDA for vitamin A and E. The vitamin B6 intake of older women was inadequate and a fairly large percentage of the total sample consumed < or = 67% of the RDA.


CONCLUSIONS
Generally, micronutrient intakes were adequate in this population. Attention should be given to those micronutrients where median intakes were < or = 67% of the RDA and those that were not at or above the respective AI in these groups of women.
Hattingh
Z
Z
School of Tourism, Hospitality and Sport, Central University of Technology, Free state, South Africa.
Walsh
C M
CM
Bester
C J
CJ
Oguntibeju
O O
OO
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage; D044383:Black People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002136:Calcium, Dietary / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019266:Iron, Dietary / Q000008:administration & dosage; D018977:Micronutrients / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D015995:Prevalence; D012643:Selenium / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013019:South Africa; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000008:administration & dosage
D002136:Calcium, Dietary; D019266:Iron, Dietary; D018977:Micronutrients; D014801:Vitamin A; D014807:Vitamin D; D012643:Selenium; D001205:Ascorbic Acid