University students and nutritional habits

Abstract

Background. The immune system is affected by many endogenous and exogenous factors. Previous studies have showed that one of the main exogenous factors effecting the immune system is nutrition. Connection between immune system and nutrition in considered to be one of the main research topics starting from 20th century. Many researchers have demonstrated that some food components can modulate immune system response. Objective. To evaluate students’ nutritional habits in relation to the condition of their immune system. Methods. The nutritional habits of the students from the Faculty of Medicine of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences from 1st to 6th year of studies were analyzed using a questionnaire survey. Data analysis was performed using “SPSS 22.0 for Windows” and “Microsoft Excel” programs. χ2 test was performed for qualitative analysis. Data was considered statistically significant when p ≤ 0,05. Results. The study involved a total of 319 students. Only about a half of the study participants consume food in accordance with the recommendations by WHO (frequency, consumption of water, no additional consumption of salt and sugar). Most students use the right amount of vegetables, choose poultry meat more often than beef and pork. The study also found a decreased consumption of fish products and over-use of sweets. 93.1 percent of students reported their health as good or very good. Only a small part of them often suffer from cold, allergies, while only isolated cases of oncological and autoimmune diseases were found. Conclusions. Students’ nutrition habits only partially correspond to WHO healthy dietary recommendations. [...].