An analysis of dietary micronutrient intakes in two age groups of black South African women

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess micronutrient intake of black women living in Mangaung, South Africa.

SUBJECTS AND METHOD: 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.

CONCLUSION: 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.