Abstract

The study evaluated the nutritional status and eating habits of undergraduate students in a Nigerian University. One hundred undergraduates (ages 15 to 40 years) of the Lagos State University, Ojo participated in the study. General information, anthropometric data, as well as a 7-day dietary recall were obtained by means of questionnaire. Venous blood samples were collected from the respondents and analyzed for vitamins A and C, creatinine, zinc, iron, total and differential blood counts. Mean body mass index (BMI), mid arm circumference (MAC), vitamins A and C, iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and creatinine concentrations were 24.56 ± 3.3 kg/m², 26.7 ± 3.0 cm, 20.5 ± 14.3 µg/dl, 1.5 ± 71.27 µg/dl, 19.62 ± 5.65 µmol/L, 6.6 ± 1.9 mg/kg and 1.24 ± 1.53 µg/dl, respectively. Mean PCV, WBC and Hb were 39.2 ± 4.9%, 5.34 ±1.73 × 10⁶/L and 12.22 ± 1.93 g/dl, respectively. 53% of the respondents were over-weight; 6%, obese and 15% under weight. PCV, Hb and lymphocytes were significantly higher in males than in females. There was positive correlation between serum vitamin C and Zn concentrations (r = 0.203), Fe and Zn (r = 0.539), Zn and neutrophil (r = 0.210) and vitamin A and basophil (r = 0.559). There was however a negative correlation between Zn and eosinophil count. Number of meals and milk intake had no effect on the status of the subjects. However, fruit intake positively affected neutrophil count (r = 0.202); vegetable intake positively affected serum Fe concentration (0.256); and intake of nutritional supplements positively affected serum Zn concentration. Also, serum vitamin A concentration in both male and female students was low.

Key words: Adolescent nutrition, anthropometry, body mass index, hematology, nutritional status, serum zinc, vitamin A status, undergraduates.