PROTEIN INTAKE AND NUTRITIONAL NEEDS OF VEGETARIAN COLLEGE STUDENTS

Authors

  • Elisiane Teixeira Rezende Universidade de Itaúna – Itaúna (MG), Brasil
  • Samantha Estela Godinho Universidade de Itaúna – Itaúna (MG), Brasil
  • Ana Cláudia Nogueira de Melo Souza Universidade de Itaúna – Itaúna (MG), Brasil
  • Lívia Garcia Ferreira Universidade Federal de Lavras – Lavras (MG), Brasil

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.13037/ras.vol13n44.2809

Keywords:

Vegetarian diet, nutritional requirements, feeding behavior, protein needs

Abstract

Introduction: Currently the vegetarian population is increasing significantly, and it is recommended thathealth professionals have the necessary knowledge of the subject and about possible risks and benefits ofthis type of diet. Vegetable protein sources contain lower protein content than animal and presents limitingamino acids. Therefore, vegetarians need to consume proteins in larger quantities. Objectives: To assesprotein intake and compare it to nutritional needs of vegetarian college students of University of Itaúna(MG). As secondary objective was research the nutritional status and the motives and claimed benefitsfor adopting a vegetarian diet. Methods: An analysis of protein intake through a quantitative questionnaireof food frequency containing food that have protein was performed. Protein concentration of thefood was assessed using a food composition table (TACO) and the table of portion sizes and comparedaccording to the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) as age, sex and weight. Results: The study included 30vegetarians. Of these, 56.7% were classified as semi-vegetarians, 40.0% ovolactovegetarians and 3.3%lacto-vegetarians. On protein intake, 76.7% of participants had adequate intake, and of this total, 66.7% were semi-vegetarians and 88.2% ovolactovegetarians. Regarding nutritional status, 63.6% of subjects were classified as normal,23.3% as undeweight grade I and 13.3% as overweight. Conclusion: Protein intake was reached by most of those surveyed.There was more appropriate level for semi-vegetarianism adherents. However, it is important to have a specific nutritionalcounseling for each type of vegetarian diet.

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Published

2015-05-29

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 44 (2015): Revista de Atenção à Saúde

Section

ARTIGOS ORIGINAIS

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