Abstract

FERNANDEZ-ORTEGA, Myriam. Food calcium intake in teenager women in Panama. ALAN [online]. 2008, vol.58, n.3, pp.286-291. ISSN 0004-0622.

The adequacy of calcium intake from food and carbonated drinks consumption levels in a Panama City’s female adolescents group was studied. We evaluated 180 teenage girls (12-17 years) in two public schools using food frequency questionnaires and a 24-hour food recall. According to the results, milk and cheese were this population’s main calcium source. Milk was a food source in 60.5%, while 56.7% indicated that they eat cheese. On average, a once-a-day intake of one of these dairy products was observed in 1/4 of the group. Ice cream and pulses were secondary calcium sources. Yogurt, milk-made meals and beverages, green vegetables, fortified food and sardines were not components of these girls’ food habits. The average calcium intake was 440 mg/d ± 423 according to the food frequency questionnaire and 314 mg/d ± 255 according to their 24-hour food recall. Calcium’s low level intakes are less than 50% of the recommended daily intake for this age group. Carbonated drinks were consumed by 72% of the group and 30% drank one unit daily. Dairy products are the main calcium source for the studied group. However, because of insufficient calcium intake and high consumption of carbonated drinks, the future bone health of these teenage girls is at risk.

Keywords : Calcium intake; teenage girl nutrition; nutrition in Panama; dairy consumption.