Dietary and Lifestyle-Related Factors Associated with Vitamin C Intake of Selected Students at the University of the Philippines-Los Baños

Date

2021

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Nutrition

College

College of Human Ecology (CHE)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Anna Teresa O. Orillo

Abstract

Vitamin C deficiency is prevalent in the Philippines as 96% of adults had a below Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) as of 2018 (DOST-FNRI, 2020). University students are at high risk of being vitamin C deficient and having a weak immune system due to their poor eating habits and academic stress, and achieving a strong immune system by consuming adequate vitamin C could help them in fighting the COVID-19 virus. This study generally aims to determine the adequacy of vitamin C intake of selected University of the Philippines – Los Banos (UPLB) students aged 19-23 years old. Data was collected using an online survey consisting of socio-demographic profile, dietary habits and lifestyle practices, and a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) with vitamin C-containing food items. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s Chi-square test for independence. Results revealed 83.89% of the respondents had an above recommended vitamin C intake per day. Study also showed that usual meal contents (p-value = .009) was associated with the adequacy of vitamin C intake. The rest of the dietary habits and lifestyle practices asked like meal and snack frequency, physical activity and others were not significant to vitamin C intake. The most commonly consumed vitamin C-containing foods were those commonly found in the market such as potatoes, lettuce, banana, cow’s milk, and choco-flavored powdered drink. In conclusion, foods that are easily accessible were the common sources of vitamin C of selected UPLB students and their adequacy was related to their usual meal contents.

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

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