Nutritional status of undergraduates in a Nigerian university in south-west Nigeria

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.