Nutritional status of Spanish and immigrant adolescents in the Community of Madrid

Background: Disordered eating patterns of adolescents and changes of this one in school population because migratory phenomenon can affect their nutritional status. The objective of this study was to assess the nutritional status of two adolescent groups. Methods: The study was held between 2006 and 2007 on a sample of 101 schoolchildren aged 12 to 17 years old. From dietary intake, assessed by a 24 hours questionary, energy and nutrients dairy intake, adecuation to the recomended intakes and some indexes of diet's quality were calculated. Results: Diets were characterized by an insuficient consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes and dairy products that impeded to reach requeriments of magnesium, zinc, folic acid, vitamin A and vitamin D; a high caloric intake of lipids, mainly saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, low of carbohidrates; insufficient energetic breakfasts and frequent snacking. Conclusions: The similar consumption of food wich has been observed between Spanish and immigrants could indicate their adaptation to Spanish eating habits while some relevant features of the culture of origin responsible of differences in the lipidic profile and fat quality of diets remain.