Dietary intake and adherence to the Mediterranean diet in a group of university students depending on the sports practice

Introduction: University students eating habits are moving away increasingly from the Mediterranean Diet (MD) Both nutrition and physical activity are essential to preserve an appropriate health. Objective: To compare food intake between athletes and sedentary University students. Subjects and methods: Cross-sectional study conducted on 49 students from the University of Valladolid. The weight and height were determined. The physical activity was evaluated by the GPAQ questionnaire. A food frequency questionnaire and a three-day food record were completed for the food intake analysis. The MD adherence was estimated by the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS). Differences by sex and sport practice were analyzed with the T-test or with the Mann-Whitney-test. Statistical significance was reached at p < 0.05. Results: All subjects had normal weight with no significant differences depending on the sports practice. Women had a lower physical activity level than men. The diet in the whole sample was slightly hyperproteic, rich in fats and cholesterol, with an inadequate fat profile and poor in carbohydrates and fiber. Generally, the students covered the micronutrients requirements. There was a scarce consumption of fruits and vegetables, cereals, olive oil, fish and nuts; and an excessive intake of meat, butter, processed bakery foods, sweets, snacks and soft drinks. Around 50% of the sample had a low or very low MD adherence. Conclusion: The University student food pattern does not accomplish the nutritional objectives within the Spanish population and have a medium-low Mediterranean diet adherence, and there are no differences depending on the sports practice.