Nutrient intakes of Greek forest workers and researchers do not meet all Reference Dietary Intakes

In heavy work such as forest work, nutrient demand and energy expenditure are high. Therefore, adequate nutrient and energy intake of forest workers is of paramount importance. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the daily nutrient intake of forest workers and to determine if it meets the Reference Dietary Intakes (RDIs). A total of 21 forest workers and 21 researchers, who served as a control group, were enrolled. Nutrient intake was assessed on the basis of a 24-hour diet recall questionnaire, repeated for 3 consecutive weekdays. Daily nutrient intake was calculated using the NutriBase IV Clinical Edition Software package. Energy, protein, total lipids, saturated fatty acids, cholesterol, phosphorus, and sodium intake of forest workers was higher than the RDIs and significantly higher (P <.05) than that of researchers. Most forest workers (90.47%) and researchers (95.32%) consumed less carbohydrate than the RDIs. Dietary fiber, riboflavin, vitamin E, vitamin D, and minerals intake was less than the RDI in both groups. Especially low was the daily intake of vitamin D and iodine in forest workers in comparison to RDIs and researchers. The results indicate that fundamental changes in daily nutrient intake for both groups are recommended. (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.