Calcium nutritional status and its relation to oral health, exercise, and lifestyle in a group of students ranging 18 to 34 years old

Abstract

Calcium (Ca) nutritional status, oral health, exercise and lifestyle was evaluated in 25 college students (ISALUD University): 28% of males and 72% women (18 to 34 years old). Weekly consumption, frequency, dietary practices, exercise, and lifestyle (consumption of cigarettes, soft drinks, contraceptives, etc.) were recorded. Blood and 2-h urine sample was obtained in a fasting state. Dental–oral status and total skeletal BMD by DXA was assessed. Body weight was 59.8±12.6 kg. Dairy products consumptionwas quite low, so 96% had Ca intake below the adequate intake and 48% <500 mg/d; 16% did not consume fruits and 4% vegetables. Good quality protein intake (<0.66 g/kg) was deficient in 36% of the students. The 100% of the students had chronic gingivitis, 68% oral soft tissue injuries, 72% bruxism, and 84% tightening. Of the students, 68% had high consumption of sugar (MA)>4. Also, 48% showed partial tooth loss (83% had MA >4 and 92% consumed soft drink daily). Only 20% exercised every day, 24% exercised 2–3 times per week, and 20% did not exercise at all. The remaining hiked regularly. The 39% of women took contraceptives and 39% women and 14% menwere smokers. Conclusion: Based on the results obtained, there is a high Ca deficiency in the studied group with dietary and lifestyle habits that would affect oral health and, in the future, skeleton status. A nutrition education would benefit the nutritional status and would improve life quality of subjects.–oral status and total skeletal BMD by DXA was assessed. Body weight was 59.8±12.6 kg. Dairy products consumptionwas quite low, so 96% had Ca intake below the adequate intake and 48% <500 mg/d; 16% did not consume fruits and 4% vegetables. Good quality protein intake (<0.66 g/kg) was deficient in 36% of the students. The 100% of the students had chronic gingivitis, 68% oral soft tissue injuries, 72% bruxism, and 84% tightening. Of the students, 68% had high consumption of sugar (MA)>4. Also, 48% showed partial tooth loss (83% had MA >4 and 92% consumed soft drink daily). Only 20% exercised every day, 24% exercised 2–3 times per week, and 20% did not exercise at all. The remaining hiked regularly. The 39% of women took contraceptives and 39% women and 14% menwere smokers. Conclusion: Based on the results obtained, there is a high Ca deficiency in the studied group with dietary and lifestyle habits that would affect oral health and, in the future, skeleton status. A nutrition education would benefit the nutritional status and would improve life quality of subjects.–3 times per week, and 20% did not exercise at all. The remaining hiked regularly. The 39% of women took contraceptives and 39% women and 14% menwere smokers. Conclusion: Based on the results obtained, there is a high Ca deficiency in the studied group with dietary and lifestyle habits that would affect oral health and, in the future, skeleton status. A nutrition education would benefit the nutritional status and would improve life quality of subjects.