Magnesium, Zinc and Copper Intake by Polish University Students

Ewa Joanna Szymelfejnik, Lidia Wadolowska and Roman Cichon

The aim of the work was to analyze the consumption of three minerals: magnesium, zinc and copper among Polish university students. The study included 708 university students aged 18-26 years. Nutritional value of students' diet was assessed using the 24-hour recall method. The minerals intake among students was compared to Polish Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI). Male students consumed more magnesium, zinc and copper than female students in comparison to the RDI (on average, male: Mg-91%, Zn-99%, Cu-67%; female: Mg-73%, Zn-80%, Cu-42%). The average male students' diets were compatible with the recommended dietary intake of magnesium and zinc. The copper intake connected with high deficiency risk was observed among over 50% of male students. The average female students' diets had too low content of all three minerals. The intake indicating high deficiency risk was revealed among 40-50% of female students for magnesium and zinc and about 90% of them for copper.