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BACKGROUD: Calcium is an essential mineral critical for various physiological functions, including bone health, muscle function, nerve transmission, and vascular contraction. Despite its importance, many populations worldwide do not meet the recommended dietary intake levels of calcium, leading to potential health issues such as osteoporosis, increased fracture risk, and other metabolic disorders. Assessing dietary calcium intake is crucial for identifying at-risk groups and developing targeted nutritional interventions. Previous studies have highlighted significant variations in calcium consumption based on age, gender, socioeconomic status, and geographical location. Understanding the variations in calcium intake among different population groups is crucial for public health planning and nutritional intervention. This observational study aims to assess the dietary calcium intake within a diverse and representative sample of the general population.
OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study is to analyze the average daily consumption of dietary calcium among individuals within the general population. By determining the mean intake levels, the study endeavors to establish a baseline understanding of how well the population meets recommended dietary guidelines for calcium.
The secondary objectives of the study include identifying the main dietary sources of calcium within the population and assessing differences in calcium consumption across various demographics, such as age groups, gender, and socioeconomic status. Additionally, the study aim to examine the associations between dietary calcium intake and common health conditions, providing insights into how calcium intake may influence overall health. These secondary analyses will help uncover critical trends and disparities, informing targeted public health interventions and nutritional policies.
METHODOLOGY: The study conducted was an observational study conducted at D.Y. Patil Hospital, Nerul, Navi Mumbai, over a period of six months. A total of 100 participants were selected based on specific Inclusion criteria and Exclusion criteria. The data of participants was collected after the consent of the participants. Data collection was facilitated using a Food Frequency Table [FFT], a dietary assessment tool designed to evaluate the frequency and quantity of food intake. The FFT included a comprehensive list of food items categorized into groups, frequency categories, and quantity measures. Additional questions gathered detailed personal, health, and demographic information. Participants provided their full name, email, contact number, gender, age, height, weight, city/country, qualification, occupation, current medications, food preferences, medical conditions, and symptoms. The data was collected by using a Food Frequency Questionnaire [FFQ] and a participant proforma.
RESULT: The demographic analysis of study participants indicates a balanced gender distribution, with males comprising 48% and females 52% of the sample, ensuring representation across genders. The age distribution demonstrates that the majority of participants [47%] fall within the 21-25 years age group, facilitating a comprehensive analysis across different life stages. BMI categories reveal potential areas for health interventions, with 51% of participants having a normal BMI, while occupation-wise, students make up 57% of the sample, potentially influencing lifestyle factors. Additionally, food preference data highlights that 65% prefer non-vegetarian food, impacting nutritional findings. Medical condition and symptom reports provide insight into participants' health status, guiding potential interventions. Calcium intake analysis reveals that participants fall short of the Recommended Dietary Allowance [RDA], with no significant differences observed across age groups, gender, socioeconomic status, or medical conditions, underscoring the need for improved nutritional guidelines to enhance calcium intake across the population.
CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the study conducted at DY Patil University in Navi Mumbai provides valuable insights into the daily calcium intake habits of a diverse group of individuals. Despite efforts to include balanced representation across genders and age groups, findings reveal that participants consumed an average of 598.46 mg of calcium per day, falling below recommended levels. This deficiency spans across demographics, indicating a widespread issue that necessitates broad-based interventions. While certain dietary habits were identified, they alone were insufficient to meet calcium requirements, emphasizing the importance of a varied diet. The study underscores the role of socioeconomic status in influencing dietary habits and highlights opportunities for health interventions, particularly addressing prevalent conditions like hypertension and diabetes alongside efforts to improve dietary habits. Overall, the research underscores the importance of promoting better dietary habits and enhancing calcium intake across all segments of society to improve overall health outcomes. |