Assessment of Dietary Calcium Intake and Calcium Status Among Adolescent Girls in Coimbatore, India

Abstract

Objective: To assess the dietary calcium intake and overall calcium status among adolescent girls in Coimbatore and surrounding areas, with the aim of contributing to global efforts to reduce calcium deficiency-related health issues.

Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted involving 150 adolescent girls aged 17–21 years from colleges in Coimbatore. Anthropometric measurements were recorded for each participant. Calcium status was evaluated using a 24-hour dietary recall method. A meal frequency questionnaire was administered to analyze participants' dietary habits and the frequency of calcium-rich food consumption.

Results: There were notable age-related variations in calcium intake, with the mean daily calcium consumption among participants being 784.24 ± 281.15 mg/day, which is below recommended levels. Bread, vegetables, and fruits emerged as the most frequently consumed foods and the primary sources of calcium. Despite dairy products being the richest calcium sources, they contributed only 20% to the overall calcium intake of the study population.

Conclusion: The study found that calcium intake among adolescent girls is significantly lower than recommended levels, highlighting a concerning trend of inadequate calcium consumption in this age group. There is a critical need for targeted interventions such as nutrition education and awareness programs to promote calcium-rich diets among adolescent girls and prevent long-term health issues related to calcium deficiency.