Nutrition knowledge, outcome expectations, self-efficacy, and eating behaviors by calcium intake level in Korean female college students

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Calcium is important but deficient in diets of young adult women. This study aimed to examine if cognitive factors and eating behaviors differ according to calcium intake based on the Social Cognitive Theory. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Subjects were female college students in Seoul, Korea. Three hundred students completed the questionnaire regarding calcium intake, nutrition knowledge, outcome expectations, self-efficacy and eating behaviors. Data on 240 students were analyzed using t-test or chi2-test. Subjects were categorized into two groups, high calcium intake (HC, > or = 650 mg/day) and low calcium intake (LC, < 650 mg/day), according to recommended intakes of calcium for women aged 19-29 years. RESULTS: The LC group constituted 77.9% of total subjects. Nutrition knowledge was not different according to calcium intake. Three out of 12 outcome expectations items were significantly different between the HC and LC groups. Subjects in the HC group agreed more strongly with the practical benefits of consuming calcium-rich foods, including 'taste' (P < 0.01) and 'going well with other snacks' (P < 0.05), compared to those in the LC group. Negative expectations of 'indigestion' were stronger in the LC group than HC group (P < 0.001). Among self-efficacy items, perceived ability of 'eating dairy foods for snacks' (P < 0.001), 'eating dairy foods every day' (P < 0.01), and 'eating calcium-rich side dishes at meals' (P < 0.05) differed significantly between the HC and LC groups. Eating behaviors including more frequent consumption of dairy foods, fruits or fruit juice (P < 0.001), anchovy, seaweeds, green vegetables, protein-rich foods (P < 0.05), and less frequent consumption of sweets or soft drinks (P < 0.01) were significantly related to calcium intake. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that outcome expectations, self-efficacy in consuming calcium-rich foods, and eating behaviors are important in explaining calcium intake. Nutrition education needs to address practical benefits, reduce negative expectations of calcium-rich foods, increase self-efficacy, and modify eating behaviors contributing to calcium intake.

Analysis of Path Model Based on Objectification Theory for College Women's Eating Disorder Symptomatology / 여성건강간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was to examine the fitness of a path model based on the objectification theory and to expand it by including the new variables to explain eating disorder symptomatology (EDS). METHODS: The subjects consisted of 444 college women. Data was collected through self-report questionnaires that measured self-objectification (SO), social physique anxiety (SPA) and EDS as the original variables in the objectification theory, and influence of mass media (IMM) and sex-role attitude (SRA) as the new variables. Data was analyzed by SPSS/WIN 12.0 and Amos 5.0 programs. RESULTS: IMM and SRA showed direct effect on SO. IMM had direct and indirect effect on SPA and EDS. SRA had direct and indirect effect on EDS, but only indirect effect on SPA. SO and SPA influenced EDS directly, and SO influenced indirectly EDS. CONCLUSION: Path analyses indicated support for the original theory and the expanded theory. It is necessary for repeated studies including various age groups of women to clarify the applicability of the objectification theory to Korean women's eating disorders. And it were recommended that we should promote womens' criticism of the image and message about the perfect female body presented in the mass media, and to highlight the relationship of gender equality to women's eating disorders in health education.

A Comparative Study Assessing Metabolic Profile and Diet Quality in College Women According to Their Mother's Diabetes Mellitus

The objective of this study was to assess the metabolic profiles and diet quality in college women by their mother's diabetes mellitus status. The study subjects, all college women, were classified into two groups based on the their mother's diabetes mellitus status: the offspring group (OG) and the control group (CG). The OG exhibited significantly higher body mass indices (p<0.01), percentages of ideal body weight (p<0.05) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (p<0.05) values than the CG. Additionally, the OG showed significantly higher daily average intakes of total energy (p<0.05), fat (p<0.001), riboflavin (p<0.01) and calcium (0.01) than the CG. The indices of nutritional quality of protein (p<0.05) and Na (p<0.05) in the CG were significantly higher than those of the OG. However, we noted no significant differences in the mean adequacy ratio between the CG and OG. Overall, our results demonstrated that this factor appears to potentially be related to the subjects' mother's diabetes status. However, CG and OG were significantly different within normal range. Furthermore, nutrient adequacy indices in the CG were not assessed well in regard to energy, riboflavin, vitamin C, and calcium. Therefore, it appears that ideal body weight and diet quality should be controlled in order to prevent diabetes and diet-related problems, both in the CG and the OG.

A Comparative Study Assessing Metabolic Profile and Diet Quality in College Women According to Their Mother's Diabetes Mellitus

The objective of this study was to assess the metabolic profiles and diet quality in college women by their mother's diabetes mellitus status. The study subjects, all college women, were classified into two groups based on the their mother's diabetes mellitus status: the offspring group (OG) and the control group (CG). The OG exhibited significantly higher body mass indices (p<0.01), percentages of ideal body weight (p<0.05) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (p<0.05) values than the CG. Additionally, the OG showed significantly higher daily average intakes of total energy (p<0.05), fat (p<0.001), riboflavin (p<0.01) and calcium (0.01) than the CG. The indices of nutritional quality of protein (p<0.05) and Na (p<0.05) in the CG were significantly higher than those of the OG. However, we noted no significant differences in the mean adequacy ratio between the CG and OG. Overall, our results demonstrated that this factor appears to potentially be related to the subjects' mother's diabetes status. However, CG and OG were significantly different within normal range. Furthermore, nutrient adequacy indices in the CG were not assessed well in regard to energy, riboflavin, vitamin C, and calcium. Therefore, it appears that ideal body weight and diet quality should be controlled in order to prevent diabetes and diet-related problems, both in the CG and the OG.

Effectiveness of Nutrition Education on Dietary Habits and Diet Quality in the Weight Loss and Weight Gain Groups in College Women

This study attempted to evaluate the effectiveness of nutrition education especially high nutrient density diet, which promotes low carbohydrate, high protein and fiber. Sixty nine college students participated in the 8 week weight management program with nutrition education. After the program, forty six experienced a small amount of weight loss (WL group, 1.3 kg), but twenty three did not (WG group). The WL group's dietary habits and diet quality improved significantly. The INQ of nutrients and MAR significantly increased only in the WL group. The total DQI-I score significantly increased from 71.1 to 75.3 in the WL group, but it did not in the WG group. The total dietary habit scores significantly increased in both groups, but the changes in the dietary habit scores were greater than the WG group in the WL group. After the program, total cholesterol and triglyceride level decreased significantly in the WL group (p < 0.05). These results show that nutrition education which focuses on a nutrient density diet could help improve dietary habits, diet quality, total cholesterol, and the triglyceride level in college women.

Effects of Nutrition Counseling on Quality of Diet, Iron Status and Hematic Parameters in College Women Who Have Self-Recognized Anemic Symptoms / 대한지역사회영양학회지

Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional problem that affects people of all ages in both industrialized and developing countries. Especially, college women are the target population for dietary iron deficiency. Recent study showed that the nutritional status of college women was poor because of insufficient food consumption and repeatabled weight reduction. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of nutrition counseling on the diet quality, nutritional status of iron and hematic parameters in college women who have self-recognized anemic symptoms. Anthropometric and dietary assessments as well as blood analysis, were carried out before and after the 8 weeks of nutrition counseling. During the experimental period, the 31 subjects were given nutrition education by a clinical dietitian. Nutrition counseling consisted of pathology of anemia, nutrition information for iron deficient anemia, diet information of balanced meals and menu choices for eating out. As a result, the frequencies of consumption of legumen and vegetables significantly increased after nutrition counseling (p < 0.05). Daily intakes of protein, especially animal protein, vitamin E, niacin, heme iron, and zinc significantly increased (p < 0.05). After nutrition counseling, some self-reported clinical symptoms such as 'dizziness', 'fatigue', 'short of breath', 'headache', 'sleeplessness', and 'beating heart' were significantly improved. Serum levels of transferrin (p < 0.01) and total iron binding capacity levels (p < 0.05) significantly increased. It could be concluded that the 8 weeks of nutrition counseling might be effective on quality of diet as well as iron status and it might also improve the some hematic parameters in college women who have self-recognized anemic symptoms.

Internalization of the Sociocultural Attitudes, Body Shape Satisfaction, Anger and Eating Attitudes in College Women / 여성건강간호학회지

PURPOSE: The descriptive study was designed to examine the relationship of eating attitudes to the internalization of sociocultural attitudes, body shape satisfaction, anger and anger expression in college women. METHOD: 247 women were recruited from one college located in Seoul, Korea. The instruments used were the Internalization subscale of SATAQ-3R, BSQ for body shape satisfaction, Spielberger's state trait anger expression inventory-Korean version for anger and anger expression, and the Eating Attitude Test(EAT-26) for eating attitudes. RESULTS: The score of EAT significantly correlated with internalization, state anger, body shape satisfaction, and anger expression except trait anger. The significant predictors of eating attitudes in college women were body shape satisfaction and anger expression, explaining 55% of the variance in eating attitudes. CONCLUSION: This study showed that body shape satisfaction is an important predictor for an eating disorder. Therefore, various programs for cognitive changes correcting the understanding about body and weight need to be developed in the future.

Factors Affecting Bone Mineral Density by Dietary Pattern Group for some Korean College Women

To investigate the effects of dietary patterns on bone mineral density and its biochemical markers among Korean healthy college women for 2 years, 34 female college students were recruited through convenience sampling. Bone mineral density was measured using Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) twice at baseline and two years later. Osteocalcin and parathyroid hormone were measured in fasting serum and N-teleopeptides of type collagen (NTx) in urine. Dietary intake was assessed by 24-hour recall method 8 times with average 4-month interval. Dietary patterns with percent energy of each food group using cluster analysis were classified into two groups. The first cluster (n = 16) was characterized with high consumption of bread, snack, fast foods, beverage and considerable of rice so it was determined as "Modified dietary pattern group". The second cluster was characterized with high consumption of rice and kimchi so determined as "Traditional dietary pattern group". There were no significant difference of age, menarcheal age, body mass index but percent of body fat by pattern groups. The traditional group showed higher value of bone mineral density among lumber spine and all femur sites at baseline and 2 years later but it was not significant after adjusted for percent of body fat. Serum osteocalcin and urine NTx was higher among the traditional group at baseline than the modified group. There were similar proportions of carbohydrate:fat:protein between groups but significantly higher intake of protein, iron, vitamin A among the traditional group. In conclusion, there were two distinctive dietary patterns among Korean college women. There was difference of bone mineral density and its biochemical markers between two patterns. Further research would be necessary to explore the relationship between dietary patterns and health risks for larger-sized and various populations.

Food Intake and Clinical Blood Indices of Female College Students by Body Mass Index / 대한지역사회영양학회지

This study was conducted to investigate the relationships among body composition, dietary intake, and clinical blood indices in college students by body mass index (BMI). Their body compositions were determined by means of BIA (Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis) method. Their dietary intake was determined using a 3-day record method and their hematological indices were determined by semi-automated microcell counter (Sysmex F-520). Their serum lipid levels were measured using biochemical analyzer (Spotchem). Subjects were classified as underweight, normal or overweight groups according to their BMI. The subjects were 69 healthy college students aged 20 to 26 years. The average age, height, weight, and BMI was 21.3 years, 162.6 cm, 54.4 kg, and 20.6 cm/m2, respectively. Their average consumption of energy was 1693 kcal, 84.7% of RDA and their mean ratio of carbohydrate: protein: fat were 54.5 : 16.4 : 29.0. There was no significant difference in nutrient intake among the groups except beta-carotene and vitamin C. The beta-carotene intake was significantly higher in the underweight group. Vitamin C intake was significantly higher in the overweight group. The mean intakes of Ca, Fe, Zn and folate of subjects were 74.8% to 83.2% of RDA. Especially, intakes of Ca, Fe, Zn and folate were lower in the abnormal weight groups. The overall mean values of the hematological indices in female college students were within the normal range and there was no significant difference among the groups. However, anemic subjects with hemoglobin (<12 g/dl) and hematocrit (<36 g/dl) accounted for about 11% of the subjects. The overall mean values of the serum lipid levels were within the normal range and there was no significant difference among the groups. But serum HDL-cholesterol level of the overweight group was lower than that of the other groups. LDL-/HDL-cholesterol ratio and AI index were significantly higher in the overweight group compared to the other groups. Based upon this study, it is necessary for college women to be educated regarding consuming more Ca, Fe, Zn, folate and less fat and cholesterol in order to have better health promotion.

An Analysis of Related Factors and Nutrients Intake Affecting Bone Mineral Density of College Women in Daegu Area

This study was conducted to examine bone mineral density and factors which effect on bone mineral density such as daily nutrients intake, age, menarch age and physical condition among healthy female college students in Daegu area from April 20, to May 20, 2004. 1. Average age was 20.5+/-0.96 years old, average height was 160.9+/-4.30cm, and average weight was 55.9+/-7.67kg. Body mass index was 21.6+/-2.91kg/m2, body fat was 25.6+/-5.79%, menarche age was average 12.5+/-1.1 years old and WHR(waist/hip circumference ratio) was 0.8+/-0.01cm/cm. 2. Average level of bone mineral density(T-score -0.56+/-0.91) was in normal range. But, 11 persons(24.4%) are over T-score -1.0, 33 persons(73.4%) were within -1.0 ~ -2.5 and one person(2.2%) was under -2.5. It is very anxious level for Osteopenia-low bone mass, as research result shows 73.4% of the subject of examine on the level of Osteopenia. 3. Daily calorie intake was 2,550kcal and each nutrient intake, compared to the seventh recommended dietary allowances for korean, was as follows ; Calorie 112%, protein 123%, calcium 78%, phosphorus 137%, iron 68%, vitamin A 101%, vitamin B1 141%, vitamin B2 95%, niacin 107%, vitamin C 128% and zinc 120%. The ratio of calcium to phosphorus(Ca/P) is 0.66, low compared to RDA, but phosphorus intake is so high compared to RDA that precautions should be taken. The ratio of calcium to protein(Ca/Protein) is 8.55. 4. Menarche age and bone mineral density of calcaneus showed positive correlation and body mass index(BMI) indicated positive correlation. Age, height, weight. WHR and physical activity coefficient all do not indicate any significant correlation with bone mineral density. 5. Intake of Calorie, Ca, Ca/p ratio, carbohydrate and fat intake were positively correlated and, protein was negatively correlated, and Fe, Na, P and cholesterol were negatively correlated with BMD. These results indicate that average bone mineral density of subjects was in normal range, but subjects in the stage of osteopenia-low bone mass are many and bad effects are expected to have on their bone mineral density after menopause. Therefore, in order reach maximal bone mineral density, they should improve the balance between calcium and phosphorus and reduce salt intake. And it is thought that education and profound studies on relevant factors affecting the genesis of bone mineral density should be made.

Effect of Dietary, Biochemical and Other Factors on Bone Mineral Density Change for 2 Years in Korean College Women

This study was conducted to examine whether bone mineral density changes in 55 young Korean college women aged 19 to 26 years over 2 years and nutritional and biochemical factors are related. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured in the spine (LS), femoral neck (FN), ward's triangle (WT), and femoral trochanter (FT) by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry three times at one-year intervals. Serum osteocalcin (OC), parathyroid hormone (PTH), and urinary cross-linked N-teleopeptides of type collagen (NTx) were measured. Dietary intake was assessed 8 times with 24-hour recall method. Physical activity (PA) was obtained by questionnaire and body fat content was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis at baseline and after 2 years. Analyses were performed on 34 subjects with all three BMD measurements. The BMDs at the lumbar spine gradually increased over 2 years, while the BMDs of three sites at the femur were sustained or increased. The mean OC, PTH had a similar pattern with the change of BMD at the femur. The mean NTx decreased over 2 years but was still higher than those in other studies. BMI, body fat, vitamin A and zinc intake had a significant correlation with LS-BMD. Femur, PTH, body fat, vitamin A, vitamin B2 and calcium intake had a significant correlation with WT-BMD and was mostly influenced by diet. By multiple regression analysis, it was shown that the significant factors affecting the LS-BMD were BMI and vitamin A intake and those affecting FN and WT were age, BMI, PTH and calcium intake. These results indicate that some Korean women still experience increases in BMD and that this was associated with PTH and vitamin A and calcium intake. Therefore, proper diet and diet management is needed to increase changes in BMD among college women.

Sociological Study on the Development of College Women Teachers'Academic Profession / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Academic profession is a professional job in which one pursues knowledge and explores the truth.It should be a gender-neutral value tropism,but this is not really the case.Based on sociology latitudes of gender segregation and role conflict,the author discusses the development of college female teachers on academic profession,and reveals the gender inequality on the academic profession.

Studies on Lipid Intake, Serum Lipid Profiles and Serum Fatty Acid Composition in College Women Who Smoke / 대한지역사회영양학회지

Cigarette smoking has long been recognized as a major risk factor in the development of coronary heart disease. Several investigators have reported the strong association between smoking and high serum cholesterol, triglyceride concentration, SFA and low HDL cholesterol, PUFA and omega6 concentrations. Therefore, this study was done to investigate the effect of smoking on the serum lipid profile and fatty acid composition of college women. Sixty-one non-smokers and twenty-seven smokers were selected from college women students in the Seoul area. Their lipid intake, serum lipid concentration and fatty acid composition were examined. There were no differences in the general characteristics and anthropometric indices between the smokers and non-smokers. However, alcohol consumption was significantly higher in smokers than non-smokers (p<0.001). The daily caloric intake of smokers and non-smokers were 1875.84 kcal and 1915.53 kacl, respectively. On the other hand, the mean daily intake of lipids and cholesterol were significantly lower in smokers (p<0.05). In smokers, the mean concentrations of serum total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio were higher, and the compositions of EPA and DHA were lowe than in non-smokers. There was a negative correlation between the serum triglyceride and PUFA levels in the two groups. Also, serum HDL-C correlated negatively with MUFA in smokers and non-smokers (p<0.01). These results suggest that smoking cause inadequate changes in serum lipid profile and serum fatty acid composition, thereby increasing the tendency for coronary heart disease.

Longitudinal study of annual change of bone mass at weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing sites in college women / 体力科学

To examine the relationship between sports activity and bone mass acquisition, we observed one-year changes in the bone mineral content and density (BMC and BMD) of weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing bone in 68 college women who had participated in various sports since the age of 18.5 years on average. Based on their sports experience, the subjects were divided into four groups: Group A: 18 students who have not had participated in any kind of sports activity since junior high school days ; Group B: 8 students who had participated in team sports at junior and senior high school, then stopped practicing after entering college ; Group C: 14 students who had participated in team sports since junior high school ; Group D: 28 rhythmic sports gymnasts. Whole-body and regional BMC in the head, trunk, arms and legs, and BMD of the lumbar spine and proximal femur were measured using an XR-26 DXA scanner. Height, weight and calcium intake were similar among the four groups, and during the experiment their values changed little. With regard to annual changes in BMC and BMD for weight-bearing regions: 1) In Group A, no signifi-cant increases were observed in any of the body regions; 2) In Groups B and C, only the lumbar spine showed a significant increase. Comparing the changes in BMD in these two groups, Group C showed a larger increase than Group B, although the value did not reach statistical significance ; 3) In Group D, significant increases in BMD for the lumbar spine and femoral neck and in BMC for the trunk and legs were found. The annual changes in BMD were significantly higher than Group A. As to annual changes in non-weight-bearing bones such as those in the head and arms, there were not significant differences among the groups. These data indicate that sports practice may affect changes in bone mass in weight-bearing regions in female college students. Furthermore, it is possible that the amount and quality of sports training may influence the peak bone mass and its timing.

An Attitudinal Study on Health Lifestyle of College Women / 간호학회지

This study measures the subjectivity(opinions attitudes)of college women. Identifying the schemata(structure of subjectivity) would be a basic step for the women's health education and the promotion to alternative strategies of women's health nursing. More concretely, these following research questions are focused. 1) The subjective schemata: find out typologies based on the opinions and attitudes toward the health lifestyle. 2) Applications: describe the characteristics of each type. 3) Alternatives: provide suggestion of the promotion to alternative strategies for women's health nursing. Q-Methodological method was used for that purpose. As for the research method, Q-statements were preliminary collected in the study fro through in-depth interviews and a literature review. For the study 36 Q-statements were selected. 33 college women were used as subjects for research. the 33 college women sorted the 36 statements using the principle of forced Normal distribution. The principle of forced Normal Distribution, which has nine scales to measure the individual opinions, was called. Q-Factor Analysis by using PC Quanl Program to supply the material. According to the outcomes of this study, there were three categories of special opinions about the health lifestyle in college women. The first type is called Initiatived Health Management Type. the second type is called Social Activity Centered Type. the third type is called Positive Outlook Type. Through the result of this study, the health lifestyle could be identified by 3 types, therefore the nurses needed to understand each women's meaning to health lifestyle so they could develop the appropriate nursing intervention based the typology of the health lifestyle this study explore. Finally, the result of the study will provide clues for developing a nursing interventional program and alternative strategies for the health promotion lifestyle in college women.

Iron Nutritional Status of Female college Students Residing in the Kyungin Area / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The purpose of this study was to assess the iron nutritional status of college women residing in the Kyungin area. The anthropometric parameters, nutrient intake, and biochemical status of iron were measured for 102 college women. The mean height and weight were 160.3 cm and 52.4 kg, respectively. The proportion of subjects whose BMI was less than 20 was 41.3%. The proportion of subjects assessed as overweight(25 or =25%) assessed by the fat percent(FP) was 53.9%. The mean daily intake of iron was 13.90mg(77.1% of RDA), composed of 0.97mg of heme iron and 12.93mg of nonheme iron. the iron intake computed with the chemical analysis of food was 12.44mg(69.0% of RDA). When the sources of iron were grouped as rice(including bread), noodle, soup, side dish, and snack, noodle provided, 3.95mg of iron regarded as the highest amount. Subjects were taking 6.72mg(51.4% of RDA) of iron per day from main dishes(rice, bread and noddle). The fifty percent of the subjects showed iron depletion(serum ferritin<20ng/ml) and 33.4% showed suppressed erythropoiesis with iron deficiency(serum ferritin<10ng/ml). The anemic subjects assessed with transferrin saturation(<155) represented 33.3% of the test population, whereas 11.8% of the subjects possessed less than 12g/dl of hemoglobin. Subjects not satisfed with their body shape were having significantly lower amount of energy intake(p<0.05) than the subjects satisfied with their body shape. College women having mothers who graduated from university had a significantly decreased amount of energy, carbohydrates, fat and vitamin C(p<0.05). The mean RBC and serum iron of the subjects who were on a diet more than one mouth were lower than those of the subjects who were not on a diet(p<0.05).

A Study on Dietary Intakes and Nutritional Status in College Women Smokers - I. Anthropometric Measurements and Nutrient Intakes / 대한지역사회영양학회지

In order to investigate the dietary intakes and physical characteristics in college women smokers, interviews using questionnaires were done on 33 smokers and 42 nonsmokers residing in seoul area. General living habits, dietary habits, food consumption frequency and nutrient intake by quick estimation were investigated through direct interviews with subjects. Subjects height, weight and blood pressure were measured, and body fat percentage were statistically analyzed using Bio-electrical Impedence Fatness Analyzer(GIF-891). All data were statistically analyzed by SAS PC package program ; percentage or mean and standard error were examined for each item, and the significant difference was evaluated by chi-square test or Student's t-test at alpha=0.05. In the analysis of taste and food preference, smokers consumed larger amount of alcohol and coffee than nonsmokers ; they also disliked sweet taste. The results of food consumption frequency data also showed that smokers consumed less fish, milk and fruits but consumed more instant foods than nonsmokers. As a result of anthropometric measurements, height, age, and body fat percentage showed no difference, but there was a significant difference in weight, BMI, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure. Energy intake in nonsmokers was 1640 kcal/day(CHO : Pro : Fat=66.0 : 14.7 : 19.3), in smokers. Intakes of calcium, iron, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, and niacin in smokers were not significantly different from those of nonsmokers.

A Study on Dietary Intakes and Nutritional Status in College Women Smokers - II. Assessment of Nutritional Status for Antioxidant Vitamins / 대한지역사회영양학회지

This study was done to compare the nutritional status of antioxidant vitamins between college women smokers and nonsmokers. Dietary intakes and serum levels of antioxidant vitamins were determined in 33 smokers and 42 nonsmokers residing in the Seoul area. Dietary intakes of vitamin A and C were determined by a quick and convenient dietary intake method. Serum vitamin C level was measured by 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine method and serum levels of vitamin A and E were measured by HPLC. The mean A intake of nonsmokers and smokers was 504.3 microgram R.E./day and 450. 4 microgram R.E./day and the mean vitamic C intake of nonsmokers and smokers was 51.6mg/day and 50.2mg/day, reapectively. There was no difference in the dietary intakes of antioxidant vitamins between smokers and nonsmokers. The serum vitamin A level, 0.71mg/1 in nonsmokers was not significantly different from that of 0.74mg/1 in smokers. However, the serum vitamin C level, 7.94mg/1 in smokers was 15% lower(p<0.05) than that of 9.30mg/1 in nonsmokers. The serum vitamin E level, 18.15mg/1 in smoders was also 34% lower(p<0.05) than that of 27.58mg/1 in nonsmokers. There was no significant correlation between dietary intakes and serum levels of vitamin A and C for both smokers and nonsmokers. These results suggest that cigarette smokers need more dietary intakes of vitamin C and E than do nonsmokers to reach the same serum level.