Study of calories and macronutrients intake in people of Rasht and Qazvin

A balanced nutrition is in direct association with health. To compare calories and macronutrients intake in people from two areas of Rasht and Qazin cities. This cross sectional study was on performed on 1100 person over 30 years [cluster random] in Rasht and Qazin in 2003. Dietary assessment was performed using a standard questionnaire. Student t-test and Pierson correlation were used for statistical analyses. Finding: We found that a series of unhealthy food habits such as consumption of hydrogenated fats, fried meat and vegetables, addition of extra salt to meals at time of eating were frequent in two cities. While there was a higher consumption of bread, legumes, meat and candies in Qazvin, demands for nutrients such as rice, dairy products, fruits, fast and poultry were higher in Rasht. Daily calories intake > 3000 kcal and consumption of macronutrients such as lipid > 100gr, carbohydrates > 550gr and proteins >100gr was more evident in Qazin. There were unhealthy dietary habits in two areas. No appropriate balance was seen between nutrients intake [low proteins, high fats and high carbohydrates]. Correction of food habits and also more emphasis on nutrition education are recommended

Comparison of vitamin A, C, B[6], B[12], and Folic Acid intakes in two areas of Rasht and Qavzin

An adequate vitamin intake is necessary for proper body function. To determine vitamin [A, C, B6, B12 and folic acid] intakes among people from two areas of Rasht and Qazvin. This cross-sectional study was performed on 1100 cases over 30 years in Rasht and Qazvin in 2003. Dietary assessment was performed using questionnaire. Statistical analysis was carried out using Chi-square test. Over 70% of people in Rasht and more than 60% in Qazvin received less than 1000 IU vitamin A. Two percent of cases in Rasht and less than 10% in Qazvin didn't receive adequate vitamin C. However, three quarter of subjects in Rasht received vitamin C intake at level higher than recommended intake. Regarding vitamins B6 and B12, no deficiency was observed. In these two cities, only 20% of men and less than 10% of the women received adequate folic acid. Most people particularly women received lower levels of both vitamin A and folic acid compared to recommended intakes

prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among population aged over 30 years in Rasht and Qazvin

Previous studies show that the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors is high in Iran. To determine the cardiovascular risk factors in cities of Rasht and Qazvin. This cross sectional study was performed on 1100 persons over 30 years in cities of Rasht and Qazvin in 2003. Serum lipids including triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and fasting blood sugar were determined. Parameters such as height, weight, waist and hip circumferences and blood pressure were also measured. The results showed that the prevalence of obesity was significantly [P<0.05] higher in women [20% in Rasht and 18.8% in Qazvin with BMI>30]. Hypertriglyceridemia of more than 300 mg/dl was more prevalent in Rasht [14% of women and 16.5% of men]. Hypercholesterolemia greater than 240 mg/dl was more prevalent among women in Rasht and also men in Qazvin [23% of women in Rasht and 17.8% of men in Qazvin]. Low levels of HDL-C were found in Rasht among both sexes [32.5% of women and 60.2% of men with less than 35 mg/dl]. FBS levels were slightly higher in Rasht population [10.9% of women and 8.1% of men with more than 140 mg/dl] compared to people from Qazvin. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly higher [P<0.05] in Qazvin. Based on the data found in our present study, the cardiovascular risk factors are more prevalent in both cities particularly in Rasht. It seems that more educational recommendations, propagation of physical activities and also the modification of food consumption habits are necessary