Comparison of Mineral and Vitamin Intakes According to the Stage of Change in Fruit and Vegetable Intake for Elementary School Students in Chungnam Province

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to compare the mineral and vitamin intake according to the stage of change in fruit and vegetable intake. The subjects consisted of 256 students, 122 males and 134 females, who are fourth, fifth and sixth grade in an elementary school located in Yeongi-Gun, Chungnam province. The dietary intake was examined by 24 hr dietary recall for 1 day and by food record for 2 days from April 19 to May 01, 2007. Stage of change of intake of fruits and vegetables of the students was categorized into three groups precontemplation, contemplation and preparation, and action. The subjects at the stage of action took kimchi and vegetables more frequently, and also took more vitamin C as well. But the subjects at other two stages did not show any difference in the intake of any food group and nutrients. Percentage of the male subjects who took less than EAR did not show any significant difference by stage of change in all the nutrients. However, there was gradual decrease in the percentage of female taking less than EAR of vitamin C and vitamin B2. The result concludes that vitamin C intake significantly increase gradually as the stages of behavioral change of fruit and vegetable intake proceed although almost all vitamins and minerals tended to increase.