Nutrient intakes among Jordanian adolescents based on gender and body mass index

Background: This study was conducted to examine the dietary intakes of macro-and micronutrients for a Jordanian adolescents based on gender and compare their intake to the Dietary Recommended Intakes (DRIs). Methods: A sample of 398 male and female adolescents, aged 14-18 years, were recruited from private and public schools using convenience sampling. Socio-demographic questionnaire and 3-days food record were self-reported. Bodyweight and height were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated for all participants. Results: There were no significant differences between male and female adolescents regarding the intake of micro and macronutrients except for protein, insoluble fibre, saturated fat, cholesterol, omega-6, vitamin E and calcium. The intake of insoluble fibre (g/day), omega-6 (g/day), and vitamin E (mg/day) was significantly higher in female adolescents (3.1?0.1, 5.6?0.5, and 3.1?0.3, respectively, P? 0.05) compared to male adolescents (2.9?0.1, 5.1?0.4, and 2.5?0.2, respectively, P? 0.05). On the other hand, the intakes of protein (g/day), saturated fat (g/day), cholesterol (mg/day), calcium (mg/day) were significantly higher in male adolescents (90.1?2.3, 31.7?1.0, 339.2?18.3, and 651.5?27.8) as compared with female adolescents (79.2?2.1, 29.2?1.2, 263.6?14.9, and 555.2?21.7)(P? 0.05). Comparing of the adolescents? nutrients intake to the DRIs, many nutrients were found to be below or above the recommendations.