Dietary intake in Swedish medical students during 2007–2012

Background: The dietary intake in Swedish medical students has been reported for the periods 1987–1993 and 1994–2006. Objective: To analyse dietary intake in medical students between 2007 and 2012, in relation to Nordic Nutrition Recommendations, to previous surveys and to a contemporary Swedish population. Design: Nutrient intake was calculated from 3-day food records conducted by 698 medical students. The differences between surveys were evaluated using a t-test and the changes over time by linear regression. Results: The energy intake in valid female and male reporters was 8.7 and 11.9 MJ respectively. The intake of protein, fat and alcohol, as proportions of energy (E%) and dietary fibre, was within recommendations. The intake of most micronutrients was above recommendations, except for vitamin D, and in women, iron and folate. In women, E% fat increased between 2007 and 2012, while E% carbohydrate decreased. Compared to the 1994–2006 period, medical students in the present survey consumed less carboh...