STUDY ON NUTRITION IN YOUNG PEOPLE AGED 20 TO 25 AND DEFINITION OF FOOD PATTERN SUSTAINABLE ELEMENTS IN THIS AGE GROUP

Aim: This study aims to examine nutrition in students aged 20 to 25 years and to identify the sustainable food pattern elements of this age group.Materials and methods: The nutritional intake of 6 food groups (cereals and potatoes; vegetables and fruits; milk and dairy products; meat, fish, eggs, legumes and nuts; added fat and sugar, sugar products, confectionery) was analyzed in 185 students from the Medical University-Plovdiv (of all specialties), aged 20 to 25, 152 women (82.2%) and 33 men (17.8) by conducting a direct group survey. A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used. The question was "How often do you consume the following foods / drinks?" and 46 foods and drinks were listed. The frequency of intake was estimated on a five-point scale from daily, almost daily; at least once a week; at least once a month; 1-2 times a year to never. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v.17 software package.Results: The results showed that the majority of students (90.8%) consumed mixed foods (containing both animal and vegetable products). Fruits and vegetables were the nutritional group most commonly consumed by the students, followed by milk and milk products; cereals and potatoes; sugar and confectionery and comparatively less frequently meat and fish. 92.8% of the respondents consumed water daily. Daily consumption of fizzy drinks was reported only by 11.5% of the students surveyed, and 51.9% reported that they had never had energy drinks.Conclusion: The nutritional intake of students corresponded to the recommendations for healthy nutrition of the population above 18 years of age in Bulgaria, with the exception of the observed tendency for increased consumption of sugar, sweets and confectionery. The interpretation of the results obtained allowed the development of a food pattern involving sustainable elements, which characterizes the nutrition of students from the target age group.