Nutritional Adequacy and Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and its Association with Lifestyle Habits of Medical Students: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction. Although the university stage is crucial for the adoption of lifestyle habits that may affect the health status, there is evidence of inadequate nutrition in this population. Objective. (1) To study the level of compliance with dietary intake recommendations in medical students, (2) to determine adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (Med Diet) and (3) to determine the variables associated with compliance with the dietary recommendations. Methods. Cross-sectional study. The dietary intake of 225 medical students was analyzed using a food frequency questionnaire. Nutrient intakes were calculated using food composition tables and the percentage of micronutrient compliance (RDI for Spanish adult population). Adherence to the Med Diet and cardiovascular risk were determined. Multiple logistic regression models were performed to determine variables associated with nutritional adequacy. Results. Medical students showed a low adherence to the Med Diet as well as a low frequency of compliance with the RDIs for vitamin A, D and calcium. Compliance with recommendations was positively associated with variables such as female sex and Med Diet in the instance of vitamin A recommendations, while higher BMI and sedentary lifestyle were negatively associated with vitamin D recommendations. Conclusions. The dietary habits of medical students can be considered unhealthy and educational and behavioral interventions should be a priority to improve the lifestyle of this population.