Dietary intake and physical activity of German university students

Aim A balanced diet is important for health and well-being. The aim of this study was to investigate dietary intake and physical activity in German university students. Subjects and methods A cross-sectional nutrition study was conducted at the University of Education, Schwabisch Gmund (Germany). Food consumption (3-day estimated dietary record) and physical activity level (PAL, standardized questionnaire) were assessed in 329 female (f) (age 22.7 +/- 3.4 years) and 60 male (m) students (age 24.0 +/- 3.1 years) and compared with recommendations (one-sample t-test, alpha = 0.05). Results On average, students consumed less vegetables (f: 177 +/- 119, m: 152 +/- 163 g/day), fruit (f: 169 +/- 117, m: 146 +/- 158 g/day), and potatoes/grain products (f: 303 +/- 126, m: 362 +/- 163 g/day) than recommended. Meat consumption was too high in men (1155 +/- 651 g/week), but not in women (490 +/- 455 g/week). The consumption of milk/dairy products was slightly too low in women (190 +/- 129 g/day), but in the recommended range for men (279 +/- 253 g/day). Nutrient recommendations were almost achieved (exceptions: fiber, vitamin D and folate [f, m], fat, iron and vitamin E [f], carbohydrate [m]). Leisure time physical activity was 259 +/- 222 min/week (f) and 359 +/- 236 min/week (m), and PAL was 1.60 +/- 0.11 (f) and 1.65 +/- 0.12 (m). Conclusions Dietary intake and physical activity in university students is roughly equivalent to that in the average German population and needs to be improved.