This study investigated the energy ratio and nutrient intake of 188 high school students in Kyoto, based on food group intake and frequency of intake of food prepared in various ways from total energy intake. Each value was calculated from the students′ answers to a food frequency questionnaire ( FFQ ) . We compared group A, comprising subjects whose energy intake was under the median total energy intake for both sexes, with group B, comprising subjects whose energy intake was above the median total energy intake.
Among male students, subjects in group B consumed particularly more meat, desserts, and milk than subjects in group A. Because these are foods high in fat, group B subjects had a significantly higher fat energy ratio regardless of sex. All subjects in group B used mayonnaise and dressings, including oils, more often than those in group A, and male students in group B also ate fried foods more often. Significantly more subjects in group B consumed protein, 4 minerals, and 2 vitamins in amounts greater than the Japanese estimated average requirement (EAR) for each sex. However, even in group B, few female students ( only about 20-30% of subjects ) consumed calcium, magnesium, iron, and vitamin C in amounts greater than the EAR. The reason for this is likely because all female students consumed only a small amount of green and yellow vegetables, fruits, potatoes, and milk.
Therefore, regarding energy intake, the male students with smaller energy intake and all the female students need to increase their intake of vitamins and minerals by eating low-fat foods like green and yellow vegetables, fruits, and potatoes prepared in healthy ways, limiting the use of fat in cooking.
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