ASSESSMENT OF THE INTAKE OF SELECTED MINERALS IN POPULATION OF PREMENOPAUSAL WOMEN BASED ON SPECIFIC SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC INDICATORS

Abstract

Eating behavior interventions are a modifiable risk factor for chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to monitor the intake of selected minerals - calcium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, selenium, and chromium in the diet of premenopausal women (n = 30) and to highlight the possible adverse effects of disbalanced intake of these elements. At the same time, we investigated whether socio-demographic factors and choice of food store have an impact on the intake of these substances. We assessed the intake of selected minerals using three-day nutritional protocols and subsequently processed the data. The participants were women between 40 and 50 years old, from districts of Partizanske and Prievidza, for whom menopause has not yet begun. Women provided information about their place of residence (urban or rural area), type of home they live in (family house or apartment), and the type of food store where they grocery shop. The results indicate an impact of the place of residence: higher intake of zinc (p = 0.012) and selenium (p = 0.020) were observed in the participants from the urban area. The impact of the type of home was proven on the intake of chromium (p = 0.049), copper (p = 0.048), and carbohydrates (p = 0.021) with higher intake in the apartment-dwelling group. The impact of food store choice has not been confirmed. Based on the observed values, we conclude that the observed population might be at a higher risk of skeletal disorders and osteoporosis due to deficient calcium intake and the unfavorable ratio of Ca:P; increased Zn and Se intake levels may stimulate the development of cardiovascular risk factors and may also elevate the risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus.