Nutritional Status of Teenagers in Iowa

Abstract

The findings in the first year of a five year nutrition survey among teenagers in Iowa are reported. This survey involved 2,045 students who underwent a brief physical examination including measurements of their height and weight. Approximately one third of these underwent a detailed examination and contributed samples of blood and urine for biochemical tests. Half of these individuals also gave a detailed dietary history. In a group of 252 students data on all variables of this examination were complete, thus allowing detailed statistical evaluations. Although the average teenager is healthy and well nourished, a significant minority of these students have physical lesions and biochemically abnormal test results. The dietary questionnaire indicates that a substantial minority of students omit breakfast and eat diets which cannot be considered as well balanced. The consumption of dairy products is very high and the consumption of sugar, as contained in candy, soft drinks, etc., is also high. Particular attention has been paid to lipid metabolism as it may relate to body characteristics and to dietary history. Supporting data indicate that a high intake of dairy fat is associated with higher concentrations of triglycerides in the blood. Although a substantial number of students had high concentrations of cholesterol in their blood, statistically significant dietary correlations were lacking. Subsequent examinations of many of these students included in the first year of this survey may lead to more firm conclusions regarding the role of diet in growth rate, general health and, more specifically, in lipid metabolism.