Estimated average calcium – magnesium content in day meal in a sample of students from Faculty of Medicine of Sarajevo University
Nutrients are chemical substances obtained from food. They have different roles in body. Some are used as energy source, some as structural materials, and regulating agents. Nutrients may reduce the risks of some diseases. There are some recommendations about dietary intake of these nutrients for optimal health. This study aimed to estimate average calcium and magnesium content in day meal in a sample of students from Faculty of Medicine of Sarajevo University. A cross-sectional study was conducted during academic 2015/16 year at Faculty of Medicine of Sarajevo University. The survey covered 44 students. The research instrument was a self-administered questionnaire, by which 3-Day Diet Record was provided. The average intakes of calcium and magnesium were estimated using Nutritional analysis computer program (Nutrics Professional Nutrition Analysis Software). On daily level average intake of calcium was 718.39±311.14 mg in total sample and average intake of magnesium was 292.57±310.10 mg in total sample. Average Ca/Mg ratio was 2.45. In our sample cheese was top source of calcium with Ca/Mg ratio of 32.5, and bread was top source of magnesium with Ca/Mg ratio of 3.1. These results emphasize the importance of monitoring the food nutrition facts in order to achieve adequate nutrients intake.