The Level of Physical Activity, Calcium Intake, Calcium Sources and Anthropometrical Variables in Young College Females

The purpose of this research was to determine level of physical activity, calcium intake, calcium sources and anthropometrical variables in young college females. According to the information obtained using a physical activity questionnaire, the subjects were divided to 3 groups (active, hypoactive, inactive). In this cross-sectional study 160 young females (aged 20/51±1/4 yrs mean + SD) participated. Levels of physical activity and calcium intake were determined by a questionnaire and body composition was determined using the Bioelectrical ImPedance (BIA) method. Results indicated that only 22/5% of subjects were active and that calcium intake of female students was less than the recommended daily allowance (RDA). There was a significant association between physical activity and all anthropometrical variables except for BMI. There was also a significant relationship between calcium intake and with lean body mass (P=0/024, r= 0/17), calcium from dairy sources with lean body mass (P=0/022, r= 0/18) and calcium from cereal sources with body fat percent (P=0/026, r= -0/17). There was significant difference in lean body mass, body fat percentage and fat distribution in the groups regarding levels of physical activity (P<0/05). Lean body mass in the active group was significantly higher than in the active group but fat percentage and fat distribution was less than the hypoactive and inactive groups (P<0/05). The results of this study indicate although the active group compared to the hypoactive and inactive groups had good physiological, anthropometrical and nutritional status, it unfortunately constitutes a low percentage of individuals and hence the level of physical activity, nutritional patterns and lifestyles of female students should be monitored.