Consumo de frutas y hortalizas en adolescentes de un colegio privado de Caracas, Venezuela

Inglés. Fruits and vegetables are functional foods since they may be important factors in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer. The objective of this study was to estimate fruit and vegetable consumption and its content of ascorbic acid, b-carotene, and fiber in a sample of 146 adolescents, students in a private school in Caracas. Data were collected with a food frequency questionnaire developed from information derived from a 24 h recall questionnaire following the strategy suggested by Willett. From the data, portions of fruits and vegetables usually consumed and their content of ascorbic acid, b-carotene, and fiber were estimated. In addition, for those students who perceived their intake to be inadequate, the possible reasons were studied, as well as strategies suggested to improve their intakes. Results showed that between 70% and 85% of students had adequate (5-9 portions of fruits and vegetables daily) or more than adequate intake, between 15% and 30% did not consume the recommended portions. The main reasons cited include lack of: palatability, availability in canteen, and habit. Vitamin C and b-carotene intake was adequate but intake of fiber was below (<70%) that recommended for the majority of students. Because boys generally eat a greater volume of food than girls, their intake was better compared to their counterparts. Fruits and vegetables eaten by adolescents studied contribute to improve the variety of foods in their diet. Since an important number of subject did not consume the recommended portions, education and prevention should start during childhood and adolescence. We recommend a study of adolescents fruits and vegetable intakes from different social strata.

Español; castellano. Las frutas y hortalizas son alimentos funcionales que pueden contribuir a la prevención de enfermedades cardiovasculares y de cáncer. El objetivo del estudio es estimar el consumo de frutas y hortalizas y su aporte de ácido ascórbico, b-caroteno y fibra en 146 adolescentes de un colegio privado de Caracas, quienes completaron un cuestionario de frecuencia de consumo, desarrollado según aportes de encuestas de recordatorios de 24 horas, según pautas establecidas por Willett. Se determinó las porciones de frutas y hortalizas usualmente consumidas, considerando la edad y género. Se indagó sobre las posibles razones de bajo consumo y propuestas para mejorarlo. Entre 70% y 85% de los alumnos presentó un consumo adecuado (5-9 porciones de frutas y hortalizas/día) o por encima de lo recomendado, 15% y 30% de la muestra no consume las porciones recomendadas, debido a falta de: sabor, disponibilidad en la cantina y hábito. La adecuación del consumo de ácido ascórbico quintuplica las recomendaciones, la de b-caroteno lo duplica y la fibra se mantiene menor a 70%. Se observó menor adecuación a medida que aumenta la edad. Por el mayor volumen de alimentos, el patrón de consumo es más adecuado para hombres que mujeres. Las frutas y hortalizas consumidas por los adolescentes estudiados contribuyen a aumentar la variedad de alimentos en su dieta. Debido a que una proporción importante de la muestra no cumple con las porciones de frutas y hortalizas consumidas, se debe promover y educar desde edades tempranas, para incrementar su consumo. Se recomienda realizar estudios en otros estratos sociales.