M.Tech. (Food and Beverage Management) / Calcium is a nutrient of concern for adolescents due to the high Incidence of osteoporosis. The adolescent growth spurt combined with the vulnerability of females to osteoporosis suggests an urgent need to determine calcium requirements. The knowledge and intake of calcium, cereals and legume foods and the causes of osteoporosis amongst adolescent girls In a westernized South African society are yet to be elucidated. The aim of the study was to detennlne the knowledge and intake of calcium, cereals and osteoporosis in white adolescent girls in South Africa. Preliminary and main studies were undertaken on 282 female subjects between the ages of fifteen and seventeen years In sixteen schools. A seven-day weighed record, (WR) and food frequency questionnaires, (FFQ) were applied and anthropometrical data were collected from all participants, while blood samples and bone density measurements were performed on selected Subjects. Results revealed that 54% of the Subjects had calcium intakes below 800 mg per day (1200 mg AI). They were classified as the individuals at risk, while only 34% had adequate intakes of 800 mg/d and more. Results regarding the functions and knowledge of calcium showed that most subjects, (91%), were familiar with the sources of dairy calcium, but few could identify correct sources of non-dairy calcium. Most of the subjects, (58%), thought that calcium could be beneficial to their health and could prevent diseases such as breast cancer and high blood pressure.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:uj/uj:11748 |
| Date | 23 July 2014 |
| Creators | Chemaly, Cecilia Tereza |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Rights | University of Johannesburg |
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