NUTRITIONAL PROFILE, DIETARY INTAKE AND BIOCHEMICAL INDICATORS OF ALIMENTATION AND NUTRITION UNIT STAFF

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the nutritional profile, dietary intake and biochemical indicators of a Nutrition Unit staff in Lauro Wanderley University Hospital, Joao Pessoa – PB. Methodology: It was measured weight, height and waist circumference as well as Body Mass Index of 33 employees of both genders, aged 21-59 years old. In view of evaluating habitual dietary intake and energy balance, it was used a 24-hour dietary recall. Lipid, glucose and uric acid profile were determined. Data analysis employed SPSS software version 8.0. Results: The average age was 38.36 + 9.91 years old, predominantly female gender (55%). BMI average was 26.6 + 3.77 kg/m2 and the WC average was 82.62 + 9.98 cm. The usual intake was 2,177.71 + 824.16 kcal per day, from which 59.76% were carbohydrates; 22.24% were lipids and 17.84% protein. Results of the biochemical tests were: glucose 87.42% + 15.15ml/dL; uric acid 3.08 + 0.65 and 3.95 + 0,85mg/dL for women and men, respectively; triglycerides 142.41 + 89.6 mg/dL; total cholesterol 194.14 + 46.41 mg/dL; HDL-c 47.58 + 10.01 mg/dL, and LDL-c 116.27 + 32.01 mg/dL. It was detected a strong association between BMI and WC (r = 0.841; p = 0,000), but an inverse association between BMI and carbohydrate intake was verified as well. Conclusion: Most of staff has showed to be overweight or obese, with a positive energy balance and biochemical tests within expected range. DESCRIPTORS: Food Consumption. Human resources. Food Service, Hospital.