Assessment of Daily Dietary Reference Intakes and the Mediterranean Diet Adherence in Mall Workers

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to determine the adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and nutrient intake of shopping mall employees.

Subjects and Methods: Present study was conducted between April 2023-August 2023 in İstanbul with 152 mall workers aged between 19-53 years. Food intake was assessed by 24-hour dietary recall and Mediterranean diet adherence was determined by the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Scale (MEDAS/PREDIMED).

Results: The individuals’ dietary macronutrient intake met the daily recommendations. Calcium, folate, iron, magnesium, vitamin C, B6, B2, and zinc intakes were lower than 50% of the DRI recommendations. Only 47.4% of individuals’ adherence to the Mediterranean diet was acceptable. It was found that the energy (kcal), total fat (g), saturated fatty acid (g), and carbohydrate (g) intakes of individuals with low adherence to the Mediterranean diet were higher than those of individuals with acceptable adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Although the macronutrient intakes of shopping mall employees meet the recommendations, their diets are insufficient in terms of calcium, folate, iron, magnesium, vitamin C, B6, B2, zinc.
Conclusion: There is a critical need for adequate and balanced diet education and raising awareness to reduce the risk of nutritional deficiency and non-communicable chronic diseases among shopping mall workers.