Valoración de la ingesta de alimentos ricos en calcio en la población femenina de 18 a 64 años en la ciudad de Cuenca-Ecuador del período septiembre 2022-febrero 2023

Abstract

Background: The intake of foods with a high percentage of calcium (dairy, fortified and supplements) in adult women is a preventive factor for certain pathologies, so it is important to determine the correct dietary intake of the mineral. General objective: To assess the intake of foods rich in calcium of adult women from 18 to 64 years of age in the urban area of Cuenca-Ecuador, 2022. Methodology: This study is descriptive, cross-sectional, observational in incidence, the sample size was 372 participants. Data were collected using the weekly consumption frequency of the INDICAD 2001 study, validated in the Spanish population. Results: The weekly consumption of calcium in the female population studied was deficient in 92.5%. Regarding the adequate intake of the mineral in dairy products 17.2%, pastries 2.4%; legumes 68.5%; vegetables and fruits 4%; fish 39%; meats 89%; eggs 80.6% and fats 7%. The average intake of weekly dairy servings was 8.4 servings, with a standard deviation of ±5.9. Women between 29 and 39 years old presented a significant consumption, while menopausal and postmenopausal women had a lower consumption of the mineral. Conclusion: The weekly consumption of calcium in adult women in the urban area of Cuenca was deficient since the total average consumption was 3224 mg, with a standard deviation of ±1527 mg, which demonstrates a deficit of foods rich in Ca.