Food & Nutrition

Arab Journal of Food & Nutrition
80. Comparisons of Food and Nutrients Intake between Cigarette Smokers and
Non-smokers among Jordanian Male Students in the University of Jordan (2005)
Reem Mohammed Abdel-Jaleel\ University of Jordan
Supervisor: Dr. Salma K. Tukan
This study was conducted to compare food and nutrients intake of male Jordanian
students who are cigarette smokers with those who are non-smokers. The
intake of total calories, macro- and micronutrients, as well as the intake of selected
food items was studied in a selected group of 400 male subjects (200 smokers and 200
nonsmokers) from the University of Jordan. Information regarding socioeconomic
characteristics, health status, dietary pattern, and smoking history for the subjects were
collected using a questionnaire. Food and nutrients intake were assessed using a food
frequency questionnaire and 24-hour recall. Anthropometric measurements, including
weight and height were obtained, and body mass index was calculated for the subjects.
This study revealed that smokers had lower body mass index than non-smokers (23.93
±0.26, and 24.54 ± 0.29, respectively). However, there was no significant (P>0.05)
difference was found between means of BMI for smokers and non-smokers.
The 24-hour recall method revealed that smokers had significantly (P≤0.05)
lower intakes of energy, total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol, and tended to have
lower intakes of polyunsaturated fat, monounsaturated fat, carbohydrates, protein, and
dietary fibers than non-smokers. Of the studied nutrients, smokers had significantly
(P≤0.05) lower intakes of thiamin, niacin, vitamin B12, vitamin E, folate, calcium,
phosphorous, potassium and zinc. Food frequency data showed that compared to
nonsmokers, smokers consumed less fruits, vegetables, legumes, eggs and dairy
products, and more of canned meats. Smokers consumed significantly (P≤0.05) higher
amounts of coffee, and had significantly (P≤0.05) higher intakes of caffeine compared
to nonsmokers. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in the energy derived
from all the macronutrients between smokers and non-smokers.
Mean subjects› intake was below the recommended intake for dietary fiber,
vitamins A, D, E, B6, C, folate, potassium, calcium, and zinc, whereas met or
exceeded the recommended intake for thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B12, iron,
and phosphorus. Cholesterol intake for the sample exceeded the recommended level.
These data suggest that smokers have a less healthy diet than non-smokers, placing
them at a higher risk for chronic diseases as a result of both unhealthy dietary and
smoking habits.
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Volume 253 11, No. 25, 2011