Belinda Neo

• Bsc (Honours) Food & Human Nutrition
• Quality analysis of the diet of 17 to 21 year-old students from 2 different educational institutions in Singapore

This study critically analyses the 24-hour food recall of students (n=119) aged 17 to 21-year-old from two different educational institutes in Singapore. The dietary recalls were graded using a dietary scoring system supported with Chi-square to analyse the significance of the acquired data. Polytechnic students (n=69) consisted of more negative scorers compared to the Institute of Technical Education (n=50). Significantly, negative scorers consumed more fried food and sweetened source of calcium in contrast with positive scorers. Positive scorers consumed more vegetables and rice but only a few preferred the wholegrain type. Additionally, girls consumed more sweets compared to boys. Regardless of their demographics, the most prominent findings are the absence or lack of fruits, vegetables and wholegrains consumption in majority of the students. The dietary habits of this sample of young people in Singapore are still far from optimal and require further interventions to optimise their daily nutrient requirements.

Funding source: Newcastle University

Supervisor: Dr Lourdes Santos-Merx