Nutrient content in cafeteria diet of a female residential hall of Dhaka university

Abstract

The nutrient composition of cafeteria-diet of a female residential Hall o f Dhaka
University, for both summer and winter menus for a period of one week was
evaluated by calculation, using food composition table and was compared with RDA
of the students who consumed the cafeteria-diet. Cereals constituted the main bulk of
the diet (321 g in summer and 359 g in winter) followed by roots and tubers (125 g
and 116 g in summer and winter respectively). Meat, fish and legumes content of the
diet were found less than recommendation made for a balance diet. Leafy vegetables
were found completely absent in summer diet and only 12 g in winter diet. Cafeteria
diet did not provide any milk and milk products. Calorie and protein content of the
diets were found sufficient to meet the RDA of the students to an extent o f 104% and
120% respectfully in both seasons. Except thiamin, micronutrients content of
cafeteria-diet did not fulfill the RDA of the students. Diets fulfilled only 23% and
32.3% of RDA for vitamin A in summer and winter respectively. Only 50% o f RDA of
riboflavin was satisfied by cafeteria diets. Among minerals, cafeteria-diets provided
33.58% and 38% p f RDA for calcium in summer and winter respectively. About 80%
o f RDA for iron and copper and half of the zinc requirement were met by cafeteria
diet. Food composition data revealed that cereals are the major sources o f energy,
protein, carbohydrate and quite a number of micronutrients in the diet.