'University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR)'
Doi
Abstract
Nutrition knowledge and dietary intake among Hispanic teenage girls were assessed
before and after a nutrition education intervention. We found that subjects were consuming
several important nutrients at levels below current government recommendations. On
average, Hispanic teenage girls consumed folate, calcium, zinc and iron at levels
that were 40%, 36%, 18% and 8% below current recommendations, respectively. Participation
in the five-lesson nutrition education program resulted in a 50% increase in nutrition
knowledge and modest changes in dietary behavior; we observed improved dietary intake
of vitamin C. Long-term interventions are needed to improve dietary habits as one
means of enhancing overall health