Abstract

To evaluate the seasonal differences of nutrient intake and serum biochemical indices (total cholesterol, HDL-, LDLcholesterol, TG, MDA:malondialdehyde, TAS : total antioxidant status, folate) in Korean college women with a mean age of 20.15y, this study was conducted twice: once in winter and a second time in summer. Anthropometric assessment was also measured in the two seasons. As a result, body fat mass (p < 0.05), body fat% (p < 0.05), and abdominal fat% (p < 0.01) in the summer were significantly lower than those in winter. Intake of fat (p < 0.05), polyunsaturated fatty acid (p < 0.01), zinc (p < 0.05), and vitamin E (p < 0.05) were at significantly higher levels in the summer period compared with the winter period. In addition, nutrients with an intake level less than 75% RI of KDRIs were folate in winter and calcium, and folate in the summer. Total cholesterol (p < 0.05) and HDL-cholesterol in summer, according to lipid profiles, were significantly lower than those in winter. Although MDA, one of the products of lipid peroxidation, remained unchanged, TAS was significantly higher in summer than in winter. The level of folate in summer showed significantly lower than that in winter. The present study suggests that nutrient intake of college women women differs according to the seasons and anthropometric indices and serum biochemical indexes were associated with seasons. Thus nutritional education programs on the basis of season are needed for college women.

• Keywords: seasonal difference; nutrient intake; serum lipids; MDA (malonedialdehyde); TAS (total antioxidant status); folate