Abstract

The study was performed to investigate the relationship of regular exercise to body composition and nutrient intakes of male college students by comparing anthropometric measurements and one-day dietary intakes by 24-hour recall of physical education (PE) majors and non-major male college students. The subjects were 253 students residing in the Gyeonggi area. Only 64.1% and 32.1% of PE majors and non-major students exercised over 4 times a week and PE major students did stronger exercise than the non-major students did. Mean BMI and WHR (Waist Hip Ratio) of the two groups were not different. But percentages of body fat and lean body mass in PE major students were lower and higher, respectively, than those of non-major students. PE major students consumed significantly more energy and other nutrients except iron, niacin, vitamin C, and vitamin E than non-major students. Nutrients consumed less than KRDA was calcium in PE major students and energy, calcium, zinc, vitamin B12, folate, and vitamin C in non-major students. Mean adequacy ratio (MAR) of PE major students (1.00) was significantly higher than that of non-major students (0.94). Index of Nutritional Quality (INQ) of all nutrients except vitamin A of PE major students was also significantly higher than that of non-major students. Nutrients below 1.00 in INQ of both groups were calcium, zinc, vitamin B2, and folate. Our data supports that regular exercise may positively influence on body composition and increase diet quality in male college students. Therefore, an educational program focused on regular exercise along with proper dietary behavior would be needed.

• Keywords: anthropometric status; nutrient intakes; physical education major students