Adequacy of Intake of Nutrients among Shift Workers in a Public Hospital of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract

The analysis of nutrient intakes of shift workers has shown a diet low in fiber and high in animal protein, saturated fatty acids, and high energy foods. This study aimed to analyze the adequacy of nutrient intakes according to the work shifts among nursing professionals of a public hospital in Rio de Janeiro. We interviewed 307 workers and collected data on socioeconomic conditions, work, physical activity, nutritional status and food consumption according to two 24-hour dietary recall (24 hour). Adequacy of nutrients was based on the Dietary Reference Intake. To compare the means of nutrient adequacy we used the Student's t-test, and the Qui-Square was used to compare the proportions (p <0.05). The average energy and macronutrients intake was adequate in relation to the recommendations, except for proteins, which presented above intake. As for other dietary components, adequate intake was only found for iron among men and vitamin C among women. The workers presented dietary inadequacy of micronutrients regardless of the work shift. Thus, incentives for healthy eating are needed by these professionals, in order to increase access to food sources of micronutrients.