Comparison of Nutrient Intakes and Serum Mineral Levels between Smokers and Non-Smokers

Kim, Soon Kyung; Yeon, Bo Young; Choi, Mi Kyeong

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of smoking on nutrient intake and blood mineral status. The subjects were composed of two groups.55 smokers and 52 non-smokers. A 24-hour recall method was used along with questionnaires and serum mineral levels were analyzed by ICP spectrometer. The average ages of the smokers and non-smokers were 55.5 and 59.3 years old, respectively. The height, obesity degree, BMI, and WHR of the smokers were significantly higher than those of the non-smokers (p<0.05, p<0.05, p<0.05, p<0.01) Approximately 45.5% of the smokers smoked 16-20 cigarettes per day. The average age that the smokers started smoking was 22.0 years old and their smoking history was 33.5 years. About 74.5% of the smokers drank alcoholic beverages, while 44.2% of the non-smokers did. The smokers tended to eat less meals and breakfast meal, but drink coffee more often compared to the non-smokers. The mean daily energy intake and CPF energy intake ratio were 1231.8 kcal and 69.8 : 14.8 : 14.7 in the smokers and 1210.2 kcal and 72.1 : 14.7 12.7 in the non-smokers, respectively. The results show that the smokers tended to consume more energy, lipid, and cholesterol compared to the non-smokers. The results also show that in both groups, nutrient intake was lower than the RDA. The two groups were not significantly different in terms of the intake frequency of green-yellow vegetables and fresh fruits. There were no significant differences in serum levels of Ca, P, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn. However, serum Se level of the smokers was significantly higher than that of the non-smokers. In conclusion, the subjects of this study showed a serious imbalance in the nutrient intake, and the smokers showed a more undesirable dietary intake in the light of their high intake of energy, lipid, cholesterol, alcoholic beverages, and coffee. The serum Se level of the smokers was higher than that of the non-smokers, showing that Se is involved in smoking, Therefore, it could be suggested that more systematic research be conducted with respect to Se and smoking and that increased nutrition education and guidelines for smokers are required.