Background & Objectives: In young females, especially among university students because of the physiological needs, the intake of energy and essential nutrients is very important. Some changes happen in the life style of these students, which can affect their nutritional status. In this study the nutritional status, energy and nutrients intake of young female students living on and off campus were investigated.   

Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study nutritional status of 82 on-campus female students and 74 off-campus ones (Age range=18-24) were assessed and compared using anthropometrics measurements and three-day dietary records method including one day off. Nutritional values were analyzed  using FP₂ computer program and statistical analyses were carried out by EPI₆.

Results: The findings indicated no significant difference between the daily average energy intake of on-campus and off-campus students (2247±24) and (2192±21 kcal respectively).    Energy intake of on-campus students from carbohydrates was significantly higher than that of off-campus students, whilst energy intake from protein and fat was significantly lower (p<0.001). 34.2% of on-campus students and 58.1% of off-campus ones received more than 30% of their energy from fat. Besides, 85.4% of on-campus students and 44.6% of off-campus ones received less than 15gr of fiber every day. Results also indicated that mean intake of, calcium, magnesium, vitamins A, C and folacin for on-campus students was significantly lower than off-campus students (p<0.001).

Conclusions: The findings indicated that in both groups the intake of some essential micronutrients was lower than recommended levels. However, in general the nutritional status of off-campus students was better than on-campus ones. On the basis of these results the improvement of university food service programs would be beneficial.           

  Background and Objectives: A great amount of evidence shows that Oxidative stress is high among hemodialysis patients. The purpose of present investigation is examination of the effect of zinc supplementation on improvement of oxidative stress in chronic hemodialysis patients.

  Methods: In this double blind clinical trial 65 chronic hemodialysis patients were studied in two groups Group one (35 patients) received placebo and group two (30 patients) received 100 mg elemental zinc (as zinc sulfate) daily for 2 months. The placebo and supplement discontinued in next 2 months. Then, the study continued for two other months in the cross-over from. The levels of serum zinc, total glutathione, malondialdehyde (MDA), total serum antioxidant capacity and the activity of whole blood superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined on 0^th, 60^th,120^th,180^th days, in fasting, predialysis samples. Food record was recorded for one day prior to dialysis in above-mentioned days and their dietary zinc was assessed.

  Results: Basal serum zinc levels in both groups were below 80 μ g/dl. The zinc upplementation led to significant increase in the levels of serum zinc in both groups .The levels of serum total antioxidant capacity, total glutathione and activity of whole blood SOD increased significantly during zinc supplementation period. The concentrations of serum MDA decreased significantly in zinc supplementation period in both groups. During the placebo period the levels of MDA in first group increased significantly, whereas the concentration of glutathione in second group decreased significantly. The body mass index (BMI) values did not change significantly during the study.

  Conclusion: It can be concluded that in patients undergoing hemodialysis the oxidative stress enhanced during nonsupplementation period (zinc sulfate). Low serum zinc levels are improved by zinc administration and zinc supplementation improves oxidative stress.