Background & Objective: Nutritional status of individuals and community are influenced by different factors. Investigating nutrition and food problems as well as determining dietary pattern play a crucial role in determining nutrition programs and policies, preventing food deficiency, improving nutrition level and preventing malnutrition diseases. The aim of this study was to determine calorie and nutrients intake, food habit and dietary pattern in rural areas of Ardabil.

 Methods: In this cross-sectional study 250 families from 15 rural areas of Ardabil were selected using simple random method. Nutrition status of all the individuals was studied using 24 hour recall and food frequency. Data were analyzed using SPSS and Food processor.

 Results: This study showed that intake of some nutrients (Zinc, Selenium, Folic acid and Vitamin B₂) in the subjects were significantly less than Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of WHO (P<0.001), but intake of protein, iron and calcium was more than the RDA of WHO (P<0.001). Calorie intake of 20% of rural people was less than 75% of RDA(mostly seen among men). The findings of food frequency showed that main foods of rural individuals in Ardabil were local bread (Lavash), potato, egg, milk, biscuit, yogurt, garlic, onion, vegetable fat, butter and tomato.

 Conclusions: This study showed unsuitable intake of some nutrients. In order to improve the nutritional status of these people, regular intake of different groups of foods should be instructed.

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.