VITAMIN AND MINERAL INTAKE OF ADULTS RESI DENT IN AN AREA OF METROPOLITAN SAO-PAULO, BRAZIL

Objective The objective of the study is to quantify mineral and vitami n concentration in habitual diet of adults of between 20 and 88 years of age. A dietary survey was carried out between 1990-1991 as a part o f the cross-sectional study: ''Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, lipemic disorders, hypertension, obesity and diabetes mellitus in a p opulation of the metropolitan area of S. Paulo, Brazil''. Material and Method The vitamin and mineral intake was examined in relation to age and sex using dietary intake based on the diet history the method. Da ta were obtained from a sub-sample of 548 individuals. Results and Con clusion In general, it was observed that the respective intakes of thi amin, riboflavin, niacin, calcium and iron were more concentrated in t he men's diet than ill that of the women (p < 0.001). There are no sta tistical differences in the intake of vitamin A and vitamin C by sex. Elderly persons presented a lower intake of vitamins and minerals than din younger people, The intake of vitamin C had no association with a ge. This cross-sectional study showed that the habitual diet of the re sidents in the study area has low intake and low density of vitamin A and calcium.