Nutrient intake among female shift workers in a computer factory in Japan

Based on a 4-day questionnaire survey for all meals and snacks consumed by female workers in a computer factory in Japan, consisting of 44 daytime wor kers and 93 weekly-rotating shift workers (of whom 47 and 46 were engaged i n, respectively, early-shift work and late-shift work during the survey wee k), the present study aimed to clarify the effects of shift work on their n utrient intakes in association with food consumption patterns. Their dietar y intakes for 3 working days and an off day were assessed by self-registere d food consumption records with the aid of a photographic method, and intak es of energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate, calcium and iron were estimated. The inter-group differences were prominent in the working days. The shift w orkers, particularly the late-shift workers, took smaller amounts of energy and nutrients than the daytime workers, implying that the former group's n utritional status has been worsened, judged from the recommended dietary al lowance for Japanese. Their inadequate nutrient intake was due to lower mea l frequency and poor meal quality, both of which were conditioned by shift work.