Keywords
Memory
Vegetarian diet
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Abstract
Objective: Estimate dietary intake of vitamin B12 and associate vegetarians and omnivores profile with memory and health variables in university students. Methods: A descriptive-exploratory study was conducted with 103 students, in which two semi-structured questionnaires were applied, addressing health variables, dietary intake of vitamin B12, and the Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire. Data were presented descriptively, and associations between variables were performed using chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Results: Vitamin B12 intake was associated with dietary profile (vegetarian or omnivorous) (p=0.023). There was no association between dietary profile and memory perception (p=0.821), despite 2/3 of university students demonstrated high memory complaints. A significant association was found between previously diagnosed nutrient deficiency reported, health monitoring variables, and estimated B12 intake. Conclusions: Dietary Vegetarian profile affects health monitoring aspects, lifestyle and B12 intake, but is not associated with Prospective/Retrospective memory. The absence of this relationship indicates the influence of external food aspects.
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