| dc.description.abstract | Background: Cravings traditionally have been considered psychological or hormonal. Limited data exist regarding the physiological relationship between food cravings and nutrient intakes Objective: The purpose was to determine if a relationship exists between cravings and nutrient intakes. It was hypothesized that individuals with low self-reported macronutrient and/or micronutrient (magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin C, B vitamins) intakes will report certain food cravings. Design: This study utilized a cross-sectional, observational study design with convenience sampling. Participants/setting: Recruitment occurred at Texas Christian University (TCU). Participants (n=26, age=20.7 +- 1.3) completed a one-time visit (approximately 15 min) in which they each filled out an informed consent form and a questionnaire. Food and craving logs were recorded in participants' naturalistic environments. Of the 60 female TCU students recruited, 26 completed all requirements. Intervention: Participants completed a 27-question survey followed by a five-day food and craving log using MyFitnessPal. Main outcome measures: Intakes of each nutrient were averaged then calculated as percentage of the nutrient-specific RDA (%RDA). Food cravings were recorded and categorized, then compared to the average intakes and %RDA. Statistical analyses: Data were coded and analyzed using SPSS to determine correlations between each reported nutrient intake and food cravings. Mean, standard deviation, Pearson correlation, frequencies, and variances were calculated for the data. Results: A positive relationship was found between average carbohydrate intake and meat cravings. Negative correlations were found between carbohydrate intake and chocolate cravings and between zinc intake and fried food cravings. Conclusions: This study demonstrates several correlations between reported macro- and micronutrient intakes and food cravings. Food cravings were also correlated to self-reported exercise frequency, regimen, and intensity; menstrual cycle flow; and alcohol intake. Limitations of this study include the small, homogenous sample and use of self-reported data. Keywords: Craving, iron, zinc, vitamin C, B vitamins, food diary, MyFitnessPal, micronutrient, macronutrient | |
