Longitudinal Study on Changes in Nutritional and Health Status of Young Adults on Two-Year Diet

Changes in nutritional and health status brought on by a two-year balanced diet were assessed with anthropometric measurements as well as hematological and lipid profiles in 56 healthy young men. Recommended dietary allowances (RDA) were adjusted with estimated daily weighted activity factor. The weighted resting energy expenditure factor of the subjects was 2.37 $\pm$ 0.05. Compared with RDA, all nutrient intakes were adequate and 56% of energy was supplied by carbohydrates, 18% by protein and 26% by fat. The vitamin and mineral intakes except vitamin B-2 were higher (26.46-129.88%) than RDA. Vitamin B-2 intake was 92.15 \ulcorner 14.16% of RDA. There was no seasonal variation on nutrient intakes. Height was increased and systolic blood pressure was decreased by balanced diet for two years. Body weight, diastolic blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) were unchanged. The level of hemoglobin and hematocrit was not changed, the level of plasma protein was decreased and the level of plasma total cholesterol and albumin was increased. These results suggest that a balanced diet can increase height and complement health status achieved through vigorous exercise, even in adults, and that the level of Korean RDA for energy is adequate to maintain existing body weight.