Objective

To analyze the intake of macronutrients and its relationship with age and sex in higher education students.

Materials and Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out with 218 higher education students, aged between 18 and 30 years. A validated and reliable instrument was used to measure macronutrient consumption.

Results

Regarding the intake of macronutrients, a statistical difference by sex was observed in favor of men (p>0.05), except for the consumption of proteins in students older than 25 years. In the group under 20 years of age, men showed better protein intake. Finally, in students between 20 and 25 years, the consumption of macronutrients is similar among men and women.

Discussion

The results show that the percentage of consumption with respect to ideal value of the estimated requirement for light activity according to FAO/WHO/UN 2004 is below the recommendations, with a macronutrient consumption deficit that ranges between 20% and 60%.