[Nutrient intake in permanent night shift workers]

Abstract

By means of a modified weight record technique, total dietary intake was obtained in 24 permanent night-shift workers during a period of 7 consecutive days; intake data were attached to eight defined meals. As a control, 25 shift workers of the same company were investigated during the morning shift. Mean daily energy intake was 2866 +/- 616 kcal (12.0 +/- 2.6 MJ) including 14% protein, 39.5% fat, 37.8% carbohydrates, and 8.7% alcohol. Statistically significant differences between groups were found for vitamin E and polyunsaturated fatty acids. In both groups intake data for vitamin A, D, zinc and dietary fiber did not meet 3/4 of the recommendations of the German Nutrition Society. In contrast to controls, nutrient intake of the permanent night-shift workers was slightly less during weekend days; mean meal frequency decreased from 5.4 (weekday) to 4.3. The distribution of total daily nutrient intake to different meals partly did not agree with existing recommendations; however, the deviation seems reasonable. Regarding the risks for accidents as well as the working capacity, the relatively high alcohol intake during working hours has to be criticized.