ABSTRACT

The work was aimed at determining the food intake for seamen of the Polish Marine and fishermen. The research was carried out on the 55 sea-going vessels and 36 deep-sea fishing ships. The average food intake was determined and the daily calorie intake calculated. The quality assessment of the 112 week menus was made. The excessive consumption of eggs, meats and sausages, butter and sour milk, and processed vegetables and potatoes was determined. The recommended calorie intake in the diet was highly surpassed. The portion of energy derived from fats was higher, and that from carbohydrates lower than recommended. The menus were negatively evaluated, with no menu reported as very good or good, mainly because of insufficient amount of fresh vegetables and fruits, monotony in choice of products and an excessive use of frying and baking to prepare the meats. The present research showed that the food intake was incorrect in both amount and quality of foods, and a nutritional value of the diet. The calorie intake was substantially surpassing the recommended value that was originated mainly from very high intake of the fats. The diet contained higher, than recommended, amount of food rich in cholesterol and saturated fats. The intake of food, rich in complex carbohydrates and calcium, was insufficient, and acidifying products were predominant in the diet. The present food intake can result in overweight and obesity, coronary and heart diseases, liver and stomach diseases. The change in food intake by and increase in amount of cereals, milk and dairy products, and vegetable fats, and decrease in amount of meats and sausages, butter and sour cream, and eggs is recommended. The daily calorie intake should be lowered.