Abstract

Background: Micronutrients play a crucial role in sustaining immunity, metabolism, and overall health. Despite this, many young adults fail to achieve recommended intakes due to irregular food habits and limited nutritional awareness. College students, in particular, form a vulnerable group where nutrition knowledge and actual dietary behavior may not correspond. Aim: The study aimed to assess micronutrient awareness among college students and to explore its association with dietary practices. Objectives: The objectives of the study to examine students’ knowledge regarding micronutrient functions, their dietary behaviors related to breakfast, fruit and vegetable intake, and fast-food consumption, and to analyses the relationship between awareness levels and dietary habits. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 200 students from varied academic backgrounds using a pretested questionnaire. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, while associations between awareness and dietary practices were tested using the chi-square method. Results: Of the participants, 35% rated their knowledge as high, 45% as moderate, and 20% as low. However, only 32.5% could correctly identify more than 75% of vitamin functions, while 27.5% scored below 50%. Daily breakfast consumption was reported by 42.5%, only 20% met the WHO fruit and vegetable intake guidelines, and 45% consumed fast foods three or more times per week. Higher awareness was significantly associated with regular breakfast intake (p = 0.002), fruit and vegetable consumption (p = 0.001), and use of supplements (p = 0.007). Low awareness correlated with frequent fast-food consumption (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Although many students perceive themselves as knowledgeable, actual understanding of micronutrients is limited. Stronger awareness is linked to healthier food choices, underscoring the need for structured nutrition education and supportive dietary environments in college settings.

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