A Cross-Cultural Comparison of Dietary Intake in University Students from the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom

Background/Objectives: The occurrence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) globally is rising rapidly, largely due to modifiable risk factors such as unhealthy diets. Studies have shown that poor dietary habits are prevalent among university students and may persist in later life, increasing the risk of chronic health conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diet of two different groups of university students, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and United Kingdom (UK), with the aim of identifying areas for intervention to improve overall health and wellbeing. Methods: Detailed 7-day diet diaries were collected from undergraduate university participants in the UAE and UK. Diet diaries were quantitatively assessed using Nutritics software generating reports on mean intakes for energy, macro- and micronutrients. Independent sample t-tests were utilized to compare nutrient intake between cohorts in the two different regions. Results: A total of 158 students participated in this study. Results showed significant differences in intake levels in most macronutrients and micronutrients (p ≤ 0.05). Upon comparison, UK participants consumed diets higher in sugar (+9.4 g/day), saturated fat (+4.2 g/day), cholesterol (+90 mg/day), and sodium (+307 mg/day) compared to their UAE counterparts, placing them at risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Cholesterol intake was oversufficient in both UAE and UK males by 40% and 57%, respectively. In UAE females, there were notable deficiencies in protein intake, omega 3, vitamin D, iron, iodine, and folic acid (p ≤ 0.05), placing them at risk of CVDs, anemia, diabetes, and cancer. Interestingly, both UAE males and females were 100% deficient in dietary vitamin D intake. Conclusions: Nutritional imbalances should be addressed through campus-based nutrition education programs. This study also highlights the importance of dietary guidelines targeted at specific populations accounting for cultural differences.