Portable Breakfast Foods, Breakfast Consumption, and Protein Intakes among Collegiate Breakfast Skippers

As students move away from home and adapt to a university environment, breakfast consumption may be negatively influenced. Further, skipped meals and physical training may create increased protein needs. The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of providing free, convenient portable breakfast foods (apple, nutrient bar) to physically active, freshman and sophomore breakfast‐skipping college students (18–20y). We hypothesized an increased breakfast frequency and protein intake compared to similarly nutritious free cafeteria‐based foods (cold cereal, milk). Subjects (N=14) were asked the number of weekly breakfasts they ate, pre‐ (week 0) and post‐intervention (during week 5). Protein intake was also assessed using three‐day diet records, pre and post‐intervention. Data were analyzed via 2×2 (Group × Time) Factorial ANOVA. Breakfast consumption increased as a result of both interventions (pre 1.9 ± 0.4 vs. 5.1 ± 0.6 d/wk; Time Main Effect, p≤0.05). Contrary to the hypothesis, however, portability had no significant effect on outcomes. Within the limitations of this study's design, we conclude that providing convenient free portable breakfasts for young physically active college students similarly increases breakfast frequency, and does not increase protein intake, compared to a cafeteria‐based approach. This study was funded by the University of Akron Research Office and Nutrition Center.