Adherence to dietary guidelines and nutritional awareness among a population of Chinese university students: comparative analysis across sex, ethnicity, and BMI groups

University students, transitioning from adolescence to adulthood, are at a critical stage where dietary habits and health behaviors are established, influencing long-term health outcomes. This study aimed to assess the dietary intake and nutritional awareness of a population of Chinese university students (n = 833), comparing their consumption with national dietary guidelines and reference intakes, while exploring subgroup differences. Results indicated that males had significantly higher amounts of most food categories compared to females. Except for whole grains and legumes, ethnic minorities had lower compliance with the recommended intakes for several food categories compared to Han Chinese. Han males consumed more energy, protein, and fat than their ethnic minority counterparts. Obese participants showed higher protein and fat intake compared to those with normal body mass index (BMI). Additionally, BMI-related trends in macronutrient contributions showed that protein and fat contributed more to the total energy intake of individuals with higher BMI. Han individuals also had higher energy contributions from protein and fat and lower carbohydrate contributions compared to ethnic minorities. Nutrient intake was generally below recommended levels, with low proportions of participants meeting the recommended intake for vitamin A, C, calcium and dietary fiber. High proportions of participants exceeded the tolerable upper intake levels for iron and manganese. Nutritional awareness scores were also significantly higher among Han students, as well as those with higher BMIs and higher income levels. This study highlights significant disparities in dietary intake and nutritional awareness among Chinese university students, with variations across sex, ethnicity, BMI, and income categories.