Compliance with the 2010 Nutritional Objectives for the Spanish Population in the Balearic Islands’ Adolescents

Abstract

Aims: To assess compliance with the 2010 nutritional objectives for the Spanish population in the Balearic Islands’ adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional nutrition survey was carried out in adolescents (n = 1,231). Dietary habits were assessed by means of 2 nonconsecutive 24-hour recalls and a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Differences in the percentage of compliers with the 2010 nutritional objectives and differences in food consumption patterns between genders and high or low consumers of fat, saturated fatty acids (SFA), fiber, and fruits and vegetables were analyzed. Results: None of the nutritional objectives were achieved by the Balearic Islands’ adolescents, and less than 25% of them met the dietary fiber, folate, iodine, total fat, SFA, polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), total carbohydrate, and fruit and vegetable requirements. Gender differences were observed in terms of energy, nutrients, and food item consumption. Low fat/SFA and high fruit and vegetable/fiber consumers kept a diet in line with current food group pyramids and the traditional Mediterranean diet. Adolescents need to decrease their meat and increase pulse, fish, and fruit and vegetable consumption. Conclusions: The nutritional objectives for the Spanish population could be achieved through maintenance of the traditional Mediterranean diet in the Balearic Islands’ adolescents. This dietary model could be used to develop food-based dietary guidelines relevant to this population.

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and consumption of functional foods among the Balearic Islands’ adolescent population

“…In the MD the main source of fat intake is olive oil, which is low in saturated and n-6 fatty acids but high in plant monounsaturated fat (72) . In line with this, we found that intake of n-6 fatty acids was low in FF consumers with low and also high adherence to the MD; however, intake was lower than RDI value (73) . In addition to n-6 fatty acids, intake of n-3 fatty acids was inadequate in FF consumers with high adherence to the MD.…”

Patients With Celiac Disease Reported Higher Consumption of Added Sugar and Total Fat Than Healthy Individuals

“…In addition, because of the higher prices, the lack of economic support provided to families, and the tastelessness of gluten-free products celiac patients may tend to consume other products that are richer in lipids and/or protein such as eggs, meat, fish, and sweetened beverages instead of gluten-free substitute products (22). Consistent with other studies (10,11,15), participants with CD consumed less fiber, although the differences between groups were not statistically significant, and both groups were under the national nutritional recommendation as observed in other healthy cohorts using the same age categories (23). This in part can be explained because gluten-free cereals tend to have lower amounts of dietary fiber, and subjects with CD have a low intake of fruits and vegetables.…”

Body image and eating patterns among adolescents

“…A pattern of healthy eating habits and adequate physical activity during adolescence reduces the risk of major chronic diseases [ 4 - 6 ]. However, a high intake of total fat, saturated fat and sodium, a low intake of vitamins and minerals, and a low consumption of fruits and vegetables are usual dietary patterns among adolescents [ 7 - 9 ], and only a small proportion of the Balearic Islands’ adolescents met the requirements of dietary fibre, folate, iodine, total fat, saturated fat, polyunsaturated fatty acid, total carbohydrate, and fruit and vegetables [ 10 ].…”