Habitual Dietary Patterns, Nutrient Intakes, and Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet among New Zealand Adults: The NZ MED Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

There is increasing evidence that adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern reduces the incidence of diet-related diseases. To date, the habitual dietary intake of New Zealand (NZ) adults has not been examined in relation to its alignment with a Mediterranean-style dietary pattern. This study aimed to define the habitual dietary patterns, nutrient intakes, and adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in a sample of 1012 NZ adults (86% female, mean age 48 ± 16 years) who had their diabetes risk defined by the Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool (AUSDRISK). Dietary intakes were collected using a validated semi-quantitative NZ food frequency questionnaire, and dietary patterns were identified using principal component analysis. Reported intakes from the FFQ were used in conjunction with the Mediterranean-Style Dietary Pattern Score (MSDPS) to determine adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern. Mixed linear models were used to analyze the association between dietary patterns and MSDPS with demographics, health factors, and nutrient intakes. Two distinct dietary patterns were identified: Discretionary (positive loadings on processed meat, meat/poultry, fast food, sweet drinks, and sugar, sweets, and baked good) and Guideline (positive loadings on vegetables, eggs/beans, and fruits). Adherence to dietary patterns and diet quality was associated with age and ethnicity. Dietary patterns were also associated with sex. Adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern defined by the MSDPS was low, indicating that a significant shift in food choices will be required if the Mediterranean Diet is to be adopted in the NZ population.

He Rourou Whai Painga, an Aotearoa New Zealand dietary pattern for metabolic health and whānau wellbeing: protocol for a randomized controlled trial

“…Recent research from our group, and others, reports that the use of, and adherence to, a MedDiet pattern in Aotearoa New Zealand is low (6,7). To promote a MedDiet pattern in countries such as Aotearoa New Zealand, attention should be given to optimizing a dietary intervention, taking into consideration the behavioral and social structures that decrease barriers to adherence (8,9).…”

Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Preventing Major Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Ischemic Heart Disease: The EVA Study

“…The reduction in adherence could be influenced by numerous factors. Most clinical studies have studied predominantly the biological determinants of adherence, including sex, obesity, and diabetes [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. However, psychosocial factors seem to be of crucial importance, for example, low economic status [ 10 ].…”

A high quality Aotearoa New Zealand dietary pattern adapting a Mediterranean diet for metabolic health: a feasibility study

“…As a wide range of foods align with the key nutritional parameters of a Mediterranean dietary pattern, the MD can be tailored and applied in different cultural settings and seasons. Adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern in New Zealand (NZ) is currently low [ 8 ].…”