Habitual food consumption of the Belgian population in 2014-2015 and adherence to food-based dietary guidelines

Abstract

Background Between 2014 and 2015 a second National Food Consumption Survey was conducted in Belgium in order to evaluate the habitual food consumption in the general Belgian population and to compare it with food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG) and results of the 2004 Food Consumption Survey. Methods A representative sample of the Belgian population was randomly selected from the National Population Register following a multistage stratified sampling procedure. Information on dietary intake was collected from 3146 subjects between 3 and 64 year old through two non-consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls using GloboDiet®. In addition, a self-administered food frequency questionnaire was completed. The distribution of habitual food consumptions and proportion of persons who did not meet the recommendations were estimated with SPADE. Results For most of food groups analysed, the habitual consumption did not comply with FBDG. The consumption of nutrient-poor and energy-dense foods (e.g. alcohol, soft drinks and snacks) was excessive (35% of total energy intake), while the consumption of most other food groups was below the minimum recommended. A large majority of the population had an inadequate consumption of dairy products (98%), vegetables (95%), fruit (91%), potatoes, rice and pasta (88%) bread and cereals (83%) and water and sugar-free drinks (73%). Males had higher consumption of most food groups than females, thereby complying more often with FBDG. For all food groups, except dairy products and fruit, the consumption increased with age. The proportion of individuals meeting FBDG was the highest among young children (3-5 years) and the worst among adolescents aged 14-17 years old. Habitual consumption remained stable between 2004 and 2014 in the population aged 15-64 years old for all food groups except for increased consumption of water and sugar-free drinks (1180 to 1289 g/d) and decreased consumption of spreadable and cooking fat (27 to 19 g/d), red meat (34 to 25 g/d) and bread and cereals (173 to 142 g/d). Conclusions The habitual food consumption of the Belgian population (3-64 years) in 2014-2015 deviates largely from FBDG, particularly among adolescents aged between 14 and 17 years old. Few improvements were observed between 2004 and 2014 in the population between 15 and 64 years old. Further efforts are therefore necessary to improve dietary habits in Belgium, in order to prevent and reduce diet-related diseases.

Current Food Consumption amongst the Spanish ANIBES Study Population

“…Likewise, age has a strong influence in food selection, as our results show that children and young individuals consume a higher proportion of cereals and derivatives, milk and dairy products, sugar and sweets, and ready-to-eat meals, while adults have higher vegetable, fruit, and fish and shellfish intakes. Several studies support these findings, showing that consumption of fruit and vegetables generally increase during the transition of the population from a young to adult age, while intakes of cereals and milk and dairy products tend to decrease [40]. In the United Kingdom, Lake et al [61] reported that food group intakes changed considerably between adolescence and adulthood.…”

“…In this regard, it is relevant to underline that proteins from milk products are of high biological value and that they also provide other nutrients with beneficial effects on certain chronic diseases (fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins and minerals such as calcium and phosphorus) [38]. Furthermore, when we compare milk and dairy product intakes with other European countries, we can observe that populations from the Netherlands has a higher consumption (about 319 g/day, excluding cheese) than the population in Spain (257.2 g/day) and Belgium (160 g/day) [39,40].…”

“…When assessing the number of servings of fruits and vegetables across the Spanish population, a report from the Spanish Nutrition Foundation (FEN) showed that the Spanish population is consuming roughly above 2 servings/day versus the recommended 5 servings/day [43]. When compared with other European countries we may observe that vegetable and fruit intakes in Dutch [39] and Belgian [40] populations are similar but lower than in Italy where vegetable consumption reaches 244 g/day and fruit 239.6 g/day [44].…”

Food Consumption in Adolescents and Young Adults: Age-Specific Socio-Economic and Cultural Disparities (Belgian Food Consumption Survey 2014)

“…In addition to physical activity, a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and fibers is recommended, along with limited consumption of processed foods high in fat, refined starches and sugars, red and processed meat, sugary sweetened beverages (SSB), and alcohol [1,2]. In Belgium, recent analyses identified the group of 14–17 year old adolescents as having the worst dietary habits when considering adhesion to dietary guidelines [3]. In the 18–39 year old group, conclusions were mitigated: consistent with adolescents, these adults had the highest consumption of nutrient-poor foods (comprising SSB, alcoholic drinks, biscuits and pastries, confectionary and chocolates, salty and fried snacks, etc.)…”

The Eating And Drinking Habits Of Children At Kudus, Central Java,Indonesia

“…If it is left unchecked, then the habit of refusing or choosing to eat certain fruits and vegetables will be a phobia known as food neophobia or picky eating. [11] [12] Parents know the management of feeding to their children who are still in school such as monitoring food intake and type of food, determining the amount of food, and promoting children's eating behavior. [13] The false parental habits are not getting used to breakfast, not getting used to providing food that makes children consume more snacks, does not apply the rules of eating hours that make children become irregular in terms of eating time, getting used to flavoring that makes children become accustomed to savory flavors.…”