Micronutrient dietary intakes and their food sources in adults: the Hellenic National Nutrition and Health Survey (HNNHS)

Abstract

Background: The present study aimed to assess micronutrient intake among Greek adults and to identify the main food sources that contribute to it. Methods: Food consumption data from 2389 participants in the Hellenic National Nutrition and Health Survey (HNNHS), collected with 24-h recalls, was used to calculate micronutrient intakes. Usual nutrient intake was estimated according to the National Cancer Institute method. Nutrient adequacy was estimated using the estimated average requirement (EAR) cut-point method, when available, or adequate intake otherwise. The probability approach was used to determine iron intake adequacy in females of reproductive age. Food group contribution for each nutrient assessed was derived to identify their main food sources. Results: Almost all individuals had vitamin D intake below EAR, whereas vitamins A, E, K and C, as well as potassium intake, were also insufficient in a considerable percentage of the population (>70% in most age groups). Calcium intake was substantially below the EAR for females aged >50 years and males >70 years; the same for magnesium in males >70 years. Furthermore, 50% of females, including those of reproductive age, had intake of folate below EAR. More than 50% of the population (to 79%) exceeded the upper tolerable limit for sodium (2300 mg day −1 ). Food contribution analysis revealed that most vitamins were derived from low-quality foods (i.e. fast-food).Conclusions: A significant proportion of adults residing in Greece have low nutrient intake and poor food selections. These results provide guidance to public health policy makers for developing strategies to improve the dietary quality in Greece.

Dietary Sugar Intake and Its Association with Obesity in Children and Adolescents

“…Furthermore, it has been reported that overconsumption of foods high in simple sugars replace more nutrient dense foods, and result in nutrient inadequacies [9,37]. This may be the case among children and adolescents in Greece based on a previous study reporting that most vitamins and essential minerals were derived from low-quality foods [46].…”

Scientific opinion on the tolerable upper intake level for selenium

“…Reports from national consumption surveys providing estimates of selenium intake from foods and fortified foods (excluding food supplements) are available for 10 countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Lithuania, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the Netherlands (Pedersen et AECOSAN, 2017;Anses, 2017;Hansen et al, 2017;Lemming et al, 2018;Valsta et al, 2018;Mitsopoulou et al, 2020;van Rossum et al, 2020;Bulotaitė et al, 2021;Kukk et al, 2021;Mitsopoulou et al, 2021). At the P95, the estimated intakes are up to 80.9 μg/day in male infants (aged ≥ 3 to < 12 months; 3 countries), up to 108.6 μg/day in female toddlers (1 to < 3 years; 5 countries), up to 153.3 μg/day in male other children (3 to < 10 years; 5 countries), up to 183.7 μg/day in female adolescents (10 to < 18 years; 6 countries) and up to 227.7 μg/day in male adults (≥ 18 years; 6 countries).…”

Association between kimchi consumption and obesity based on BMI and abdominal obesity in Korean adults: a cross-sectional analysis of the Health Examinees study

“…Kimchi only contributes to a small proportion of the total sodium intake of the Korean diet although our results present that higher kimchi consumption is associated with higher sodium intake 49. Moreover, the main vegetables of kimchi, such as cabbage and radish, are dietary sources of potassium, and individuals who consume higher amounts of sodium might benefit from increasing potassium intakes to counteract the effect of sodium 50 51…”