Micronutrient intake and status in Central and Eastern Europe compared with other European countries, results from the EURRECA network

Abstract

Objective: To compare micronutrient intakes and status in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) with those in other European countries and with reference values. Design: Review of the micronutrient intake/status data from open access and grey literature sources from CEE. Setting: Micronutrients studied were folate, iodine, Fe, vitamin B 12 and Zn (for intake and status) and Ca, Cu, Se, vitamin C and vitamin D (for intake). Intake data were based on validated dietary assessment methods; mean intakes were compared with average nutrient requirements set by the Nordic countries or the US Institute of Medicine. Nutritional status was assessed using the status biomarkers and cut-off levels recommended primarily by the WHO. Subjects: For all population groups in CEE, the mean intake and mean/median status levels were compared between countries and regions: CEE, Scandinavia, Western Europe and Mediterranean. Results: Mean micronutrient intakes of adults in the CEE region were in the same range as those from other European regions, with exception of Ca (lower in CEE). CEE children and adolescents had poorer iodine status, and intakes of Ca, folate and vitamin D were below the reference values. Conclusions: CEE countries are lacking comparable studies on micronutrient intake/ status across all age ranges, especially in children. Available evidence showed no differences in micronutrient intake/status in CEE populations in comparison with other European regions, except for Ca intake in adults and iodine and Fe status in children. The identified knowledge gaps urge further research on micronutrient intake/status of CEE populations to make a basis for evidence-based nutrition policy.

Systematic Review of Observational Studies with Dose-Response Meta-Analysis between Folate Intake and Status Biomarkers in Adults and the Elderly

“…The levels of serum/plasma folate reported in a recent publication on micronutrient intake and status is Europe were 14–23 nmol/L [46], and in the publication by Duffy et al [3], the levels were in the range 6–24 nmol/L and this is in line with the range observed in this review (5–31 nmol/L).…”

Maternal Diet and Nutrient Requirements in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding. An Italian Consensus Document

“…The average daily intake of iodine in the general population is less than that indicated by WHO, at the European level, where iodine deficiency affects mainly the child population [43], and all over the Italian territory (85–88 µg/day vs. 150 µg/day) [44]. …”

Does the consumption of fruits and vegetables differ between Eastern and Western European populations? Systematic review of cross-national studies

“…Previous systematic reviews of fruit, vegetable and micronutrient intakes in CEE, FSU and WE countries used data from studies which had been conducted separately in the two regions [12, 13]. These reviews found that the methodological differences between studies seriously limited the interpretation of the results, and emphasised that the lack of comparable data was especially important in CEE and FSU countries.…”