The gap between food-based dietary guidelines and usual food consumption in Belgium, 2004

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the gap between food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG) and the usual food consumption in Belgium. Design and setting: Information on food intake was collected with two nonconsecutive 24 h recalls, using the validated software package EPIC-SOFT in combination with a self-administered FFQ. Habitual food intake was estimated by the Nusser method. Physical activity was evaluated according to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Subjects: A representative sample of the Belgian population aged 15 years and older was randomly selected from the National Register using a multistage stratified procedure. Dietary information was obtained from 3245 individuals. Results: Food intakes deviated significantly from the recommendations. In particular, fruit (118 g/d) and vegetable (138 g/d) consumption and intake of dairy and Ca-enriched soya products (159 g/d) were inadequate. Consumption of energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods (soft drinks, alcohol and snacks) was excessive (481 g/d). There were important age and gender differences. Fruit, vegetable and spreadable fat consumption was lowest, while consumption of dairy, starchy and energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods was highest among the youngest age group. Men consumed more animal and starchy foods than women, who consumed more fruits. There were only slight differences by education level. Conclusion: Food intakes differed substantially from the FBDG. Improvement of the Belgian food pattern, in particular among the youngest age group, is necessary for a better prevention of diet-related diseases. In addition, continuous or regular monitoring is crucial to permit trend analyses and to plan effective education or intervention strategies.

Determinants of serum zinc concentrations in a population of French middle-age subjects (SU.VI.MAX cohort)

“…Indeed, energy and macronutrient intakes were significantly lower in women compared with men. Food profile also showed gender differences as previously reported (Uitenbroek et al, 1996;Wirfalt and Jeffery, 1997;Roos et al, 1998;Vandevijvere et al, 2009) and indicated that sources of zinc such as meat, fish and seafood were more consumed by men than by women. It has also been suggested that differences in BMI could explain the lower serum zinc concentrations in women than in men.…”

Changes of dietary patterns during participation in a web-based weight-reduction programme

“…Fourth, it is not clear whether the patterns that we derived would have a different biological effect in individuals with altered educational levels or ethnicities. Dietary patterns might differ by sex (95)(96)(97)(98) because women tend to have healthier dietary patterns compared with men (99)(100)(101)(102) . Fifth, physical activity levels were not taken into account in the present analysis, and activity levels might be closely related to weight loss.…”

Acceptability, feasibility and effectiveness of an eHealth behaviour intervention using self-regulation: ‘MyPlan’

“…To gain health benefits, adults are recommended to perform at least 30 minutes of PA at moderate intensity on most, preferably all days of the week, and to eat 300 grams of vegetables and 3 pieces of fruit every day [4][5][6][7]. However, in most developed countries these recommendations are not followed by a large part of the population [4].…”

“…However, in most developed countries these recommendations are not followed by a large part of the population [4]. In Belgium, only 38% of the adult population fulfils the health norm for PA, and respectively 38% and 47% of the Belgian adults eats fruit and vegetables on a daily base [6,7]. Therefore, interventions that are effective and reach many people are needed.…”