Estimates of food intake and dietary habits in a random sample of adolescents in south-east Spain

Dietary habits and food intake of the six basic food groups (milk, meats, cereals, fruits, vegetables and fats) were investigated in a random sample of 206 adolescents (aged 10–15 years) from a region of south-east Spain (Murcia). Adolescents were interviewed on their recall of food intake over the previous 24 h. The results showed a very low consumption of vegetables, some deficiencies in the intake of the milk and fruits, and an excessive intake of fats. Intake of foods belonging to the cereal and meat groups was adequate, agreeing with the recommendations for the adolescent population. Within the meat group, the distribution of foods consumed was not satisfactory; an excessive consumption of meats and sausages was observed, while the intake of fish and pulses was insufficient. In our study, nutritional advice was given to mothers and adolescents. The use of Spanish portions from the six basic food groups proved to be a very helpful method to popularize the principles of balanced diet in our population. Our results seem to indicate some nutritional imbalances in the diets of the adolescents in the study, especially deficits in fibre and calcium and an excess in saturated fats. The study reveals that although Murcia is a typically Mediterranean Region, the characteristics of the diet of Murcian adolescents are quite different in some respects from the typical alimentary habits of the Mediterranean diet.     

1993-2009年沈阳市成人膳食结构和营养状况变迁分析

目的通过监测和分析1993-2009年沈阳市成人居民在1993-2009年的食物消费、营养素摄入及健康状况等数据,了解沈阳市成人居民膳食结构与营养状况的变迁。方法采用多阶段分层整群随机抽样的方法,在沈阳市两个城市居委会和两个郊区进行膳食结构与营养状况调查。结果城市成人的植物性食物和动物性食物消费量均为下降趋势,而郊区均上升,城市脂肪供能比到2009年达到23.4%,郊区糖类摄入量到2009年达到70.1%,引起超重和肥胖人口所占比例提高,成人钙摄入不足的状况无显著改善,城市和郊区的维生素A、维生素B1和维生素B2摄入量明显不足,男性和女性其超重/肥胖率均呈现出波动增长的趋势,且男性超重/肥胖率增长幅度明显高于女性。结论沈阳市下一步的营养工作重点应放在调整营养不平衡上,提高豆类和奶类等富含钙质的健康食物的消费,降低富含脂肪的肉类和油类的消费;加大富含维生素A、维生素B1和维生素B2的食物的消费;扩大对成人超重/肥胖率的监测范围,做到及早进行合理饮食宣传和干预控制,防止慢性病范围进一步扩大。     

会宁县高一学生膳食营养摄入状况评价

目的了解会宁县高一学生的膳食摄入状况和膳食模式,为进一步改善和提高学生的膳食营养状况提供基础资料。方法采用24h回顾调查法结合称重法、记账法,收集被调查者连续7d的膳食摄入情况;采用膳食频率法结合称重法,收集312名被调查对象连续1年的食物消费资料。结果调查对象膳食结构以谷薯类为主,杂粮摄入量占谷薯类总量的5左右;谷薯类、水果类、豆类、奶类、蛋类食物的日平均摄入量均高于2002年中国居民营养与健康状况调查水平;男、女生在精米面、杂粮、谷薯类、肉类摄入量上差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。男生铁的摄入量基本满足需求;有80以上的学生锌、钙、维生素A、维生素B2摄入量未达到AI或者RNI。三大产能营养素供能及一日三餐能量分配不合理,膳食蛋白质、钙、铁80以上来源于植物性食物,14左右的脂肪酸来源于多不饱和脂肪酸。结论应增加会宁县高一学生蔬菜水果、动物瘦肉、奶类、豆类等食物的摄入量,提高优质蛋白质、钙、铁、锌、维生素A、维生素B2的摄入量。     

Intake levels and major food sources of energy and nutrients in the Taiwanese elderly

The purpose of this article is to examine dietary intake levels and major food sources of energy and nutrients for the Taiwanese elderly in order to relate nutrient intakes to food choices and to provide suggestions for dietary improvement. The data were derived from the 24-hour recalls from 1,911 subjects (955 males and 956 females) aged 65 and above, who participated in the Elderly NAHSIT carried out from 1999 to 2000. The differences in food consumption patterns between the elderly and younger adults (aged 19 to 64) were also evaluated by comparison with data obtained from NAHSIT 1993-1996. The results revealed that cereals/roots, meat, other protein-rich foods and fats/oils contributed most to daily energy intake. The energy contributions from fats/oils, poultry, meat, other protein-rich foods, refreshments/snacks, alcoholic beverages, and miscellaneous food groups were lower in elderly diets compared with those of younger adults. Meat and cereals/roots were the major food sources of protein. The main carbohydrate-contributing food group was cereals/roots, while primary lipid sources were meat and fats/oils for the elderly. The food groups with a high contribution to vitamin intake were the following: vegetables for vitamin A; meat and cereals/roots for vitamin B1; dairy products, vegetables, cereals/roots and meat for vitamin B2; cereals/roots, seafood and meat for niacin; meat, vegetables and cereals/roots for vitamin B6; plant oils for vitamin E; and vegetables and fruit for vitamin C. The highest ranked food sources for minerals are listed as follows: dairy products, vegetables and seafood for calcium; dairy products and cereals/roots for phosphorous; vegetables and meat for iron; and vegetables, cereals/ roots, other protein-rich foods and seafood for magnesium. The elderly were found to consume more salt, dairy products and vegetables, but less poultry and meat than their younger counterparts. In summary, differences in consumption patterns between the elderly and younger adults was reflected in differences in common food sources of energy and specific nutrients. The dietary patterns of the elderly are in general "healthier" than that of younger adults except for higher salt intake among the elderly. Nonetheless, our elderly population needs to increase their intake of calcium, magnesium, vitamins E and B6, and dietary fiber, and decrease their consumption of salt. Promoting the ingestion of whole-grain and nut products may be a useful strategy to improve the nutritional status of the Taiwanese elderly, aiming at increasing the percentage of energy obtained from carbohydrates and the daily intake of vitamins E and B6, magnesium, and dietary fiber. Suitable strategies are also needed to improve the calcium status of Taiwanese elderly, particularly as a high proportion of them are either lactose intolerant or dislike dairy products.     

Nutritional knowlegde, lifestyle and food groups intake in the group of the first year students of Agricultural University in Wroclaw

In this paper, the level of nutritional knowledge, lifestyle and food group intake was assessed in the first year students of Agricultural University in Wroclaw, by using nutritional questionnaire. Generally, the level of knowledge of principles of rational nutrition was particularly low. Inadequate low intake of cereal, milk, meat products, potatoes, fruit and vegetables was noticed in group of women. Too high intake of meat products, eggs and plant fat was observed in the group of men.     

The evaluation of nutrition quality of adolescents living in residential schools at the province of Bia?ystok]

The aim of this study was an assessment of nutrition quality of adolescents living in boarding schools at the province of Bia?ystok. The investigations were carried out in the range of nutritional value and contamination level of lead, cadmium, mercury, copper and zinc in daily food rations given to young people. The nutrition quality was determined by calculating the energy and nutritional components during ten days (decade), using computer programme "Menu". Chemical analysis were made on individual meals, which create daily food ration per estimated day. All the studies (in 1997 and 1998 year) were done according to the methods referred in chapter on this article "Material and methods of research". It was found, (during two years study) that nutrition of young people in boarding schools devites from recommended dietary allowances. High products consumption from groups: "meat and its products", "butter" and "other fats", caused too high energy contribution taken from dietary fats of whole daily energy and high iron intake. The percent proportion from energy supplied from proteins was maintained in recommended value. The consumption deficit in groups "milk and dairy products", "vegetables and fruit rich in vitamin C reflected in the low percent of realization of the requirements for calcium and vitamin C. Exceedation of permissible tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) of cadmium and mercury wasn't stated, (in 1997 year) while 26% of estimated in 1997 year, and 14% in 1998 diets were above PTWI for lead. Daily intake of copper and zinc was lower than maximal tolerable daily intake (MTDI). Some assessed (during 1997 and 1998 year) rations didn't cover the requirements for zinc, while in 81% estimated diets in 1997 and 76% in 1998, the recommended intake level of copper was exceeded. The contents of sodium chloride in daily food rations analyzed in 1997 year ranged from 13.8 g to 27.2 g and the highest source of dietary salt were dinner meals (6.9 g-13.2 g), analogous in current year--from 10.8 g to 38.3 g, with contents of salt in dinner meals--5.7 g to 14.4 g. The investigation from 1997 and 1998 year prove, that nutrition of adolescent in boarding schools isn't correct according to rational diet principles. There is the need of giving systematic training for people who are planing and realising nutrition in boarding schools, and taking up other activity mobilizing personnel for higher engagement in young people nutrition problem.     

Intake of food products by obese inhibitans from Wroclaw

The aim of the study was to asses food products intake in food ratio of women (n = 70) and men (n = 30) with BMI 27-40 from Wroclaw, which were patients of endocrynological section in Clinic Hospital in 2004. The 24 - hours recall and album of photographs of food products and dishes were used to estimate food products intake. Results of the study were compared with recommendation for adults in age 26-60 with low physical activity. In average food ratio the improperly high intake of meat and meat products (women 152% and men 198% of recommended level), fat (respectively 336% and 250%) and sugar and sweets (180%) were observed. The low intake of milk and milk products (women 71% and men 38% of recommendation) and vegetables and fruit (respectively 70% and 64%) were noticed. The way of nutrition of examined adults had many abnormalities predicted to increase body mass. The most errors including incorrect distribution of meals during the day, incorrect number of meals with snacks between them and too low physical activity was observed.     

Drinking-related changes in dietary intake in 2165 male adults--with special reference to carbohydrate, protein and fat]

A food intake-frequency survey using a 7-day weighted inventory questionnaire was conducted among 2165 healthy men aged from 18 to 85 living in Nagano Prefecture. The effect of ethanol consumption on the intake of 12 different groups of food (cereals, potatoes, sugar, confectioneries, fruit, vegetables, soybean and its products, eggs, milk and dairy products, fish, meat, and oils), on the intake of macronutrients (carbohydrate, protein and fat), on the total energy intake including and excluding energy from ethanol, and on the energy percentage from carbohydrate, protein and fat, were analyzed. As ethanol consumption increased, the intake of cereals and confectioneries was found to markedly decrease, and that of potatoes, sugar, fruit, vegetables, milk and dairy products, and oils to decrease to a lesser extent. In contrast, the intake of meat increased with increasing ethanol consumption. The intake of carbohydrate, vegetable protein and fat decreased with increase in ethanol consumption in the following order: carbohydrate greater than vegetable protein = vegetable fat. As ethanol consumption increased, total energy intake including energy from ethanol increased, but the energy excluding ethanol decreased. The energy percentage contributed by carbohydrate, vegetable protein, and vegetable and animal fat decreased with increase of ethanol consumption: the extent of the decrease was most prominent in energy from carbohydrate, followed by vegetable fat, animal fat and vegetable protein in decreasing order. These results suggest that people have a tendency to consume less carbohydrate, especially cereals, when increasing ethanol consumption.     

Fat intake, diet variety and health promotion

Different epidemiological studies indicated that the optimization of diet and nutrition combined with healthy life style can decrease the risk and even lead to amelioration of various noncommunicable diseases. Promising food-based dietary guidelines have been recommended in order to improve the nutritional and health status. One of the most popular recommendations is related to the amount (less fat and fat-rich foods) and type of the dietary fat component (less saturated, more polyunsaturated fatty acids, lower n-6:n-3 ratio). An overview on the nutrient intake among different age groups in Austria shows that the general consumption of some food groups--especially those rich in carbohydrates--is too low and that the intake of fat is far beyond the recommended amount of 30% of total energy (E%). The results of the 24-hour recall made among Austrian adults (n = 2,585) showed that about 18% of this population group had a fat intake of 30-35 E%, whereas 60% had an intake higher than 35 E%. Only 24% of the female and male adults had a fat intake lower than 30 E%. A result of this high proportion of fat--in the form of foods rich in fat--in the average total energy consumption is a too low intake of carbohydrates, and foods rich in carbohydrates, respectively. An increasing fat intake is associated with an increasing intake of some nutrients such as vitamin A, E, calcium and zinc, but a decreasing intake of other nutrients like vitamin C, folate, carotenoids and others. The diversity of foods consumed during a day increases with decreasing amount of fat in the diet of adults. People with a high amount of fat in their daily diet show a lower intake of vegetables and fruit, cereal products, carotenoids, folates and dietary fibers, but a higher intake of meat and meat products, milk and milk products, sweets and flummeries as well as saturated fatty acids (SFA) and cholesterol. Of course, a higher variety of food items in the daily diet should not be associated with a higher energy intake. Thus, foods with a high nutrient density (vegetables, fruits, low-fat milk products, whole grain cereals, legumes etc.) are recommended. Finally, it has to be annotated that a high diversity in the daily diet with reduced fat and SFA intake allows a sufficient nutrient intake and is an important approach for health promotion.     

Impact of nutrition education on food and nutrient intake of pregnant women

Researchers compared data on 33 pregnant women attending nutrition education classes regularly over a 13-week period (nutrition education group) with data on 33 other pregnant women who did not receive such education (controls) to examine the impact of nutrition education on the pregnant women's food and nutrient intake. The 66 pregnant women were selected from two hospitals and two urban family welfare centers in Ludhiana city, India. All were from the low socioeconomic group (i.e., per capita income of Rs. 369/month). A dietary survey was conducted at 20 weeks gestation and again at 36 weeks gestation. At 20 weeks, the two groups were not statistically different. The intake of cereals, pulses, green leafy vegetables, fats and oils, and sugar and jagger were lower than the recommended daily intake (RDI). On the other hand, intake was more than RDI for milk and milk products, other vegetables, and roots and tubers. Except thiamine and ascorbic acid, intake of nutrients was inadequate. In both the nutrition education group and the control group, nutrient intake was higher at 36 weeks than at 20 weeks due to the increased food requirements of pregnancy. Women in the nutrition education group were more likely than the control group to consume more protein, vitamin A, thiamine, folic acid, and vitamin C. This likely reflects a higher consumption of pulses, milk and milk products, fruits, and vegetables as well as adopting favorable nutritional practices (e.g., use of sprouted grains). Nevertheless, intake was below RDIs for many nutrients, even for women in the nutrition education group. These findings suggest that nutrition education for pregnant women does improve nutrient intake but also that more needs to be done to bring intake levels up even higher.     

Dietary determinants of epithelial ovarian cancer: a review of the epidemiologic literature

Ovarian cancer is commonly a fatal disease and, despite advances in screening and treatment, the lack of understanding of the underlying etiology has limited prevention strategies. This article reviews the epidemiologic literature on the relationship between consumption of major food groups and the risk of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). We identified 7 cohort studies and 27 case-control studies of consumption of major food groups (fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, fish, dairy products, grains, fats and oils) and EOC risk. Vegetable but not fruit consumption was found to possibly exhibit beneficial effects on the risk of EOC, whereas high meat consumption may be associated with an increased risk. A protective effect on risk of EOC for whole-grain food consumption as well as for consumption of low-fat milk is suggested by the results of the studies. However, evidence for associations of foods such as fish, grains, milk products, and fats and oils with EOC risk is limited and inconsistent, and further examination of these dietary determinants of EOC are warranted. In conclusion, a typical Western diet, which is high in meats and low in vegetables, may be positively associated with ovarian cancer incidence. However, the association between specific dietary factors and EOC risk remains unclear and merits further examination. In particular, future studies need to address the effect of milk products according to fat content and possible biological mechanisms to explain observed effects.     

Dietary sources of energy and macronutrient intakes among Flemish preschoolers

This study aims to identify major food sources of energy and macronutrients among Flemish preschoolers as a basis for evaluating dietary guidelines. Three-day estimated diet records were collected from a representative sample of 696 Flemish preschoolers (2.5-6.5 years old; participation response rate: 50%). For 11 dietary constituents, the contribution of 57 food groups was computed by summing the amount provided by the food group for all individuals divided by the total intake of the respective nutrient for all individuals. Bread (12%), sweet snacks (12%), milk (6%), flavoured milk drinks (9%), and meat products (6%) were the top five energy contributors. Sweet snacks were among the top contributors to energy, total fat, all fatty acids, cholesterol, and complex and simple carbohydrates. Fruit juices and flavoured milk drinks are the main contributors to simple carbohydrates (respectively 14% and 18%). All principal food groups like water, bread and cereals, vegetables, fruit, milk and spreadable fats were under-consumed by more than 30% of the population, while the food groups that were over-consumed consisted only of low nutritious and high energy dense foods (sweet snacks, sugared drinks, fried potatoes, sauces and sweet spreads). From the major food sources and gaps in nutrient and food intakes, some recommendations to pursue the nutritional goals could be drawn: the intake of sweet snacks and sugar-rich drinks (incl. fruit juices) should be discouraged, while consumption of fruits, vegetables, water, bread and margarine on bread should be encouraged.     

Association of fruit and vegetable intake with dietary fat intake

We examined the relation of fruit and vegetable intake with dietary fat intake under conditions in which individuals consume recommended number of portions of dairy, meat and grain foods, using 24-hour dietary recall data from the NHANES II of 1976–80. Only recalls that included at least 2 servings each of dairy foods and meat and 4 servings of grains, but variable servings of fruits and vegetables (ranging from 0 to 2 or more) were examined, yielding a total of 9 food group patterns (possible combinations of food group servings) as reported by 1,490 respondents. In patterns ranging from 0 to 2 servings each of fruits and vegetables, the mean percent of energy as fat varied from 39% to 36%. We observed a slight trend for decreasing energy from fat with increasing number of fruit-but not vegetable-servings. Consumption of fruits and vegetables was not associated with selection of lower-fat foods in the meat, dairy or grain groups. The percent of daily fat contributed by the miscellaneous food group (containing visible fats, sweeteners, and baked products with a high fat or sugar content) increased with increasing vegetable-but not fruit-servings. These results suggest that without conscious effort to reduce fat intake, an increase in fruit and vegetable intake may have a relatively minor impact on reduction of dietary fat.     

巴彦淖尔市城区产褥期妇女膳食状况调查

目的:调查分析巴彦淖尔市城区产褥期妇女的膳食状况。方法:采用随机整群抽样方式,抽取巴彦淖尔市城区1周岁以内儿童的母亲共482名作为研究对象,采用自行设计的产褥期调查问卷进行逐一入户问卷调查。结果:共回收有效问卷468份。468名产褥期妇女以顺产为主(57.5%);饮食主要由妈妈提供(63.5%);鱼虾禽畜肉油脂类摄入过多,蔬菜水果奶制品类摄入过少;蛋白质、胆固醇摄入过多(分别为理想摄入量的118.3%、441.3%),维生素C、膳食纤维摄入过少(分别为目标值的16.6%、27.0%);摄入奶制品在产妇年龄和营养保健知识来源中有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:巴彦淖尔市城区产褥期妇女膳食结构不合理,动物性食物摄入过多,植物性食物摄入过少,部分营养素摄入不足,应适当调整膳食结构,以保证产褥期妇女的营养均衡。     

Food sources of nutrients in the diet of Spanish children: the Four Provinces Study

The aim of the present study was to assess the principal food sources of energy and nutrients among Spanish children. We used a cross-sectional study design, based on results obtained from a food-frequency questionnaire. The sample included 1112 children, aged 6-7 years, from Cadiz, Madrid, Orense and Murcia, Spain. Children were selected through random cluster-sampling in schools. We analysed the percentage contributed by each food item to total energy and nutrient intake. The most important food sources were: white bread in the case of carbohydrate (13.4 %); olive oil in the case of total lipids (18.3 %) and monounsaturated fatty acids (29.2 %); whole milk in the case of protein (10.2 %) and saturated fatty acids (14.9 %); chips (French fried potatoes) in the case of polyunsaturated fatty acids (30.4 %). The greatest proportion of Na, consumed in excess, came from salt added to meals. Ham ranked second as a source of saturated fats. Fruits and green leafy vegetables proved to have great relevance as sources of fibre and vitamins, though with regard to the latter, it was observed that fortified foods (breakfast cereals, dairy products, fruit juices, etc.) had come to play a relevant role in many cases. In conclusion, the nutritional profile of Spanish school-aged children aged 6-7 years could be improved by nutritional policies targeted at limiting their consumption of ham (cured or cooked) and of salt added to meals, replacing whole milk with semi-skimmed milk, encouraging the consumption of products rich in complex carbohydrates already present in children's diets (bread, pasta, rice) and promoting less fatty ways of cooking food.     

Socioeconomic differences among Australian adults in consumption of fruit and vegetables and intakes of vitamins A, C and folate

Objective To determine whether socioeconomic groups differ in their food intakes for fruit and vegetables, their consumption of fruit and vegetables dense in vitamin A, folate and vitamin C, and their nutrient intakes of vitamin C, folate and vitamin A. Methods The 1995 Australian National Nutrition Survey collected food intake data from 8883 adults aged 18–64 years using a 24‐h dietary recall. Fruit and vegetables were measured as amount (g) consumed. Intakes of nutrients were estimated from the 24‐h dietary recall data. Participants were categorized by whether or not they consumed fruit or vegetables high in vitamin A, folate and vitamin C. Gross annual household income was used to measure socioeconomic position. Results Participants from low‐income households consumed a smaller quantity of fruit and vegetables. They were also less likely to consume fruit and vegetables high in vitamin C, folate and vitamin A. Consistent with these findings, men and women from disadvantaged socioeconomic groups had lower intakes of vitamin C and folate compared with their more affluent counterparts. These differences were small to moderate in magnitude. Vitamin A intakes were not significantly related to income. Conclusion As well as promoting healthy dietary practices, nutrition‐promotion strategies should target the nutrient intakes of lower socioeconomic groups. These programmes should focus on improving the quantity and choice of fruit and vegetables consumed by people from low‐income households.     

Food group intake patterns and associated nutrient profiles of the US population

We developed a method for evaluating food group intake patterns using dietary recall data (n = 11,529) from the second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We used this method to examine the relationship of these food group intake patterns to nutrient intake and to selected biochemical indexes of nutritional status. We evaluated each 24-hour dietary intake recall for the presence or omission of five broad food groups--dairy, meat, grain, fruit, and vegetable. The five most prevalent patterns and the proportion of the population reporting them was as follows: all food groups, 33.6%; no fruit, 23.9%; no dairy and fruit, 9.0%; no dairy, 8.0%; and no fruit and vegetable, 5.6%. In the most prevalent pattern, all food groups were consumed; this was the only pattern that provided mean amounts of all of the key vitamins and minerals at levels greater than or equal to the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs). This pattern also was reported by the lowest proportion of individuals consuming less than 100% RDA of the key nutrients. Patterns in which both fruit and vegetables were consumed were associated with highest levels of serum vitamin C. The consistency of these results indicates that screening diets for food group consumption can quickly provide meaningful information about their quality.     

The impact of educational and environmental interventions in Dutch worksite cafeterias

Environmental interventions such as labeling and an increased availability of healthy foods may help consumers to meet guidelines for a healthy diet. This article describes a study into the effectiveness of two environmental programs to be used in worksite cafeterias along with an educational program. The aim of the interventions was to reduce fat intake, and to increase fruit and vegetable intake. In the labeling program, low-fat products were labeled. The food supply program comprised an increased availability of low-fat products and fruits and vegetables in worksite cafeterias. The educational program consisted of information about healthy nutrition through brochures, table tents, a self-help manual and posters. The design consisted of a pre-test-post-test experimental control group design, with four conditions: the educational program; the food supply program plus educational program; the labeling program plus educational program; and a control group. Seventeen worksites were randomly assigned to one of the four research conditions. Total fat, fruit and vegetable intake was measured with a quantitative, self-administered food frequency questionnaire (35 questions). Intake during lunch was measured by asking respondents to write down which food items they had purchased during their last lunch in the cafeteria. Furthermore, sales data for some targeted product categories were collected (milk, butter, cheese, meat products, desserts). For the whole study population, no significant effects on consumption data were found for any of the programs. The data showed a beneficial and significant treatment effect of the labeling program on total fat intake for respondents who believed they ate a high-fat diet. Sales data revealed a significant effect of the labeling program on desserts, but not for the other products.     

Consumption of food products by the elderly living in different environments of the Warsaw region, Poland

The aim of the study was to compare qualitatively the intake of food groups by the elderly living in urban and rural areas, with regard to the place of living and sex. Fifty-sex subjects in Warsaw and 142 in villages (born in 1919-24) participated in the study. A 3-day record method was used to collect nutritional data. The subjects living in Warsaw consumed more often milk, meat, fish, fruit and their products, as well as fats and oils. Less than 50% of the elderly living in either rural or urban areas ate eggs and fish. Consumption of fruit and its products was also low in the villages (47%). Meat and meat products were consumed more often by elderly men, whereas milk, fruit and their products were eaten more often by women (a rural area only). Consumption of specific food items also differed between the two analyzed living areas; milk, yoghurt and cheese were eaten more often by the residents of Warsaw, however, the intake of cream was significantly higher in the villages. The intake of red meat and meat products was similar, but poultry was included into the diet of 24% of the elderly in the rural area, significantly less than in Warsaw (34%). It also appeared that butter and mixed fats were more common among the elderly in Warsaw,whereas lard, pork fat and margarine were more popular in the villages. Food choice in the rural area was of poorer quality.     

Intake of vitamin A and carotenoids from the Italian population--results of an Italian total diet study

The present study focused on vitamin A and carotenoids (alpha-and beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene) daily intake from the Italian total diet. The input of some food groups (cereals, vegetables, fruits, milk and dairy, meat and meat products, fish) most responsible for major and minor contributions to the daily intake of these molecules was evaluated. Furthermore the contribution to the dietary intake of beta-carotene and lutein of the most consumed vegetables in the market basket of the Italian total diet (beets, brassica vegetables, carrots, chicory, courgette (zucchini), green beans, lettuce, peas, pepper, spinach, tomatoes) was also investigated. Vitamin A daily intake was 855 mg/person/day. The vegetables food group made the greatest contribution (37%), followed by the meat and meat products food group (23%). The Italian total diet provided 14.3 mg/person/day of carotenoids; lycopene was the highest (7.4 mg/day), followed by lutein + zeaxanthin (4 mg/day), beta-carotene (2.6 mg/day), alpha-carotene (0.15 mg/day), and beta-cryptoxanthin (0.17 mg/day). Carrots and tomatoes were the main sources of beta-carotene in the diet, otherwise the daily consumption of leafy vegetables (spinach, beets, lettuce) made the main contribution to lutein + zeaxanthin daily intake.