The contribution of different food groups to the energy, fat and fibre intake of the Coronary Risk Factor Study (CORIS) population

A dietary survey done in 1979 on a randomly selected 15% subsample (454 males and 659 females, 15-64 years old) of the 1979 Coronary Risk Factor Study (CORIS) population showed that this population consumed a typical Western diet. In order to identify specific weaknesses in the dietary habits of the population, additional analyses were performed on the data. Foods consumed by the respondents were grouped into 8 groups and the percentage contribution of each of these food groups to total energy intake, total macronutrients, dietary cholesterol and dietary fibre intake was determined. A reference, an 8.4 MJ diet, calculated according to the prudent diet guidelines, was also analysed as described above. The results showed that the CORIS respondents' dietary intake compared unfavourably with the values of the reference diet. The meat group was the main source of total fat, saturated fat and dietary cholesterol. The fat group was the second most important source of total fat in the diet, while the milk group was the second most important source of saturated fat. The study population preferred refined cereals and had a low fruit and vegetable intake. These results revealed specific shortcomings in the dietary habits of the CORIS population and emphasised the need for changes necessary to meet the requirements for a prudent diet.