scholarly journals Success of reformulation and health education in reducing sodium intakes across socioeconomic groups

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Gressier ◽  
G Frost ◽  
F Sassi

Abstract Background The UK salt reduction programme started in 2005, consisting of education campaigns and a reformulation strategy. This programme is often cited as an example of a successful public health programme, and used as a model for other programmes. This study aims at assessing how the programme succeeded in reducing sodium intakes, and whether success was even across socioeconomic (SES) groups. Methods Food intakes for the UK adult population were derived from food diaries in the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey for 2008/09 (Y1) and 2016/17 (Y9). Year-specific sodium densities of foods were used to calculate the quantity-weighted average sodium density of all food and beverage consumed by the population. Using a decomposition approach (Griffith et al., Economica, 2017), changes in sodium density were attributed to either changes in food composition (change in sodium density), or changes in behaviour (type and quantity of food products consumed), stratifying by SES. Results The programme was linked to a 16% decrease in sodium intakes between Y1 and Y9, while sodium density decreased by 15%. This decrease was largely driven by reformulation (-12mg/100g), while changes in food choices had a smaller impact (-2mg/100g). This finding was consistent across SES groups, whether stratified by education or income, with no significant differences between SES groups in behavioural responses to the programme (changes in food choices). Conclusions Changing people's food environment, through reformulation to reduce the sodium density of foods, had a larger impact on sodium intakes in the UK population than efforts to change food choices, and produced consistent impacts across SES groups. Key messages Reformulation led to a consistent reduction of the sodium density of food consumed across SES. There was no evidence of adverse equity impact from changes in behaviour.

2016 ◽  
Vol 76 (3) ◽  
pp. 369-377 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kay D. Mann ◽  
Mark S. Pearce ◽  
Chris J. Seal

Observational evidence suggests that increased whole grain (WG) intake reduces the risks of many non-communicable diseases, such as CVD, type 2 diabetes, obesity and certain cancers. More recently, studies have shown that WG intake lowers all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Much of the reported evidence on risk reduction is from US and Scandinavian populations, where there are tangible WG dietary recommendations. At present there is no quantity-specific WG dietary recommendation in the UK, instead we are advised to choose WG or higher fibre versions. Despite recognition of WG as an important component of a healthy diet, monitoring of WG intake in the UK has been poor, with the latest intake assessment from data collected in 2000–2001 for adults and in 1997 for children. To update this information we examined WG intake in the National Diet and Nutrition Survey rolling programme 2008–2011 after developing our database of WG food composition, a key resource in determining WG intake accurately. The results showed median WG intakes remain low in both adults and children and below that of countries with quantity-specific guidance. We also found a reduction in C-reactive protein concentrations and leucocyte counts with increased WG intake, although no association with other markers of cardio-metabolic health. The recent recommendations by the UK Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition to increase dietary fibre intake will require a greater emphasis on consuming more WG. Specific recommendations on WG intake in the UK are warranted as is the development of public health policy to promote consumption of these important foods.


2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 958-966 ◽  
Author(s):  
Celia A Prentice ◽  
Claire Smith ◽  
Rachael M McLean

AbstractObjective(i) To determine the Na content of commonly consumed fast foods in New Zealand and (ii) to estimate Na intake from savoury fast foods for the New Zealand adult population.DesignCommonly consumed fast foods were identified from the 2008/09 New Zealand Adult Nutrition Survey. Na values from all savoury fast foods from chain restaurants (n 471) were obtained from nutrition information on company websites, while the twelve most popular fast-food types from independent outlets (n 52) were determined using laboratory analysis. Results were compared with the UK Food Standards Agency 2012 sodium targets. Nutrient analysis was completed to estimate Na intake from savoury fast foods for the New Zealand population using the 2008/09 New Zealand Adult Nutrition Survey.SettingNew Zealand.SubjectsAdults aged 15 years and above.ResultsFrom chain restaurants, sauces/salad dressings and fried chicken had the highest Na content (per 100 g) and from independent outlets, sausage rolls, battered hotdogs and mince and cheese pies were highest in Na (per 100 g). The majority of fast foods exceeded the UK Food Standards Agency 2012 sodium targets. The mean daily Na intake from savoury fast foods was 283 mg/d for the total adult population and 1229 mg/d for fast-food consumers.ConclusionsTaking into account the Na content and frequency of consumption, potato dishes, filled rolls, hamburgers and battered fish contributed substantially to Na intake for fast-food consumers in New Zealand. These foods should be targeted for Na reduction reformulation.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-30
Author(s):  
Julie Young ◽  
Sophie Scott ◽  
Lindsey Clark ◽  
John K Lodge

Abstract Recommendations for free sugar intake in the UK should be no more than 5% of total energy due to increased health risks associated with overconsumption. It was therefore of interest to examine free sugar intakes and associations with health parameters in the UK population. The UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) rolling programme (2008-2017) was used for this study. Dietary intake, anthropometrical measurements and clinical biomarker data collated from 5121 adult respondents aged 19-64 years, were statistically analysed. Compared to the average total carbohydrate intake (48% of energy), free sugars comprised 12.5%, with sucrose 9% and fructose 3.5%. Intakes of these sugars, apart from fructose, were significantly different over collection year (P<0.001), and significantly higher in males (P<0.001). Comparing those consuming above or below the UK recommendations for free sugars (5% energy) significant differences were found for BMI (P<0.001), triglyceride (P<0.001), HDL (P=0.006) and homocysteine concentrations (P=0.028), and significant gender differences were observed (e.g lower blood pressure in females). Regression analysis demonstrated that free sugar intake could predict plasma triglycerides, HDL and homocysteine concentrations (P<0.0001), consistent with the link between these parameters and cardiovascular disease. We also found selected unhealthy food choices (using the UK Eatwell Guide) to be significantly higher in those that consumed above the recommendations (P<0.0001) and were predictors of free sugar intakes (P<0.0001). We have shown that adult free sugar intakes in the UK population are associated with certain negative health parameters that support the necessary reduction in free sugar intakes for the UK population.


2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 827-835 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Primavesi ◽  
Giovanna Caccavelli ◽  
Alessandra Ciliberto ◽  
Emmanuel Pauze

AbstractObjectivePromotion of healthy eating can no longer be postponed as a priority, given the alarming growth rate of chronic degenerative diseases in Western countries. We elaborated a nutrieconomic model to assess and identify the most nutritious and affordable food choices.DesignSeventy-one food items representing the main food categories were included and their nationally representative prices monitored. Food composition was determined using CRA-NUT (Centro di Ricerca per gli Alimenti e la Nutrizione) and IEO (Istituto Europeo di Oncologia) databases. To define food nutritional quality, the mean adequacy ratio and mean excess ratio were combined. Both prices and nutritional quality were normalised for the edible food content and for the recommended serving sizes for the Italian adult population.SettingStores located in different provinces throughout Italy.SubjectsNot applicable.ResultsCereals and legumes presented very similar nutritional qualities and prices per serving. Seasonal fruits and vegetables presented differentiated nutritional qualities and almost equal prices. Products of animal origin showed similar nutritional qualities and varied prices: the best nutrieconomic choices were milk, oily fish and poultry for the dairy products, fish and meat groups, respectively.ConclusionsAnalysing two balanced weekly menus, our nutrieconomic model was able to note a significant decrease in cost of approximately 30 % by varying animal-protein sources without affecting nutritional quality. Healthy eating does not necessarily imply spending large amounts of money but rather being able to make nutritionally optimal choices. The nutrieconomic model is an innovative and practical way to help consumers make correct food choices and nutritionists increase the compliance of their patients.


2008 ◽  
Vol 101 (5) ◽  
pp. 760-764 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vasant Hirani ◽  
Annhild Mosdøl ◽  
Gita Mishra

Several recent reports have found a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the adult British population. The present paper investigates the associations of low income/material deprivation and other predictors of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) status in two surveys: The National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) of the population aged 19–64 years in mainland Britain and the Low Income Diet and Nutrition Survey (LIDNS) of adults aged ≥ 19 years in all regions of the UK who were screened to identify low-income/materially deprived households. A valid serum 25(OH)D sample was obtained in 1297 and 792 participants from the NDNS and LDNS respectively. The NDNS participants who were not receiving benefits (n 1054) had a mean 25(OH)D of 50·1 nmol/l, which was higher than among NDNS participants receiving benefits (n 243) with a mean 25(OH)D of 43·0 nmol/l (P < 0·001) and the LIDNS sample (46·5 nmol/l; P < 0·05). For all three samples, the season of drawing blood, skin colour, dietary intake of vitamin D, and intake of dietary supplements were significant predictors (P < 0·05) of serum 25(OH)D status in mutually adjusted regression models. National prevention and treatments strategies of poor vitamin D status need to be targeted to include the adult population, particularly deprived populations, in addition to the elderly and ethnic minorities.


2010 ◽  
Vol 64 (S3) ◽  
pp. S32-S36 ◽  
Author(s):  
E Fitt ◽  
T N Mak ◽  
A M Stephen ◽  
C Prynne ◽  
C Roberts ◽  
...  

Nutrients ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 1315 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nida Ziauddeen ◽  
Eva Almiron-Roig ◽  
Tarra Penney ◽  
Sonja Nicholson ◽  
Sara Kirk ◽  
...  

2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. 1314-1320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ma Mar Romero-Fernández ◽  
Miguel Ángel Royo-Bordonada ◽  
Fernando Rodríguez-Artalejo

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the nutritional quality of products advertised on television (TV) during children's viewing time in Spain, applying the UK nutrient profile model (UKNPM).DesignWe recorded 80 h of four general TV station broadcasts during children's viewing time in May and June 2008, and identified all advertisements for foods and beverages. Nutritional information was obtained from the product labels or websites and from food composition tables. Each product was classified as healthy (e.g. gazpacho, a vegetable juice) or less healthy (e.g. potato crisp snacks) according to the UKNPM criteria.SettingFour free-of-charge TV channels in Spain: two national channels and two regional ones.SubjectsTV commercials of food and beverages.ResultsA total of 486 commercials were broadcast for ninety-six different products, with a mean frequency of 5·1 advertisements per product. Some 61·5 % of the ninety-six products were less healthy, and the percentage was higher for foods (74·1 %). All (100 %) of the breakfast cereals and 80 % of the non-alcoholic drinks and soft drinks were less healthy. Of the total sample of commercials, 59·7 % were for less healthy products, a percentage that rose to 71·2 % during children's reinforced protection viewing time.ConclusionsOver half the commercials were for less healthy products, a proportion that rose to over two-thirds during the hours of special protection for children. This suggests that applying the UKNPM to regulate food advertising during this slot would entail the withdrawal of most food commercials in Spain. TV advertising of products with low nutritional quality should be restricted.


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