scholarly journals Energy, Macronutrients, Dietary Fibre and Salt Intakes in Older Adults in Ireland: Key Sources and Compliance with Recommendations

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 876
Author(s):  
Laura Kehoe ◽  
Janette Walton ◽  
Breige A. McNulty ◽  
Anne P. Nugent ◽  
Albert Flynn

The global population is rapidly ageing. Adequate nutritional status can play a key role in preventing or delaying the progression of age-related diseases. The aim of this study was to estimate the usual intake of energy, macronutrients, dietary fibre and salt in order to determine compliance with recommendations and to identify the sources of these nutrients in older adults (≥65 years) in Ireland. This study is based on data from the cohort of older adults aged ≥65 years (n = 226) in the Irish National Adult Nutrition Survey (NANS) (2008–2010) which estimated food and nutrient intakes in a representative sample of adults 18–90 years using a 4 day weighed food record. This study found that while intakes of macronutrients are generally sufficient in this population group, older adults in Ireland have high intakes of total fat, saturated fat, sugar and salt and low intakes of dietary fibre. Future strategies to address the nutritional issues identified in older adults could include the promotion of healthy food choices together with improvements of the food supply including reformulation (fat, sugar and salt) to support successful ageing of our population.

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gráinne Kent ◽  
Laura Kehoe ◽  
Róisín McCarthy ◽  
Breige A. McNulty ◽  
Anne P. Nugent ◽  
...  

AbstractA diet rich in plant-based foods with fewer animal products may offer improved health and environmental benefits. There is little consensus on the definition for a plant-based diet in the literature with some defining it as one rich in vegetables, legumes, fruits, wholegrains, nuts and seeds, excluding animal foods and with heavy restrictions on processed foods. Other definitions make no reference to the inclusion/exclusion of processed foods and refer only to the exclusion of all animal foods from the total diet. This study aimed to examine the nutritional quality of the Irish diet using each of these plant-based diet definitions.A 4-day semi-weighed food record collected food intake data from 1500 Irish adults (18–90y) in the National Adult Nutrition Survey (NANS). Nutrient intake was analysed using WISP© based on UK and Irish food composition databases. All foods and beverages consumed in the NANS were categorised (included/excluded) into the two definitions; 1.plant-based component of the diet and 2.total diet excluding all animal components. The plant-based component included vegetables, legumes, fruits, wholegrains, nuts and seeds and excluded all animal foods and processed foods. The second categorisation included all non-animal foods regardless of processing. Nutritional quality was assessed by estimating energy-adjusted intakes of macronutrients, saturated fat, free sugars, dietary fibre and sodium. Stastical analysis was conducted using SPSS© v24.The plant-based component of the diet provided 309 ± 214kcal/d (1.3 ± 0.9MJ/d) comprising of 68% carbohydrate, 20% fat and 12% protein. Mean intakes of saturated fat and free sugars from the plant-based component of the diet were 5% of energy (%E) and 1%E, respectively. Mean intakes of dietary fibre and sodium were 70g/10MJ and 1855mg/10MJ, respectively.Allowing for inclusion of processed foods, mean energy intake from the total diet excluding all animal foods was 1051 ± 411kcal/d (4.4 ± 1.7MJ/d) comprising of 66% carbohydrate, 23% fat and 10% protein. Mean intakes of saturated fat and free sugars were 7%E and 14%E, respectively. Mean intakes of dietary fibre and sodium were 40g/10MJ and 2642mg/10MJ, respectively.Overall, the macronutrient profile of the plant-based component of the diet and the total diet excluding animal foods were similar. However, the plant-based component of the diet was of higher nutritional quality; providing lower intakes of saturated fat, free sugar and sodium and higher intakes of dietary fibre compared to the total diet excluding animal foods. This study highlights the variability in nutritional quality between different definitions of plant based-diets.


2008 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 509-523 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dirk Aerenhouts ◽  
Marcel Hebbelinck ◽  
Jacques R. Poortmans ◽  
Peter Clarys

Purpose and Methods:To investigate dietary habits of Flemish adolescent track and field athletes using a 7-d weighed-food record. Besides adequacy for growth, development, and physical performance, dietary health aspects were considered.Results:Twenty-nine girls and 31 boys, with minimum 2 yr of track and field training practice, were recruited. All participants had daily breakfast (girls 22.5% ± 5.5% of total energy intake [TEI]; boys 19.8% ± 7.3%). Fruit in girls and juices and sports drinks in boys were consumed mostly between meals (girls 21.3% ± 8.1% of TEI; boys 24.3% ± 10.1%). Soft drinks contributed considerably to energy intake between meals in both sexes. Protein intake (1.5 ± 0.3 g · kg–1 · d−1 for both sexes) was within the recommended daily intake (RDI) for strength athletes. Mean daily carbohydrate intake in girls was lower than in boys (girls 5.1 ± 1.1 g/kg; boys 6.0 ± 0.9 g/kg), with mono- and disaccharides contributing 26% to TEI in both sexes. Total fat intake was above 30% of TEI in more than half the participants, and only 10 participants had a saturated-fat intake below 10% of TEI. Fiber intake (girls 23.7 ± 7.9 g; boys 29.1 ± 11.2 g) was far below the Belgian RDI. Intake of vitamins and minerals were generally low, despite micronutrient supplementation in 37.5% of the participants.Conclusion:Few athletes reached all nutrient RDIs. Unhealthy food habits with regard to refined sugars, fat, and micronutrients were observed. These adolescent sprinters should be encouraged to consume more nonsweetened beverages, fruits, and vegetables.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 489
Author(s):  
Emilie Croisier ◽  
Jaimee Hughes ◽  
Stephanie Duncombe ◽  
Sara Grafenauer

Breakfast cereal improves overall diet quality yet is under constant scrutiny with assertions that the category has not improved over time. This study aimed to comprehensively analyse the category of breakfast cereals, the nutritional values, and health claims across eight distinct sub-categories at four time points (2013, 2015, 2018, and 2020). An audit of products from four major supermarkets in metropolitan Sydney (Aldi, Coles, IGA, and Woolworths) collected ingredient lists, nutrition information, claims and Health Star Rating (HSR) for biscuits and bites; brans; bubbles, puffs, and flakes; granola and clusters; hot cereal flavoured; hot cereal plain; muesli; breakfast biscuits. The median (IQR) were calculated for energy, protein, fat, saturated fat, carbohydrate, sugars, dietary fibre, and sodium for comparisons over time points by nutrient. Data from 2013 was compared with 2020 (by sub-category and then for a sub-section of common products available at each time point). Product numbers between 2013 (n = 283) and 2020 (n = 543) almost doubled, led by granola and clusters. Whole grain cereals ≥ 8 g/serve made up 67% of products (↑114%). While there were positive changes in nutrient composition over time within the full data set, the most notable changes were in the nutrition composition of cereals marketed as the same product in both years (n = 134); with decreases in mean carbohydrate (2%), sugar (10%) and sodium (16%) (p < 0.000), while protein and total fat increased significantly (p = 0.036; p = 0.021). Claims regarding Dietary Fibre and Whole Grain doubled since 2013. Analysis of sub-categories of breakfast cereal assisted in identifying some changes over time, but products common to both timeframes provided a clearer analysis of change within the breakfast category, following introduction of HSR. Whole grain products were lower in the two target nutrients, sodium and sugars, and well-chosen products represent a better choice within this category.


1999 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher J Bates ◽  
Catherine M Walmsley ◽  
Ann Prentice ◽  
Steven Finch

AbstractObjective:To describe the extent of use of medicines by older people living in Britain, and to explore relationships with vitamin status indices.Design:The National Diet and Nutrition Survey of people aged 65 years and over collected data from a British sample during 1994–95. The present study has made novel use of it, to relate medicine use with biochemical indices of vitamin status.Setting:Eighty postcode areas, selected randomly from mainland Britain.Subjects:1506 people, 65 years and over gave information about use of medication, and a 4-day weighed food record. Three-quarters gave blood for status indices.Results:78% of those living in the community and 93% of those in institutions were using medication. Certain vitamin status indices: plasma retinol, erythrocyte folate and riboflavin, paradoxically suggested better status in users than in non-users of antihypertensive, gastrointestinal, central nervous system, corticosteroid or diabetic drugs. There was evidence of a link with renal insufficiency, especially for plasma retinol, but neither this nor increased nutrient intake, acute phase effects or haemoconcentration could explain the paradoxical associations.Conclusions:Caution is needed in interpreting certain vitamin status indices, especially in older people who are extensively using medicines. New vitamin indices are needed, to avoid confounding interferences.


1999 ◽  
Vol 81 (S1) ◽  
pp. S113-S117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wulf Becker

The Nordic and Swedish Nutrition Recommendations emphasize the balance between macronutrients in the diet. The amount of saturated and total fat should be limited to c. 10 %energy and 30 %energy, respectively, and the amount of total carbohydrates should be 55–60 %energy. Data from the first Swedish national dietary survey in 1989 show that the average diet is too high in fat, especially saturated fat (36–37 %energy and 16 %energy, respectively) while the content of total carbohydrates and dietary fibre is too low. However, parts of the population consume a diet that meets the recommendation for a particular macronutrient. A comparison of subjects with a low or high intake of total fat and saturated fat, dietary fibre or fruit and vegetables show some common trends with respect to the characteristics of a dietary pattern equal or close to the recommendations, e.g. more frequent consumption of fruit and vegetables and a lower consumption of some fat-rich foods, such as spreads, cheese and sausages.


Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 2680 ◽  
Author(s):  
Doma ◽  
Farrell ◽  
Leith-Bailey ◽  
Soucier ◽  
Duncan

Awareness and knowledge of nutrient-dense foods are important for older adults to help them make dietary choices that support a food-first approach to healthy aging. This is especially important since age is a major risk factor for chronic disease and the proportion of older adults in North America is increasing. Beans can contribute to a food-first approach to healthy aging as they are nutrient-dense and can reduce the risk of chronic diseases. However, studies exploring awareness and knowledge of beans in older adults are lacking. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore older adults’ awareness of beans in relation to their nutrient content and role in chronic disease risk. Community-dwelling older adults (≥65 years old) were recruited and completed a validated researcher-administered questionnaire (n = 250), which was followed by 10 focus groups (n = 49). Results showed that the majority of older adults considered beans as a healthy food and thought consuming them could improve their health (99.2% and 98.0%, respectively); however, only 51.2% were bean consumers. While the majority (83.6%) of older adults were aware that a serving of beans is high in dietary fibre, bean consumers were significantly more likely to think that consuming beans could improve health areas related to dietary fibre including body weight management and constipation. Furthermore, most (84.8%) older adults thought consuming beans could improve heart health; however, bean consumers were significantly more likely to be aware that one serving of beans is low in nutrients relevant to heart health including total fat, saturated and trans fat as well as cholesterol. This research can help to inform healthcare professionals and public health agencies to create specific dietary strategies focusing on increasing older adults’ awareness and knowledge of beans in relation to their nutrient profile and role in promoting health.


2019 ◽  
Vol 78 (02) ◽  
pp. 221-233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Kehoe ◽  
Janette Walton ◽  
Albert Flynn

Population ageing is rapidly progressing and it is estimated that by 2050 one in every five people globally will be aged 60 years or over. Research has shown that adequate nutritional status can positively impact the ageing process, resulting in improved quality of life and the prevention of chronic disease and mortality. However, due to physiological and social changes associated with ageing, older adults may be at increased risk of nutrient deficiencies. This review aims to investigate the nutrient intake and status of older adults in Europe and to explore the potential role of fortified foods and nutritional supplements in addressing some of the nutritional challenges identified in this population group. The available literature has highlighted unfavourable intakes of total and saturated fat, sugar, salt and dietary fibre together with low intakes and suboptimal status of key micronutrients such as vitamins D, B2, B12, folate and calcium. Evidence has shown that the consumption of fortified foods and use of nutritional supplements make significant contributions to intakes and status of these micronutrients in older adults. Continued monitoring of nutrient intake and status is important in light of changing fortification practices and food consumption patterns. Future strategies to address the nutritional issues identified in older adults could include the promotion of healthy food choices together with improvements of the food supply including reformulation (fat, sugar and salt), food fortification or supplementation to support successful ageing of our populations.


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yong Zhu ◽  
Jessica Smith ◽  
Neha Jain ◽  
Vipra Vanage ◽  
Mitesh Sharma ◽  
...  

AbstractIntroduction: The present study was conducted to examine yogurt consumption patterns and investigate associations between yogurt consumption and nutrient intake using data from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) rolling programme in the United Kingdom.Materials and Methods: Children aged 1.5–18 years old (N = 2564) and adults aged 19 years or older (N = 2705) from the NDNS 2012/13–2015/16 were included in the study. The average of four-day food diary data was used for analysis. Yogurt included all food items from the yogurt, fromage frais and dairy dessert food group, excluding dairy dessert products. Participants were classified as yogurt eaters if they reported consumption of yogurt at least once during the four days. Percentage contribution of yogurt to daily intake of nutrients in yogurt eaters was calculated. Multiple linear regression analyses for surveys were used to compare differences in energy and nutrient intake between yogurt eaters and non-eaters, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. Energy intake was also adjusted for in nutrient data analysis.Results: The prevalence of yogurt consumption was 53% in children and 39% in adults. The daily intake of yogurt was 105 g and 132 g, respectively. Yogurt is an important source of calcium and riboflavin in children and adults, as well as vitamin D in children, accounting for over 15% of daily intake of these nutrients. Compared to non-eaters, yogurt eaters had significantly higher energy intake in both children and adults; they also had significantly higher intake of protein, fiber, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, folate, riboflavin, thiamin, and vitamin C, as well as significantly lower intake of sodium. Child yogurt eaters also had significantly higher intake of vitamin A and vitamin B12, and lower intake of total fat, whereas adult yogurt eaters had significantly higher intake of carbohydrate, iron, zinc, vitamin D and vitamin E, compared to non-eaters. Both yogurt eaters in children and adults had higher intake of total sugar; nonetheless, non-milk extrinsic sugar intake did not differ by yogurt consumption status in children, and it was significantly lower in adult yogurt eaters. Saturated fat intake did not differ by yogurt consumption status in children and adults.Discussion: Yogurt is an important dietary source of several nutrients in the United Kingdom. Its consumption was positively associated with intake of total energy and many nutrients to encourage, but not positively associated with intake of sodium, total fat, saturated fat, and non-milk extrinsic sugar in both children and adults.


1999 ◽  
Vol 81 (S1) ◽  
pp. S77-S82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary A. T. Flynn ◽  
John M. Kearney

The aim of the present study was to analyse the different food and nutrient intakes of the adult Irish population from the lowest and highest quartiles of intake for total fat (%energy) dietary fibre (g/MJ) and fruit and vegetables (g/day). Data on Irish adults (n = 715) from the Irish National Nutrition Survey conducted in 1989 were used for the analyses and showed that the average diet is low in dietary fibre, with fruit and vegetables being only half the recommended level of 400 g. Comparisons of people with low or high intakes (from lowest and highest quartiles) of total fat (%energy), dietary fibre (g/MJ) and fruit and vegetables (g/day) show patterns of food intake differing in both the percentage of consumers and in the mean intakes among consumers only. This analysis provides data which may be useful as a first step towards the development of food-based dietary guidelines for Ireland. In particular, the low intake of fruit and vegetables in the adult Irish population deserves special attention.


Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1085 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sisse Fagt ◽  
Jeppe Matthiessen ◽  
Camilla Thyregod ◽  
Karsten Kørup ◽  
Anja Biltoft-Jensen

Breakfast is considered by many to be the most important meal of the day. This study examined the intake of nutrients and foods at breakfast among Danes and the relation to the overall dietary quality. Data were derived from the Danish National Survey on Diet and Physical Activity 2011–2013, a cross-sectional national food consumption study. A total of 3680 participants aged 6–75 years were included in the analyses of breakfast consumption. The Nutrient Rich Food Index 9.3 method was used to examine the overall dietary quality of the diet. The intake of nutrients and foods at breakfast were compared across dietary quality score tertiles by ANCOVA adjusted for energy and socio economic status. Breakfast was eaten frequently by children and adults and contributed with 18–20% of total energy intake. Breakfast was relatively high in dietary fibre, B vitamins, calcium and magnesium and low in added sugar, total fat, sodium, vitamin A and D. A decrease in the intake of added sugar, total fat and saturated fat and an increase in the intake of dietary fibre and most micronutrients were seen across tertiles of dietary quality scores. Commonly consumed foods provided at breakfast in Denmark included bread, breakfast cereals and dairy products as well as water, coffee and juice, while intakes of fruits, vegetables, cakes and soft drinks were low.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document