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

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 April 2008

Stefanie Vandevijvere*
Affiliation:
Scientific Institute of Public Health, Unit of Epidemiology, J. Wytsmanstraat 14, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
Stéphanie De Vriese
Affiliation:
Scientific Institute of Public Health, Unit of Epidemiology, J. Wytsmanstraat 14, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
Inge Huybrechts
Affiliation:
Ghent University, Department of Public Health, Ghent, Belgium
Michel Moreau
Affiliation:
Scientific Institute of Public Health, Unit of Epidemiology, J. Wytsmanstraat 14, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
Elisabeth Temme
Affiliation:
Scientific Institute of Public Health, Unit of Epidemiology, J. Wytsmanstraat 14, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
Stefaan De Henauw
Affiliation:
Ghent University, Department of Public Health, Ghent, Belgium
Guy De Backer
Affiliation:
Ghent University, Department of Public Health, Ghent, Belgium
Marcel Kornitzer
Affiliation:
Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
Alain Leveque
Affiliation:
Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
Herman Van Oyen
Affiliation:
Scientific Institute of Public Health, Unit of Epidemiology, J. Wytsmanstraat 14, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
*
*Corresponding author: Email Stefanie.Vandevijvere@iph.fgov.be
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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 non-consecutive 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.

Information

Type
Research Paper
Copyright
Copyright © The Authors 2008
Figure 0

Table 1 Mean (SD) food intakes† (g/d) of the Belgian population, by age group, compared with the general recommendations of the Flemish food triangle(15)

Figure 1

Table 2 Mean (SD) food intakes† (g/d) of the Belgian population, by gender, compared with the general recommendations of the Flemish food triangle(15)

Figure 2

Table 3 Mean (SD) food intakes† (g/d) of the Belgian population, by education level, compared with the general recommendations of the Flemish food triangle(15)

Figure 3

Fig. 1 Daily intake (ml/d or g/d) of total nutrient-poor, energy-dense foods (░), soft drinks (▒) and alcoholic beverages (▪) for the male (a) and female (b) Belgian population by age group. Values are means with their standard deviations represented by vertical bars

Figure 4

Fig. 2 The Flemish ‘active’ food triangle and the extent to which the average food intakes deviate from the recommendations. If the Belgian population attained all recommendations, all areas of the observed food triangle would have the same surface as the areas of the recommended food triangle. © VIG

Figure 5

Fig. 3 Percentage of the Belgian population (░, men; ▓, women) physically active enough to experience health-enhancing effects, by age group. Values are means with their standard deviations represented by vertical bars