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Vitamin status in different groups of the Spanishpopulation: a meta-analysis of national studies performed between1990 and 1999

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 April 2001

RM Ortega ,
MC Mena ,
M Faci ,
JF Santana  and
L Serra-Majem
RM Ortega*
Affiliation:
Department of Nutrition, Faculty de Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, E-28040 Madrid, Spain
MC Mena
Affiliation:
Department of Nutrition, Faculty de Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, E-28040 Madrid, Spain
M Faci
Affiliation:
Department of Nutrition, Faculty de Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, E-28040 Madrid, Spain
JF Santana
Affiliation:
Unit of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
L Serra-Majem
Affiliation:
Unit of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
*
*Corresponding author:Email rortega@eucmax.sim.ucm.es
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Abstract

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Objective:

Studies performed on the nutritional status of the Spanishpopulation have been very heterogeneous with respect tomethodology, sample size, geographical location, socio-economiclevel and health status of the subjects involved. In order togain an overall view of the state of knowledge in this area, ameta-analysis was performed on the results of all such studiesundertaken in Spain between 1990 and 1999.

Results:

The dietetic data reviewed showed mean intakes similar to thoserecommended. The results obtained for the biochemical parametersanalysed were within normal limits. However, results for somevitamins were very close to the lower established limits for thereference intervals (recommended intakes or blood levels),meaning that a variable percentage of subjects show values lowerthan those recommended. The percentage of subjects with intakesbelow those recommended for niacin, vitamin B12 and C was small.The percentage of inadequate intakes of thiamine and riboflavinwas small as well. However, for all other vitamins, especially Dand E, the number of people with intakes below recommended wasrather high, particularly so in some studies. At blood level,deficiencies of vitamins B12, A and E were infrequent. However,for all other vitamins, prevalence of deficiency varied within awide range. With respect to vitamins D, B1, B2 and B6, over 50%of the population showed inadequate levels.

Conclusions:

The methodologies used in the studies included in this reviewwere very varied and the knowledge gained is still incomplete.Despite the average Spanish diet often being regarded assatisfactory, this review and other studies show the situationcan be improved.

Keywords

VitaminsMeta-analysisSpanishpopulationChildrenAdolescentsPregnant womenElderly peopleDeficiencies

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
Public Health Nutrition , Volume 4 , Issue 6a , December 2001 , pp. 1325 - 1329
Copyright
Copyright © CABI Publishing 2001

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