New! Addendum to Food patterns and dietary recommendations in Spain, France and Sweden

January 17th 2014

 

Food patterns_AddendumLiveWell for LIFE’s first report Food patterns and dietary recommendations in Spain, France and Sweden – released in April 2012 – looked at current dietary patterns in Spain, France and Sweden and compared this to national dietary guidelines in each country. In September 2012, the Swedish National Food Administration published a new dietary survey (Riksmaten 2010-11), which made it necessary to update our findings and release an addendum to this report.

In our report, the results of the rather outdated 1997-98 Riksmaten survey were compared with the recommended diet according to the Swedish Nutrition Recommendations Objectified (SNO) and the Food Circle (the Swedish government’s visual presentation of a healthy, balanced diet that meets nutritional requirements). Based on the survey, the Swedish National Food Administration concluded that the Swedish population should eat more bread, fruit and vegetables, and less of the foods in the so-called leeway: food traditionally considered unhealthy, such as savoury snacks, pastries, cakes, ice cream, jam, fizzy drinks, sweets and alcoholic drinks. They also concluded that people should eat better quality fats, which is considered just as important as reducing total fat intake.

The data from the new Riksmaten survey shows there is still a huge gap between what people actually eat and the SNO recommendations. Although there are some positive trends – such as a decrease in the intake of saturated fatty acids – the overall intake of nutrients is still sub-optimal. This is mainly caused by a lack of fruit, vegetables and whole grain products in the diet and too many sugary and fatty foods.

 

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