The gap between food-based dietary guidelines and usual food consumption in Belgium, 2004.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the gap between food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG) and the usual food consumption in Belgium.


METHODS
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.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Vandevijvere
Stefanie
S
Scientific Institute of Public Health, Unit of Epidemiology, J. Wytsmanstraat 14, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium. Stefanie.Vandevijvere@iph.fgov.be
De Vriese
Stéphanie
S
Huybrechts
Inge
I
Moreau
Michel
M
Temme
Elisabeth
E
De Henauw
Stefaan
S
De Backer
Guy
G
Kornitzer
Marcel
M
Leveque
Alain
A
Van Oyen
Herman
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D001530:Belgium; D001628:Beverages; D003611:Dairy Products; D004032:Diet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004522:Educational Status; D002149:Energy Intake / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005638:Fruit; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall; D008875:Middle Aged; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / Q000502:physiology*; D009753:Nutritive Value; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D017678:Sex Distribution; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014675:Vegetables; D055815:Young Adult