[Association between alcohol intake and diet quality].
BACKGROUND
Since 1995 the Danish national dietary surveys have shown an increased alcohol intake in the Danish population. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between diet quality, alcohol intake and drinking pattern.


METHODS
The Danish National Dietary Survey 2000-2002 included 3,151 adults (1,684 women, 1,467 men; 18-75 years). The participants recorded their intake of food and beverages daily for seven consecutive days. For each individual, a diet quality index was calculated based on the intake of dietary fibre and saturated fat in relation to the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations (NNR).


RESULTS
A poorer diet quality was observed both with increased alcohol intake (units per week) and with number of weekly drinking days. In both cases, the trend was more pronounced for men than for women. The group of men and women with the highest diet quality had a mean alcohol consumption, which was in agreement with the NNR, and fewer drinking days per week than groups with a lower diet quality.


CONCLUSIONS
Increased alcohol intake is associated with lower diet quality. The results from the present study support the NNR recommendations for alcohol intake and the introduction of a number of alcohol free days each week.
Bøgh-Sørensen
Leif
L
Afdeling for Ernaering, Fødevareinstituttet, Danmarks Tekniske Universitet, DK-2860 Søborg.
Biltoft-Jensen
Anja
A
Groth
Margit Velsing
MV
Matthiessen
Jeppe
J
Fagt
Sisse
S
Hels
Ole
O
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D004032:Diet / Q000592:standards*; D004034:Diet Surveys; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
D004041:Dietary Fats; D004043:Dietary Fiber