Dutch people still consume insufficient fruit, vegetables, fish and fibre: Improvement of the type of fat in the diet by the reduction of trans fatty acids in foods is a favourable development. However, the proportion of saturated fatty acids in the diet is still high and overweight is common. These are conclusions of a recent food consumption survey by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), carried out between 2007 and 2010 among children and adults in the Netherlands.
The importance of a healthy dietary pattern:
A healthy dietary pattern is important to prevent obesity and chronic diseases. The survey provides insight into food consumption which can be used to stimulate healthier dietary patterns. This can be achieved by changes in both the food supply and consumer behaviour.
Intake of vitamins and minerals:
The survey also shows that some people have intakes below the recommended amounts for some vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, B1, C, E, magnesium, potassium and zinc. More information on the possible health effects of these low intakes is desirable. Furthermore, age groups with specific higher intake requirements often do not meet these, i.e. concerning folate (for women with a pregnancy wish), vitamin D (people above 50), iron (women of childbearing age) and calcium (adolescents). This observation underlines the advice of the Health Council of the Netherlands to these specific groups with regard to the use of folate and vitamin D supplements. The effects on health of low iron and calcium intakes are unclear; more research is needed in this area.
Use of food consumption data:
The last survey that included information on food consumption in the Dutch population was conducted in 1997/1998. The recent survey (2007-2010) provides more detailed information. The data from this survey can be used to support policy regarding healthy and safe foods, for improving food supply and in food education and research.
