Disparities in Nutritional Adequacy of Diets between Different Socioeconomic Groups of Finnish Adults

Information on dietary adequacy is needed to assess food and nutrition security in a modern society, especially in the transition towards climate-friendly food systems. In this study, differences in the nutritional adequacy of diets among Finnish adults were evaluated in population groups of differe...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Liisa M. Valsta, Heli Tapanainen, Teea Kortetmäki, Laura Sares-Jäske, Laura Paalanen, Niina E. Kaartinen, Peppi Haario, Minna Kaljonen
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2022-03-01
Series:Nutrients
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/7/1347
Description
Summary:Information on dietary adequacy is needed to assess food and nutrition security in a modern society, especially in the transition towards climate-friendly food systems. In this study, differences in the nutritional adequacy of diets among Finnish adults were evaluated in population groups of different education, income and urbanisation levels. The study used data from the FinDiet 2017 Survey (<i>n</i> = 1655, 18–74 years). Modelled usual intakes of foods and nutrients were evaluated relative to food-based dietary guidelines issued by the National Nutrition Council of Finland (FNNC) and with respect to nutrient adequacy following the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations and FNNC. For about half of the nutrients studied, intakes were found to be adequate. Intakes of protein, fat, saturated fatty acids and salt were estimated to be high. By contrast, inadequate intakes were seen in folate and vitamins A, D, B1, B2 and C in almost all groups studied. Groups with a higher education and income, groups that lived in urban areas and, in particular, women adhered more closely to recommended food consumption and nutrient intakes than others. However, major challenges posed by the Finnish diet are common to all groups studied, and only certain dietary features evaluated in view of nutritional adequacy are associated with socioeconomic differences.
ISSN:2072-6643