In Spanish society, social inequalities continue in connection with diet; however, no data examines whether these inequalities altered during the period of economic crisis. This article aims to ...analyze trends in inequalities related to adherence to government guidelines concerning healthy diet during the period of economic crisis based on the data obtained from the National Health Surveys conducted by the National Statistics Institute. The approach involves studying first the data from the 2006 survey, shortly before the crisis, and then comparing these with the data from the 2011–2012 survey. Applying models of logistic regression shows that certain social inequalities were accentuated by the crisis. However, the general and widespread pattern of eating habits does not disappear in times of crisis. Inequalities are more commonly seen when socioeconomic factors affect foods that the guidelines indicate should be eaten daily. However, with respect to more expensive products, socioeconomic factors did not have so much negative effect on how far a healthy diet was followed because it is recommended that consumption of these foods should be limited. The results suggest that food policy should have specific focuses during times of economic recession.
To revise the food-based dietary guidelines for Ireland and assess the affordability of healthy eating.
An iterative process was used to develop 4 d food intake patterns (n 22) until average intakes ...met a range of nutrient and energy goals (at moderate and sedentary activity levels) that represented the variable nutritional requirements of all in the population aged 5 years and older. Dietary guidelines were formulated describing the amounts and types of foods that made up these intake patterns. Foods required for healthy eating by typical households in Ireland were priced and affordability assessed as a proportion of relevant weekly social welfare allowances.
Government agency/community.
General population aged 5+ years.
Food patterns developed achieved energy and nutrient goals with the exception of dietary fibre (inadequate for adults with energy requirements <9·2 MJ) and vitamin D (inadequate for everyone). A new food group to guide on fats/oils intake was developed. Servings within the Bread, Cereal and Potato group were sub-categorized on the basis of energy content. Recommendations on numbers of servings from each food group were developed to guide on energy and nutrient requirements. Healthy eating is least affordable for families with children who are dependent on social welfare.
Daily supplementation with vitamin D is recommended. Wholemeal breads and cereals are recommended as the best source of energy and fibre. Low-fat dairy products and reduced-fat unsaturated spreads are prioritized to achieve saturated fat and energy goals. Interventions are required to ensure that healthy eating is affordable.
Revision of food-based dietary guidelines for Ireland, Phase 2: recommendations for healthy eating and affordability Flynn, Mary AT; Clare M O'BrienauthorDepartment of Public Health Nutrition, Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), Abbey Court, Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1, Republic of Ireland; Victoria RossauthorDepartment of Public Health Nutrition, Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), Abbey Court, Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1, Republic of Ireland ...
2015
Journal Article
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