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Towards a healthier Britain. Dr Carrie Ruxton Registered Dietitian Nutrition Communications. Plan of talk. What are we eating today? Evidence from the NDNS Hot nutrients for 2011 Role of fortified products and supplements. What are we eating today?.
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Towards a healthier Britain Dr Carrie Ruxton Registered Dietitian Nutrition Communications
Plan of talk • What are we eating today? • Evidence from the NDNS • Hot nutrients for 2011 • Role of fortified products and supplements
30% of calories from nutrient-poor foods and drinks 30% of calories from treats, alcohol, soft drinks, chips and crisps Source: NDNS (2010) 19-64 years
Similar picture in children 32% of calories from treats, soft drinks, chips and crisps Source: NDNS (2010) 11-18 years
Fruit and vegetable intake improving in adults but not in children Source: NDNS (2010) and SACN reports
Half of adults overweight or obese 1 in 5 children overweight Deficiency amongst plenty?
Half of women have inadequate selenium intakes 1 in 5 pre-schoolers have low iron stores Half of adults overweight or obese 1 in 5 children overweight Why does only one side of equation get our attention?
Proven role of nutrients in health Source: EFSA opinions on Article 13 claims, 2010
Average intakes of vitamins and minerals seem OK, probably influenced by fortified foods NDNS (2010) Adults
But averages mask adults with poor intakes NDNS (2010) Adults Source: NDNS (2010) Adults
EU RDA for adults < 50 years 71% men + 78% of women below RDA Most adults have low vitamin D intakes NDNS (2003) Adults
25% of adults deficient in winter months 25-hydroxy vitamin D <25 nanomoles/litre Source: National Diet & Nutrition Surveys (2000, 2003)
Younger children doing better on average NDNS (2010) Children
But closer examination reveals the issues Intakes of iron, magnesium and selenium particularly worrying NDNS (2010) Children
Teenage girls most at risk from deficiency NDNS (2010) Children
Most children have low vitamin D intakes 94% boys + 97% of girls below EU RDA of 5 micrograms/day Source: NDNS (2000) Children
Diets have improved little over the years Iron Folate Calcium Vitamin D* * EU labelling RDA of 5 micrograms used
Where are they going wrong? NDNS (2010) Girls
Key nutrients Men • Selenium • Potassium • Magnesium • Zinc • Vitamin A • Vitamin D Women • Selenium • Potassium • Magnesium • Iron • Calcium • Vitamin D • Children • Selenium • Potassium • Magnesium • Iron • Calcium • Vitamin D • Zinc • Folate • Iodine
What are we missing? Iodine Potassium Iron Zinc Vitamin D Folate Vitamin A Magnesium Calcium Selenium
Hot nutrients for 2011 • Vitamin D • Selenium • Omega 3 • Flavonoids
But diet plays a role 5 to 22 mcg/portion 0.02 to 1 mcg/egg 5 to 10 mcg/tsp
Why are we interested? Mortality Bone health Cognitive function Cancer Heart disease Immune function Diabetes Cell aging Infection Good Moderate Emerging
Selenium • Essential trace element (Se) • Antioxidant • Stored in the body but topped up by our diet
Antioxidant Supports fertility Anti-ageing Se Immune function Heart health Mood? Why are we interested?
Are we getting enough? UK rec 60-75 μg/d Selenium intake μg/d MAFF (1999), BNF (2001), Jackson et al (2003)
Omega-3s – still current • Marine foods or supplements remain the best sources of EPA/DHA • Vegetable omega-3s ‘don’t count’
Why are we interested? Immune function Omega-3 Heart health already known IQ in children Less depression? Stress relief Anti-ageing
Omega-3 and the lifecycle Higher IQ Less allergy Brain function DHA EPA Better behaviour? Maintain brain function Less stress
Why are we interested? Heart disease Oral health Weight management Stroke Cognitive function Blood pressure Cancer Diabetes Good Moderate Emerging
The issue • 30% of calories are from foods that tend to be low in micronutrients • Significant groups of adults and children are low in key nutrients, risking deficiency • Some nutrients, e.g. omega-3s, vitamin D, iron and selenium are only present in limited numbers of foods
healers disciples investors managers strugglers unmotivateds health involved unmotivated Only some consumers are motivated to change their diets healthinvolved unmotivated Source: Design Bridge
Role of fortified products and supplements • Boost what consumers already like to eat or find acceptable • Take care to fortify where appropriate (chocolate bars with vitamin D!) • Supplements only taken by 25% of consumers – room for improvement • Consumers prefer ‘natural’ sources of nutrients