Energy density of the Scottish diet estimated from food purchase data: relationship with socio-economic position and dietary targets

Barton, K. L., Wrieden, W. L., Sherriff, A. , Armstrong, J. and Anderson, A. S. (2014) Energy density of the Scottish diet estimated from food purchase data: relationship with socio-economic position and dietary targets. British Journal of Nutrition, 112(1), pp. 80-88. (doi: 10.1017/S0007114514000294)

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Abstract

Frequent consumption of energy-dense foods has been strongly implicated in the global increase of obesity. The World Cancer Research Fund suggests a population-level energy density (ED) goal for diets of 523 kJ/100 g (125 kcal/100 g) as desirable for reducing weight gain and related co-morbidities. However, there is limited information about the ED of diets of contemporary populations. The aims of the present study were to (1) estimate the mean ED of the Scottish diet, (2) assess differences in ED over time by socio-economic position, by household (HH) composition and for HH meeting dietary targets for fat and fruit and vegetables, and (3) assess the relationship between ED and the consumption of foods and nutrients, which are indicative of diet quality. ED of the diet was estimated from food (including milk) from UK food purchase survey data. The average ED of the Scottish diet was estimated as 718 kJ/100 g with no change between the survey periods 2001 and 2009. Individuals living in the most deprived areas had a higher mean ED than those living in the least deprived areas (737 v. 696 kJ/100 g). Single-parent HH had the highest mean ED (765 kJ/100 g) of all the HH surveyed. The mean ED of HH achieving dietary targets for fat and fruit and vegetables was 576 kJ/100 g compared with 731 kJ/100 g for non-achievers. HH within the lowest quintile of ED were, on average, closest to meeting most dietary guidelines. Food purchase data can be used to monitor the quality of the diet in terms of dietary ED of the population and subgroups defined by an area-based measure of socio-economic status.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Sherriff, Professor Andrea
Authors: Barton, K. L., Wrieden, W. L., Sherriff, A., Armstrong, J., and Anderson, A. S.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Dental School
Journal Name:British Journal of Nutrition
Publisher:Cambridge University Press
ISSN:0007-1145
ISSN (Online):1475-2662

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record