Public Health England today has released the latest National Diet and Nutrition Survey data*. This survey looks at what people in private households are eating across the UK and gives representative data of the nutrient intake of the UK population.
The British Dietetic Association is disappointed to see that only eight per cent of children aged 11-18 and 27% of adults aged 19-64 years are meeting the 5-a-day recommendation for fruit and vegetable intake with an average consumption of 2.8 portions per day for children aged 11-18. However it is encouraging to see that there has been a reduced consumption of sugar-sweetened soft drink in children.
The main nutritional issues highlighted by the survey include the fact that the UK public represented are still consuming on average too much sugar, saturated fat and salt, whilst not consuming enough fruit, vegetables, fibre and oily fish which was well below the recommended one portion (140g) per week.
Intakes for some vitamins and minerals including vitamin A and iron were low in some participants, particularly in those aged 11 to 18 years. Worryingly 48% of girls aged 11-18 years surveyed had iron intakes below the Lower Reference Nutrient Intake (LRN1).It was also noted that approximately one fifth of adults surveyed have low vitamin D levels.
As the only statutorily regulated nutrition professionals, dietitians are in a unique position to aid government, local authorities professional bodies, groups and individuals with evidence-based nutrition information, assisting with policy and guideline development and improving health.
View the survey data online. For more information on Vitamin D, 5-a-Day, iron, calcium and healthy eating, visit our Food Facts Sheets page.
* from years 5 and 6 (combined) of the rolling programme for 2012 to 2013 and 2013 to 2014.
ENDS
For more information / interview requests, please contact the BDA Press Office on: 0800 048 1714
Notes to the editor:
- Dietitians are the only qualified health professionals that assess, diagnose and treat diet and nutrition problems at an individual and wider public health level. Uniquely, dietitians use the most up-to-date public health and scientific research on food, health and disease, which they translate into practical guidance to enable people to make appropriate lifestyle and food choices.
- Dietitians are the only nutrition professionals to be statutorily regulated, and governed by an ethical code, to ensure that they always work to the highest standard. Dietitians work in the NHS, private practice, industry, education, research, sport, media, public relations, publishing, Non-Government Organisations and government. Their advice influences food and health policy across the spectrum from government, local communities and individuals.