Objectives: To evaluate the consumption of energy and nutrients and to identify the risk of inadequate intakes in the Canary Island population (1997-98).
Design: Cross-sectional epidemiological study.
Methods: A dietary survey was conducted in a representative sample of the Canary Island population (n = 1747; 821 men and 926 women) aged 6 to 75 years. Two 24-hour recalls were utilised as the dietary survey instrument, carried out over non-consecutive days. Spanish Food Composition Tables were used and data was adjusted for intraindividual variability.
Results: The mean daily intakes were 1760 kcal for energy, 73 g for protein, 228 g for carbohydrates, 15 g for fibre and 62 g for fat (24 g SFA, 25 g MUFA and 8 g PUFA). Energy and nutrient consumption decreased with age excluding vitamins A. C and folate. Nutrient density increased with age, with the lowest intakes seen in children and adolescents. As for social class, decreased calorie intake was observed in the lowest category, with the highest income level showing the greatest intakes for vitamin A, B12, niacin and folate. Noteworthy findings include an overall low calorie intake, and elevated risks of inadequate intakes (percentages of the population with intakes below 2/3 of the RDI) for vitamins D (92.5%), E(87.4%), A(74%), folate(44.7%), iron(30.1%) magnesium (14.9%) and vitamin C (5.4%). Risk for inadequate protein intake was not observed.