Sources of saturated fat and sucrose in the diets of Swedish children and adolescents in the European Youth Heart Study: Strategies for improving intakes

Abstract

Objective To compare macronutrient intakes of Swedish children and adolescents to population goals; to identify the major sources of energy, fat, saturated fat and sucrose; and to simulate the effect adherence to current food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG) would have on saturated fat and sucrose intakes.Design Cross-sectional study. From 24 h recall data, food groups contributing most to energy, fat, saturated fat and sucrose were identified. Based on the prevailing consumption of foods mentioned in the FBDG, we simulated five scenarios: changes in milk and yoghurt; cheese; energy-dense, nutrient-dilute foods; soft drinks; and burger and sausage consumption.Setting Stockholm and rebro (Sweden) in 1998-1999.Subjects Children (n 551, 96 years) and adolescents (n 569, 155 years) participating in the European Youth Heart Study.Results Intakes of saturated fat and sucrose exceeded population goals in all age and gender subgroups. Compliance to the goal for saturated fat was lower in children, particularly boys. Compliance to the sucrose goal was lower among adolescents. The major sources of energy, fat, saturated fat and sucrose in the diet reflect not only the traditional Swedish diet but also the influence of energy-dense, nutrient-dilute foods. The simulations suggest that a combination of FBDG is required to bring both saturated fat and sucrose intakes in line with recommendations.Conclusions Widespread adherence to a combination of FBDG could theoretically bring mean intakes in line with population goals. The effect on overall nutrient intakes as well as consumer acceptance of such changes needs to be considered. Copyright © 2010 The Authors.