Compliance with dietary guidelines in the Spanish population. Results from the Catalan Nutrition Survey

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to analyse the different food and nutrition profiles of the section of the Spanish population having either a low or a high intake of energy, fat, saturated fatty acids (SFA) and fibre in order to analyse the compliance with dietary guidelines. Analyses were made from the Catalan Nutrition Survey, comprising a random sample of 1600 people aged 18 to 60. Dietary information was obtained by means of two 24 h recall, and food and energy intake was categorized according to the quartiles of fat, SFA and fibre intake. The results show the food consumption patterns that distinguish low versus high fat, SFA and fibre eaters in the Spanish population, and facilitate the establishment of food-based dietary guidelines in Spain and other Mediterranean countries.