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Major survey
reveals nutrition concerns for all in Northern Ireland
That is the message
from the Health Promotion Agency, which has undertaken a major
piece of research
with 5-75 year olds to gain an up-to-date picture of eating
patterns in Northern Ireland.
Angela McComb,
Regional Health Promotion Manager for Nutrition with the Health
Promotion Agency said: "The main concern following the research
is that while many are aware of the healthy eating messages
this is not always reflected in their behaviour. For instance,
the majority of adults
knew the recommended number of portions of fruit and vegetables
to eat each day was five portions yet more than seven out
of ten were eating less than this.
"While almost
three out of five of those surveyed said they looked at the
nutrition labels on food packaging, especially the fat content,
almost one in ten ate chips three or more times a week, four
out of ten ate biscuits every day and one in seven ate savoury
snacks, such as crisps, on a daily basis."
The research
also showed that while many of those surveyed thought their
diet was fairly healthy this was not the case when their eating
habits were examined. More than three quarters thought their
diet was 'fairly healthy' and a further one in ten thought
it was 'very healthy'.
When compared
with their reported eating habits the majority were eating
less than five portions of fruit
and vegetables daily and were eating chips most days of
the week.
One of the key
findings of this study is the variation in food consumption
patterns. Those from low income households ate less fruit
and veg and more foods that are high in fat and sugar than
those who are better off. They were also more likely to say
that they are confused about what is and what is not healthy
and that cost is a major issue for them.
Angela continued:
"The issues of concern identified within adults' eating patterns
were also seen among children and adolescents. This is worrying
as many of the diet-related diseases which occur during adulthood
begin to develop during the early years.
"One of the findings
is that almost a third of 12-17 year old girls do not eat
breakfast on weekdays. Breakfast
makes an important contribution to overall nutrition and skipping
breakfast means losing out on essential vitamins and minerals.
Eating breakfast cereal with milk is positively related to
an adequate calcium intake in girls. This is essential to
maximise bone development and prevent osteoporosis. Girls
who skip the first meal of the day may be storing up problems
for later life.
"Studies show
that girls in this age group avoid milk in the mistaken belief
that it is 'fattening'. Red meat, a valuable source of iron,
is also avoided by this group for the same reason. Eating
low levels of red meat may raise concerns over the adequacy
of iron intake at a time when they need it more."
Angela concluded
by adding: "The food we eat can either promote good health
and wellbeing or contribute to ill health. Poor nutrition
is associated with poor dental health and an increased risk
of conditions such as heart disease, some cancers, obesity
and diabetes.
"This research
is therefore very important as it highlights areas for discussion
and it will inform planning for further work to help all groups
achieve a diet which protects rather than jeopardises their
health. It also provides a valuable baseline against which
future dietary changes can be measured."
The report will
be distributed to a range of individuals and organisations
including health professionals, the education sector and public
libraries.
END
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