Abstract
The consumption of whole grain foods is associated with many nutritional, health and weight control benefits. The present study assessed whole grain intake in France on the basis of a 7 d dietary survey in a representative sample of children, adolescents and adults (Comportements et Consommations Alimentaires en France 2010 survey). Special care was taken to identify and assess the intake of all whole grains. All foods consumed were considered, with no lower limit on whole grain content. For the majority of foods, details regarding the whole grain contents were obtained from brand information and quantitative nutrient declarations on food labels. Over half of the respondents reported never consuming any whole grain. In participants who did, consumption levels were very low (about 9·1 g/d in children and 14·4 g/d in adults). The main food sources of whole grains were breakfast cereals in children and adolescents and bread in adults. Consumers of whole grains had higher daily intakes of fibre and several vitamins and minerals than non-consumers. In adults but not in children, the OR for overweight/obesity decreased significantly as the level of whole grain consumption increased. Although a majority of French consumers comply with the national recommendation to consume a starchy food with each meal, they do so with minimal consumption of whole grain foods.
Highlights
The consumption of whole grain foods is associated with many nutritional, health and weight control benefits
Epidemiological evidence has consistently demonstrated an association between whole grain consumption and various health benefits including a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes[1,2] and CVD[1,3] and a lower body weight(4 – 6)
No significant sex difference was observed in either children or adults. In both children and adults, the mean daily intake of whole grains varied according to geographical region (P1⁄4 0·001); it was significantly higher in participants from the south of France than in those from the north (11·1 (SEM 1·1) v. 8·0 (SEM 0·5) g/d in children and 17·0 (SEM 1·5) v. 11·6 (SEM 1·1) g/d in adults)
Summary
The consumption of whole grain foods is associated with many nutritional, health and weight control benefits. In adults but not in children, the OR for overweight/obesity decreased significantly as the level of whole grain consumption increased. Epidemiological evidence has consistently demonstrated an association between whole grain consumption and various health benefits including a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes[1,2] and CVD[1,3] and a lower body weight(4 – 6). A 2013 systematic review and meta-analysis of twenty-six randomised controlled trials reported no effect of increasing whole grain consumption on body weight, but a small significant effect on fat mass[12]. The WHO recommends an increase of whole grain consumption as a strategy to reduce the risk of obesity, CVD and diabetes[17]. Whole grain consumption is recommended by public health authorities in several countries
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