Dietary fat intake in Europe

Abstract

The quantity and quality of fat have a major impact on coronary heart diseases (CHD), which contribute to morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to analyze fat intake data from the European Union. Data were collected in the context of the European Nutrition and Health Report (ENHR) 2009. Total fat intake (TFI) data were available from 22 countries, saturated fatty acids (SFA) from 18, and monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) from 15 countries.There was a great difference in the TFI ranging from 28.4 (Portugal, men) to 47.2 (Greece, women) %E. TFI of only 5 countries were in agreement with the FAO/WHO 2008 intake goals. Hence, only Portugal had a TFI < 30%E and the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, and Sweden < 35%E; Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Poland were at the borderline (~ 35%E). The remaining 11 countries had high TFI > 35%E. For SFA only Portugal reached the recommendation of < 10%E. The intake of MUFA ranged from 10.9 to 22.9%E. The PUFA intake varied from 4.7 to 9.2 %E. Only 7 countries showed a higher intake (> 6%E) which is targeted to prevent CHD.In summary, the majority of the countries showed an unfavorably high total fat (> 35%E) and SFA intake, whereas the PUFA intake should be increased. There is potential to improve the quantity and quality of fat intake.The ENHR 2009 was funded by the EC under the Public Health Program 2006, agreement nr. 2006128.