Food-Based Dietary Guidelines in Austria

Abstract

The translation of nutrient-based dietary guidelines (NBDG) into food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG) is part of a nutrition policy at the national level to counteract the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases that are related to diet and physical activity. In Austria, first steps have already been taken and several promising FBDG have been introduced to the consumer. These FBDG are basically consistent as they use the same concept, a nutritive approach which is based on the ‘DACH Reference Values for Nutrient Intake’. Minor differences arise in the translation of this NBDG into food servings. The ‘Nutrition Circle’ and pyramids are the common forms used to visualize FBDG for the Austrian population. The ‘Three-Dimensional Food Pyramid’, which was introduced in 2005 by the German Nutrition Society and has been adopted by the Austrian Nutrition Society, combines quantitative and qualitative aspects. A not less promising approach has been introduced by the Austrian Nutrition Society – the ‘Module System’ as a visual aid to facilitate the promotion and dissemination of FBDG. Together with the Austrian Nutrition Reports, FBDG are important measures to improve the nutritional situation in Austria. Upcoming results of ongoing nutrition monitoring will evaluate the success of the current measures taken in Austrian nutrition policy.