Sociodemographic and Lifestyle Determinants of Functional Food Consumption in an Adult Population of the Balearic Islands

Abstract

Background/Aims: Studies about functional food (FF) consumption among south Europeans are scarce. The aim of this study was to assess sociodemographic and lifestyle determinants of FF consumption in adult inhabitants of the Balearic Islands. Methods: A population-based, cross-sectional, nutritional survey was conducted. The target population consisted of all inhabitants aged 16-65 years living in the Balearic Islands. FFs were selected from a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics were also assessed. Results: A high percentage of the population consumed FFs (skimmed milk, fiber-rich bread/cookies, probiotics, breakfast cereals and tea). Gender was a significant determinant for FF consumption. Females were more likely to consume soy milk, fiber-rich bread/cookies and tea; males preferred to consume breakfast cereals. FF consumption was significantly associated with increasing age in both genders. Fiber-rich bread/cookies were especially consumed by individuals with medium education, and breakfast cereals were consumed by respondents with a medium income. Physically active adults were more likely to consume soy milk, breakfast cereals, probiotics and red wine, and obese individuals were less likely to consume breakfast cereals and fiber-rich bread/cookies. Conclusions: A high percentage of the study population consumed FFs. Gender, age, marital status, education level, body mass index and physical activity are factors associated with FF consumption.