Sharon Friel|Cecily Kelleher|Geraldine Nolan|Janas M. Harrington
Social diversity of Irish adults nutritional intake
Ollscoil na Gaillimhe – University of Galway|Ollscoil na Gaillimhe – University of Galway|Ollscoil na Gaillimhe – University of Galway|Ollscoil na Gaillimhe – University of Galway
first health lifestyle survey irish adults carried 1998 aimed describe healthrelated lifestyle behaviours crosssection various population strata residing republic ireland paper reports social variation nutrient intakea selfadministered postal questionnaire including 149 food item semiquantitative food frequency section nutrient intakes estimated based mccance widdowson food composition tablescommunitybased adults aged 18 years residing republic ireland register electorsa stratified sample adults register electors received questionnaire 6539 62 returnedthe contribution fat total energy intake increased decreasing socioeconomic grouping finding reflective higher consumption levels foods high fat respondents socially disadvantaged groups energy carbohydrates greatest among socially advantaged groups close recommended 50 total energy intake conversely energy protein decreased increasing social status group mean intake vitamins minerals generally close recommended values significant variation observed among females across different levels education whereas living someone appeared influence micronutrient intake males reported diets males females age 65 years lacking vitamin mean calcium levels among males borderline females age 65 years mean dietary iron levels recommended intakefor first time quantification nutrient intake different social groups ireland undertaken healthy balance energy derived fat protein carbohydrate best achieved among respondents higher social positions positive relation observed healthy food intake increasing education level also present macronutrient intake clear gender social support interplay seen nutrient intake levels