Adherence to dietary guidelines and nutrient recommendations among New Zealand women : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
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Date
2023
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Massey University
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Abstract
Countries often implement nutrition recommendations to enable people to attain optimal health. This study aims to assess if two groups of New Zealand women adhere to the 2020 Eating and Activity Guidelines (EAG) and some of the Nutrient Reference Values (NRV). This study is a secondary data analysis from two separate, observational longitudinal studies conducted in Manawatu and surrounding areas in 2017. Women aged 18-26 (n= 93) and 52- 74 (n= 63) attended the Massey University Manawatu campus for height and weight measurements. One hundred and fifty-six participants completed 3-day diet diaries that provided information on daily nutrient intakes and daily servings of food groups. The majority (57%) of younger women met 1-2 food group guidelines, and over 30% met none. Almost 70% of older women met 1-2 food group guidelines, with 25.4% meeting none. No women met all 5 food group guidelines. Protein-rich food guidelines were adhered to by more younger women (61.9%) than older women (39.8%; p=0.007). Grain food guidelines were adhered to by more older women (15.9%) than younger women (1.1%; p=0.001). Younger women had 5.4% and 8.6% adherence to vegetable and calcium-rich food guidelines, respectively. Older women had 9.5% adherence to both vegetable and calcium-rich food guidelines. The nutrient analysis found that all daily protein intakes were above the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) and Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) for both age groups. Almost 50% of younger women and 51.9% of older women did not meet the fibre Adequate Intake (AI). More older women (66.7%) than younger women (55.9%) met the calcium EAR (p=0.001). Over 20% of younger women were below the folate EAR, with 15.4% of older women below the folate EAR. A strong correlation was found between calcium-rich food intake and calcium intake (rs = 0.507, p=<0.001). Moderate correlations were found between fruit intake and daily fibre intake (rs = 0.486, p=0<.001), vegetable intake and daily fibre intake (rs = 0.241, p=0.002), vegetable intake and folate intake (rs = 0.377, p<0.001). Among this study population, there was low adherence to food group recommendations, and many women had suboptimal intakes of calcium, fibre, folate and thiamin. However, all women are meeting protein recommendations. Suboptimal nutrition can adversely impact health and increase the risk of developing nutrition-related diseases. Further research is required to investigate food group guideline adherence and nutrient intakes at a population level.