Search

Background: The present study aimed to assess micronutrient intake among Greek adults and to identify the main food sources that contribute to it., Methods: Food consumption data from 2389 participants in the Hellenic National Nutrition and Health Survey (HNNHS), collected with 24-h recalls, was used to calculate micronutrient intakes. Usual nutrient intake was estimated according to the National Cancer Institute method. Nutrient adequacy was estimated using the estimated average requirement (EAR) cut-point method, when available, or adequate intake otherwise. The probability approach was used to determine iron intake adequacy in females of reproductive age. Food group contribution for each nutrient assessed was derived to identify their main food sources., Results: Almost all individuals had vitamin D intake below EAR, whereas vitamins A, E, K and C, as well as potassium intake, were also insufficient in a considerable percentage of the population (>70% in most age groups). Calcium intake was substantially below the EAR for females aged >50 years and males >70 years; the same for magnesium in males >70 years. Furthermore, 50% of females, including those of reproductive age, had intake of folate below EAR. More than 50% of the population (to 79%) exceeded the upper tolerable limit for sodium (2300 mg day -1 ). Food contribution analysis revealed that most vitamins were derived from low-quality foods (i.e. fast-food)., Conclusions: A significant proportion of adults residing in Greece have low nutrient intake and poor food selections. These results provide guidance to public health policy makers for developing strategies to improve the dietary quality in Greece., (© 2021 The British Dietetic Association Ltd.)

Objective: Worldwide data suggest a clash between parental complementary feeding practices and recommendations. Understanding the circumstances under which parents form their feeding practices is a crucial step to improve such practices. This paper aimed to systematically review the existing qualitative literature and synthesise the factors that parents take into consideration in relation to complementary feeding.Design: A systematic review was undertaken. Four electronic databases were searched for qualitative studies published after 2001 exploring parental experiences during complementary feeding. A framework that included authors' outcomes of interest was used to extract and synthesise study findings. The Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research were used to critically assess the included studies.Setting: Upper-middle- and high-income countries.Participants: Parents with a child below the age of 3 years.Results: A total of forty-seven studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in this systematic review. The themes were organised into three main categories: (1) factors related to introduction of complementary foods; (2) factors related to the type of complementary foods and (3) factors related to both timing and type. The selected literature highlights: prevalent baby cues that prompt parents to introduce solid foods; parents' views on the recommended timing of complementary feeding; factors that drive the choice of complementary foods and perceived value in advice received from health professionals and grandmothers.Conclusions: This systematic review indicates factors that can be barriers to complying with the complementary feeding guidelines, and therefore, its findings are pertinent to improving parental feeding practices through intervention studies and through infant feeding education in a primary care setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The initiation of complementary feeding (CF; introducing infants to food/drink other than milk) is recommended close to 6 months and not before 4 months of age. Low socio‐economic status (SES) is a determinant of nonadherence to CF recommendations, but there is an evidence gap around reasons for nonadherence among these parents. This study investigated knowledge, attitudes, and practices of disadvantaged families (in terms of SES and social support) and use of guidance for CF, in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Parents of infants aged 3–14 months were recruited via community groups. Semistructured focus groups aided by vignettes were used. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic approach. Nineteen focus groups took place with parents (n = 83). A range of factors influence parents when introducing solids. Sources of guidance extend to family, friends, the internet, and commercial resources. Parents experience uncertainty and anxiety during this time, driven by lack of knowledge and conflicting advice. Five major themes were identified: (a) more guidance that is accessible, timely, and respectfully needed; (b) the challenge of choosing safe, nutritious food; (c) "everybody has an opinion"; (d) feelings of inadequacy, embarrassment, and guilt; and (e) decisions are ultimately based on individual circumstances. CF advice should be culturally appropriate, practical, and empowering, emphasising the rationale behind updates to recommendations and consequences of nonadherence. Future training of health professionals for delivery of CF advice and guidance should consider these findings. Compliance with CF recommendations is influenced by health professionals, the wider family, and the commercial baby‐food sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]