Overall and within-food group diversity are associated with dietary quality in Belgium

Abstract

Objective: To assess the relationship(s) between overall and within-food group diversity and several indices of dietary quality, such as dietary adequacy, moderation and balance, in Belgian adults. Dietary quality indices were derived from the food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG). Design: Information on food intake was collected with two 24 h recalls. Setting: Average overall and within-food group diversity scores and dietary adequacy, moderation and balance scores were calculated. Subjects: A representative sample (n 3245) of the Belgian population at the age of 15 years and older was randomly selected from the National Register using a multistage stratified procedure. Results: For both men and women, total dietary diversity score increased with age and smokers had a significantly lower overall diversity score than non-or former smokers. A positive association was found between overall dietary diversity and both dietary adequacy and balance. For most food groups, especially bread and cereals, vegetables, dairy products and spreadable fats, within-food group dietary diversity was positively associated with the fulfilment of the specific recommendation for the intake of that food group. An inverse association was found between dietary diversity within the meat and the energy-dense, nutrient-poor food groups and dietary balance. Diversity within the dairy and spreadable fat group was responsible for the strongest increase in overall dietary adequacy and balance. Conclusions: Overall dietary diversity is a useful indicator of dietary quality in Belgium. For some food groups, within-food group dietary diversity is a useful indicator of compliance with the specific FBDG for intake of that food group.

Assessment of Dietary Diversity of Mothers and Children of 6–24 Months from Eastern and Southern Provinces of Zambia

“…e mean Dietary Diversity Score (DDS) calculated in this study shows a low diversity of foods for both mothers and their children, which infers that majority of households consume a monotonous diet that focuses on a limited number of food groups. is DDS suggests a low diet quality as described by Nupo et al [5] and Vandevijvere et al [11]. e numbers of foods available for children and mothers in Chipata were more than that of foods available for their Monze counterparts, and this was evident in the DDS of the mothers from Chipata who had a higher DDS.…”

Dietary diversity score and obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

“…Dietary diversity has been known as a key index of high diet quality in various populations. [18][19][20] DDS evaluates the diversity within food groups that are often chosen based on healthy dietary guidelines. 21,22 The higher diversity in healthy food groups like vegetables and fruits could increase DDS but would not add substantial energy to the overall calorie content of the diet.…”

Dietary Variety Is Inversely Associated with Body Adiposity among US Adults Using a Novel Food Diversity Index

“…Although it is counterintuitive, promoting variety within healthful foods could make healthful dietary patterns more enjoyable, thus improving dietary adherence and weight outcomes. In various populations with better dietary quality, simple dietary variety measures are favorably associated with nutrient adequacy (10,(20)(21)(22)(23), and in some cases, a limited number of adiposity markers (13,24). Furthermore, recent evidence in children suggests that increasing the variety of healthful foods available while simultaneously reducing the number of less healthful options may be a useful intervention strategy to combat obesity because it aligns with individual preferences for variety (25).…”