Socio-economic differences in food group and nutrient intakes among young women in Ireland

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate socio-economic disparities in food and nutrient intakes among young Irish women. A total of 221 disadvantaged and seventy-four non-disadvantaged women aged 18-35 years were recruited. Diet was assessed using a diet history protocol. Of the total population, 153 disadvantaged and sixty-three non-disadvantaged women were classified as plausible dietary reporters. Food group intakes, nutrient intakes and dietary vitamin and mineral concentrations per MJ of energy consumed were compared between the disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged populations, as was compliance with dietary fibre, macronutrient and micronutrient intake guidelines. The disadvantaged women had lower intakes than the non-disadvantaged women of fruit, vegetables, fish, breakfast cereals, low-fat milk and wholemeal bread (all P,0·001), yogurt (P¼ 0·001), low-fat spread (P¼ 0·002) and fresh meat (P¼0·003). They also had higher intakes of butter, processed red meats, white bread, sugar-sweetened beverages, fried potatoes and potato-based snacks (all P, 0·001) and full-fat milk (P¼0·014). Nutritionally, the disadvantaged women had higher fat, saturated fat and refined sugar intakes; lower dietary fibre, vitamin and mineral intakes; and lower dietary vitamin and mineral densities per MJ than their more advantaged peers. Non-achievement of carbohydrate (P¼0·017), fat (P, 0·001), saturated fat (P, 0·001), refined sugar (P,0·001), folate (P¼ 0·050), vitamin C (P, 0·001), vitamin D (P¼0·047) and Ca (P¼0·019) recommendations was more prevalent among the disadvantaged women. Both groups showed poor compliance with Fe and Na guidelines. We conclude that the nutritional deficits present among these socially disadvantaged women are significant, but may be potentially ameliorated by targeted food-based interventions.

Food consumption among overweight and obese working Malay women in urban settings

“…First, vegetable and fruits consumption was associated with better health status and the health seeking behaviour is more pronounced among those who are more educated, thus in the context of this study, it could be the reason the consumption of vegetables and fruits are higher among those in the high education group. 13,[18][19][20] Second, indirectly those with higher education normally earned higher salary compared to those with low education and in urban settings such as in this study, the vegetables and fruits are far from the primary source (which is normally in rural), therefore the cost transportation of fruits and vegetables could have increased the price and thus became an economical barrier to those with low income.…”

“…11 A systematic review of studies in Europe showed that people in low socioeconomic groups were less likely to consumed healthy food such as fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and fish, and whole grain and another study in Ireland showed that economically disadvantaged women (unemployed/low occupation social class/low formal education) tend to consumed higher fat, saturated fat and refined sugar compared to economically non-disadvantaged women. 12,13 In a nutshell, those who are overweight and obese need know the sources (or types/categories) of food that had consistently caused their energy excess. This study aims to determine the trend of food consumption among a group of overweight and obese Malay women working in public sector in urban areas by using the MDG to estimate food quantity.…”

Potential Health Benefits of Combining Yogurt and Fruits Based on Their Probiotic and Prebiotic Properties

“…Lifestyle factors are important contributors to dietary choices. Socioeconomically disadvantaged women tend to have a lower intake of both fruit and yogurt and poorer diet quality than their more privileged peers (101). In one study, active boys and girls consumed more fruits than their sedentary peers and girls also consumed more yogurt (102).…”

Dietary contributors to hypertension in adults reviewed

“…While folic-acid enriched foods now make a considerable contribution to overall folate intakes in Ireland [62], inadequacy of this nutrient remains prevalent among vulnerable populations who do not typically consume these foods, particularly those who are socially disadvantaged [63]. Functional vitamin D deficiency is an even more prominent concern, with a number of studies reporting inadequate intakes among the Irish population [64,65], and 76 % of Irish adults now demonstrating low serum levels of this vitamin on a year round basis [66].…”