Changes in household food and nutrient consumption in Metropolitan Santiago 1988-97 by income

Background The rise in the prevalence of obesity diabetes, and other, risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and cancer observed in Chile over die past decades may be related to changes in dietary patterns of the population Aim To report changes in household apparent food nutrients consumption (HATNC) for Metropolitan Santiago Chile 1988 97 Material and Methods The analysis is based on data from household expenditure surveys conducted by the Instituto Nacional de Estadisticas (INE) on a representative sample of the population to define changes in food prices Information on food and drink purchases were grouped by specific items and expenditures standardized across the two surveys HAFNC was determined based on unit consumed at home and out of home by the total group and by income quintile using national food composition tables Results Apparent energy consumption Increased over the study period by 25% this was mainly explained by increased consumption of meat and dairy (rich in saturated fats of animal origin) and of processed foods (fat spreads sweets and pastries) and foods rich in added sugars (sugary drinks and Juices) Dietary fiber derived from whole grains legumes and cereals decreased The HAFNC of items protective against nutrition related chronic diseases such as vegetables fruits and other fiber rich foods remained stable or frankly decreased (legumes and non starchy vegetables) Fish and other marine foods rich in omega 3 fats remained low Conclusions The changes in apparent food consumption patterns can be characterized by an increase in energy dense, fat and sugar rich foods with a low consumption of fish whole grains legumes, vegetables and fruits (Rev Med Chile 2010 138 1091 1108)