FOOD-CONSUMPTION PROFILE OF THE SOUTH-AFRICAN ADULT-POPULATION

A cross-sectional survey by questionnaire was under taken to assess th e food consumption patterns of a representative sample of 2000 South A frican adults (over 18 years of age). Multistage sampling was used, st arting with the nine development regions, then magisterial districts, towns, study areas and eventually households. One adult per household was drawn randomly Only 13% of all respondents reported milk consumpti on that complied with the dietary recommendation for adequate calcium intake. A quarter of the respondents reported adequate intake of fruit and vegetables, suggesting that the majority consumed low mean amount s of fibre and several micro-nutrients such as carotene and vitamin C. The majority of respondents used hydrogenated margarines, which have a relatively high trans fatty acid content. Most respondents considere d that one should learn about healthy eating as a child. The results o f this study show that concern about the low nutrient quality of the d iet found in regional in-depth dietary studies applies also to South A fricans in general. Food availability is important, but so is knowledg e of nutrition. Instruction on good eating habits needs to be evaluate d continually to ensure that its goals are met.