DIETARY-INTAKE AND PRACTICES IN THE HONG-KONG CHINESE POPULATION

Objectives-To examine dietary intake and practices of the adult Hong K ong Chinese population to provide a basis for future public health rec ommendations with regard to prevention of certain chronic diseases suc h as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and osteoporosis. Participa nts-Age and sex stratified random sample of the Hong Kong Chinese popu lation aged 25 to 74 years (500 men, 510 women). Method-A food frequen cy method over a one week period was used for nutrient quantification, and a separate questionnaire was used for assessment of dietary habit s. Information was obtained by interview. Results-Men had higher intak es of energy and higher nutrient density of vitamin D, monounsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol, but lower nutrient density of protein, m any vitamins, calcium, iron, copper, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. There was an age related decrease in energy intake and other nutrients except for vitamin C, sodium, potassium, and percentage of total calo rie from carbohydrate, which all increased with age. Approximately 50% of the population had a cholesterol intake of less than or equal to 3 00 mg; 60% had a fat intake less than or equal to 30% of total energy; and 85% had a percentage of energy from saturated fats less than or e qual to 10%; criteria considered desirable for cardiovascular health. Seventy eight per cent of the population had sodium intake values in t he range shown to be associated with the age related rise in blood pre ssure with age. Mean calcium intake was lower than the FAO/WHO recomme ndations. The awareness of the value of wholemeal bread and polyunsatu rated fat spreads was lower in this population compared with that in A ustralia. There was a marked difference in types of cooking oil compar ed with Singaporeans, the latter using more coconut/palm/mixed vegetab le oils. Conclusion-Although the current intake pattern for cardiovasc ular health for fat, saturated fatty acid, and cholesterol fall within the recommended range for over 50% of the population, follow up surve ys to monitor the pattern would be needed. Decreasing salt consumption , increasing calcium intake, and increasing the awareness of the healt h value of fibre may all be beneficial in the context of chronic disea se prevention.