Food and nutrient intakes of Greek (Cretan) adults. Recent data for food-based dietary guidelines in Greece

The present study aimed to estimate current nutrient intake levels and food group consumption patterns in Greece using cut-off levels derived from the results of dietary recall interviews with 470 Cretan adults. It was found that the present-day Greek diet contains, in the main, adequate levels of f ibre. In comparison with the traditional diet, however, the levels of satur ated fat in the diet have greatly increased, particularly in younger adults . An association was found between low fruit and vegetable and low fibre in take and a fat intake that was mainly in the form of saturated fat, this be ing particularly evident in female subjects. Given the wide availability of olive oil, fish, fresh fruit and vegetables in Greece, the development of national dietary guidelines would be of great potential benefit, particular ly to the younger generations.