Food consumption patterns of adults in the United Arab Emirates

The objectives of this study were to determine the food consumption pattern s of Emirati men and women over 20 years of age and to explore the associat ion of age and sex with food intake. A proportional random sample of 1,122 men and 1,090 women was obtained from all the seven Emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The findings showed a significant difference in food f requency intake between men and women, and also between young (20-49 years) and old (50 years and above) subjects. In general the consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables and of milk was low. This is a source of concern as t hese foods are useful sources of vitamins and minerals. Elderly people were more likely to consume traditional foods such as fish and laban (diluted y oghurt) than young people. Modification of dietary habits should be conside red in any nutrition education programme for the public in the UAE.