FOOD PATTERNS ASSOCIATED WITH INTAKES OF FAT, CARBOHYDRATE AND DIETARY FIBER IN A COHORT OF DANISH ADULTS FOLLOWED FOR 6 YEARS

Objective: To examine associations between food consumption patterns, measured by a short food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and the intake s of fat, carbohydrates and fibre over time, and in relation to recomm ended guidelines. Design: The same 329 individuals had their diet inta ke measured by a short FFQ and a thorough diet history interview, firs t in 1987/88, and again six years later in 1993/94. Setting: The Count y of Copenhagen, Denmark Subjects: Three hundred and twenty-nine men a nd women, aged 35-65 y selected randomly from a large population sampl e. Results: At both examinations fat energy displayed the strongest po sitive associations with the intake of animal fats and negative correl ations with the vegetables. These food items explained most of the tot al explained variation in fat intake. In general the associations betw een food items and intakes of carbohydrates and fibre were similar but Inverse, to those found for fat. During the study period median fat e nergy decreased from 41-38%. A less frequent intake of animal fats ove r time predicted an increase in fat energy both among men and women, w hile a more frequent intake of fruit and pasta, and a less frequent in take of cakes was associated with an increase in dietary fibre. Conclu sions: Food items like animal fats, vegetables and certain high starch foods can predict compliance to dietary guidelines for fat and carboh ydrates. The study also shows that the food pattern of this Danish coh ort has changed in the direction of a more healthy diet during the six years of follow-up.