Dietary habits and cardiovascular risk in the Spanish population: The DRECE study (II) micronutrient intake

Objective: To evaluate the dietary micro nutrient intake in the adult Spani sh population participating in the DRECE study. Methods: The cross-sectiona l study was performed in two stages in 1991 and 1996 in 43 primary care cli nics. One thousand two hundred people 'with cardiovascular risk' and 600 'w ithout risk' answered a food frequency questionnaire. Results: Significant increases in vitamin C, retinol, lycopenes, beta -cryptoxanthin and vitamin E intakes were found. Vitamin A, alpha -carotenoid and lutein intakes decr eased. Vitamin B-12, B-6 and folic acid intakes increased in people with ca rdiovascular risk, whereas only the last two increased in the control group . Nearly 100% of the people consumed the recommended dietary allowances for vitamins B-12 and B-6 and >70% for folic acid. Calcium, iron, and zinc int ake increased in both groups, but magnesium and selenium intake increased o nly in people at risk. Vitamin A, B-1 and zinc intakes have decreased, and >50% of the people do not consume the recommended dietary allowance. Conclu sion: Antioxidant vitamins and vitamin B-12, B-6 and folic acid intakes see m to be adequate in the adult Spanish population, no significant difference s appear regarding their cardiovascular risk status. Vitamin A, B-1 and zin c intakes are not appropriate. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.