The results from the first four years of the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) published by Public Health England have revealed that the UK population is still not consuming enough fruit, vegetables and fibre but is consuming too much saturated fat, added sugars and salt.
Differences were found in the diets of the lowest income quintile compared to the highest, in particular a lower consumption of fruit and vegetables was noted, along with lower intake of some vitamins and minerals and fibre.
Key findings include the fact that mean consumption of oily fish falls well below the recommended 140g portion per week in all age groups; mean saturated fat intake in all age groups exceeds the recommended level of no more than 11% food energy; and non-milk extrinsic sugars (added sugars) consumption exceeds the recommendation of no more than 11% food energy for all age groups.
In addition, there was evidence of low vitamin D status in all age groups; 46% of girls and 23% of women had low iron intakes; and only 30% of adults and 41% of older adults met the five-a-day fruit and vegetable recommendation.
