Adherence to the healthy Nordic food index, dietary composition, and lifestyle among Swedish women

Nina Roswall, Ulf Eriksson, Sven Sandin, Marie Löf, Anja Olsen, Guri Skeie, Hans Olov Adami, Elisabete Weiderpass

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Studies examining diet scores in relation to health outcomes are gaining ground. Thus, control for dietary factors not part of the score, and lifestyle associated with adherence, is required to allow for a causal interpretation of studies on diet scores and health outcomes. Objective: The study objective is to describe and investigate dietary composition, micronutrient density, lifestyle, socioeconomic factors, and adherence to the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations across groups defined by their level of adherence to a healthy Nordic food index (HNFI). The paper examines both dietary components included in the HNFI as well as dietary components, which are not part of the HNFI, to get a broad picture of the diet. Design : The study is cross-sectional and conducted in the Swedish Women's Lifestyle and Health cohort. We included 45,277 women, aged 29-49 years at baseline (1991-1992). The HNFI was defined by six items: wholegrain bread, oatmeal, apples/pears, cabbages, root vegetables and fish/shellfish, using data from a food frequency questionnaire. Proportions, means and standard deviations were calculated in the entire cohort and by adherence groups. Results: Women scoring high on the HNFI had a higher energy intake, compared to low adherers. They had a higher intake of fiber and a higher micronutrient density (components of the HNFI), but also a higher intake of items not included in the HNFI: red/processed meats, sweets, and potatoes. They were on average more physically active and less likely to smoke. Conclusions: Adherence to the HNFI was associated with a generally healthier lifestyle and a high intake of health-beneficial components. However, it was also associated with a higher energy intake and a higher intake of foods without proven health benefits. Therefore, future studies on the HNFI and health outcomes should take into account potential confounding of dietary and lifestyle factors associated with the HNFI.

Original languageEnglish
Article number26336
JournalFood and Nutrition Research
Volume59
DOIs
StatePublished - 11 Mar 2015
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Adherence food
  • Cross-sectional study
  • Dietary pattern
  • Healthy Nordic diet
  • Lifestyle
  • Nordic Nutrition Recommendations

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