engleski

A review of quality of nutrition in Croatia

In this review on nutritional quality in Croatia the folow-up data on food borne diseases by authorized institutions, as well as our own research results on nutritional parameters linked to various disorders, werw summarized. Poisonings with chemical toxicants in food have been rare in Croatia over the last few years. However, illnesses caused by biological agents have presented a serious problem, especially salmonellosis and trichinellosis. Since these are mostly concentrated around the parts of the country still recovering from the war damages, the causes of their increased occurrence are discussed in the context of diminished life standard. A need for population education on food safety issues is also recognized. Investigation of nutritional composition were out by different methods including food balance sheet, weighed food records, food frequency questionnaire and duplicate diet study. An increased fraction of fat in daily caloric intake compared to recommendations was observed, with concomitant decreased intake of carbohydrates. Pattern of fatty acid intake revealed that fraction of saturated fatty acids is on the upper margin of recommended values, and that there is a high intake of linoleic acid. For an improved protection from chronic diseases, intakes of linolenic and monounsaturated fatty acids be raised at the expense of these. Intake of dietary fiber is satisfactory, while vitamin A intake is deficient indicating a necessity of a greater intake of fruit and vegetables. Is was also noted that the consumption of milk and dairy products, as well as fish, is rather low. Provision by some microelements like iron and selenium is suboptimal. It can be concluded that adequate nutritional education accompanied with some fortification measures could reduce the occurrence of obesity or malnutrition, but also diseases like anaemia and rickets, and in the long run even decrease the incidence of cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

nutrition; quality; Croatia

nije evidentirano