Food and Nutrition Guidelines for Healthy Adults: a Background Paper I Citation: Ministry of Health
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Food and Nutrition Guidelines for Healthy Adults A Background Paper Food and Nutrition Guidelines for Healthy Adults: A Background Paper i Citation: Ministry of Health. 2003. Food and Nutrition Guidelines for Healthy Adults: A background paper. Wellington. Ministry of Health. Published in October 2003 by the Ministry of Health PO Box 5013, Wellington, New Zealand ISBN 0-478-25839-9 (Book) ISBN 0-478-25840-2 (Internet) HP 3712 This document is available on the Ministry of Health's website: http://www.moh.govt.nz MINISTRY OF HEALTH – MANATu HAUORA ii Food and Nutrition Guidelines for Healthy Adults: A Background Paper Foreword Good nutrition, physical activity and maintaining a healthy body weight are fundamental to health and to the prevention of disease and disability. Food not only is a means of maintaining and improving physical health but has a valued place in our society. It is a catalyst for social interaction and has a significant part in most celebrations. The cultural and psychological functions of food cannot be overemphasised. Over recent years there has been a rapid rise in health conditions for which poor nutrition and inadequate physical activity are key risk factors. This trend is particularly evident in the current obesity epidemic. The Ministry of Health recognises the need for sound, up-to-date technical information to support health professionals, health educators and teachers in the practice of healthy nutrition. This background paper supports three of the key priorities of the New Zealand Health Strategy. It brings together the latest evidence and advice on food and nutrition, physical activity and obesity relevant to the health of adult New Zealanders. In addition, it provides information on important nutrition-related health disorders, food safety and quality issues. It will assist health professionals and educators with the implementation of the Healthy Eating – Healthy Action Strategy, which was launched in March 2003. Key population groups in New Zealand, including Ma¯ori and Pacific peoples, are at particular risk of compromised health due to poor nutritional status. For this reason, one part of this paper is devoted to nutrition issues relating to the health of these groups. These guidelines are an important part of the Ministry’s Food and Nutrition Guideline series for New Zealanders. This paper provides background material for health education resources for the general public. It is envisaged that Food and Nutrition Guidelines for Healthy Adults: A background paper will provide sound and practical advice on food and nutrition for health professionals and educators to use in their daily work. Don Matheson (Dr) Deputy Director-General Public Health Food and Nutrition Guidelines for Healthy Adults: A Background Paper iii Acknowledgements The Ministry of Health would like to thank all those who have contributed to the development of this document. In particular thanks go to Crown Public Health, the members of the former Food and Nutrition Advisory Committee, and the staff of the Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago. The peer reviewers who dedicated time and energy to reviewing this document at various stages are acknowledged. The National Heart Foundation and the Cancer Society of New Zealand are also thanked for their comments. The many individuals and groups who gave feedback as part of the public consultation process and the specialists who commented on the final draft have shaped this final document significantly. The Ministry of Health appreciates the assistance of the many people who have had input during the process. This document has been produced by the Public Health Policy Group. iv Food and Nutrition Guidelines for Healthy Adults: A Background Paper Contents Foreword ................................................................................................................................ iii Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 1 Part I: The New Zealand Food and Nutrition Guidelines ........................................................ 3 1 Background ...................................................................................................................... 3 The background papers and guideline statements of the Food and Nutrition Guidelines .....3 New Zealand Food and Nutrition Guideline statements........................................................3 Food groups and the nutrients they provide.........................................................................4 New Zealand Recommended Dietary Intakes .......................................................................6 Recommended energy intakes .............................................................................................6 Part II: Nutrients, Food and Drinks ......................................................................................... 7 2 Energy ............................................................................................................................. 7 Background......................................................................................................................... 7 Recommended energy intakes for adults .............................................................................8 Energy intakes in New Zealand.............................................................................................8 Sources of energy in the diet................................................................................................9 Practical advice ....................................................................................................................9 3 Protein ............................................................................................................................11 Background........................................................................................................................ 11 Recommended protein intakes for adults........................................................................... 11 Protein intakes in New Zealand .......................................................................................... 11 Sources of protein in the diet ............................................................................................. 12 Practical advice .................................................................................................................. 12 4 Carbohydrate ................................................................................................................. 13 Background........................................................................................................................ 13 Recommended carbohydrate intakes for adults ................................................................. 15 Carbohydrate intakes in New Zealand ................................................................................ 15 Sources of carbohydrates in the diet.................................................................................. 17 Practical advice .................................................................................................................. 17 5 Fat.................................................................................................................................. 18 Background........................................................................................................................ 18 Recommended fat intakes for adults.................................................................................. 19 Fat intakes in New Zealand................................................................................................. 19 Reducing fat intakes ......................................................................................................... 20 Practical advice .................................................................................................................. 21 6 Iron ................................................................................................................................ 22 Background....................................................................................................................... 22 Recommended iron intakes for adults ............................................................................... 24 Iron intakes in New Zealand .............................................................................................. 24 Sources of iron in the diet ................................................................................................. 25 Practical advice ................................................................................................................. 25 7 Calcium .......................................................................................................................... 26 Background....................................................................................................................... 26 Recommended calcium intakes for adults ......................................................................... 26 Calcium intakes in New Zealand ........................................................................................ 26 Food and Nutrition Guidelines for Healthy Adults: A Background Paper v Sources of calcium in the diet ........................................................................................... 27 Practical advice ................................................................................................................