Diet quality status of most Tehranian adults needs improvement

The healthy eating index (HEI) was developed to track the quality of diets in different societies. The aim of this study was to determine the HEI score of Tehranian adults. This study, conducted within the framework of Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS), was a part of a dietary intake assessment carried out in 819 cases aged 19 and over. Dietary intake was assessed with two 24-hour recalls. HEI was calculated based on 9 components. The HEI score was categorized into three groups: less than 45 (poor diet), between 45-72 (needs improvement) and more than 72 (good diet). The mean score of HEI was 65.8 +/- 9.6 in men and 65.9 +/- 8.6 in women. The results showed that the number of servings of food groups in those with good diet was significantly higher than the two other groups (P<0.05). The percentage of observations failing to meet the estimated average requirements (EAR) in the poor diet group (HEI<45) was higher than the other diet groups for most of the nutrients. Diets were categorized into: needs improvement (74%); good (23%); and poor (3%). Since the majority of the sample needed to improve their diet, this suggests that nutrition intervention may be needed.