[Nutritional problems in Spanish women; Results from the ANIBES Study]

Women have proved vulnerable with regard to their nutritional status at all stages of life and in a variety of physiological situations. In response to the need for more up-to-date and accurate information about the determinants of nutritional status and the quantification of diet specifically, the ANIBES (Anthropometry, Intake and Energy Balance in Spain) study was carried out among a representative group of Spaniards aged 9 to 75.

To describe and evaluate some of the results available on energy intake and food sources from the ANIBES Study related to Spanish women.

Using a representative sample (n = 2009, 996 women/1013 men) of the Spanish population (9-75 years old), the following studies were conducted: anthropometry, diet (using new technology--tablet computers), physical activity (using accelerometry and a validated questionnaire), and perceptions regarding different aspects related to food, nutrition, physical activity and energy balance.

Energy intake was 1660 ± 426.7 kcal/d, significantly lower than among males. When analysed by age group, only girls (9-12 years old) and adolescents (13-17 years old) meet the recent recommendations established by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). In particular, the average energy intake among older women (65-75 years old), 1476 ± 359.9 kcal/d, is problematic with regard to adequate nutritional density. The caloric profile is unbalanced (17% E from protein; 41.2% from carbohydrates; 38.7% from lipids) for all age groups. The main source of energy comes from grains and their derivatives (27%), meat products and their derivatives (14.1%), oils and fats (13.1%) and milk and its derivatives (12.4%).

The results are presented in tables and charts in accordance with their potential repercussions for the nutritional quality of the Spanish female diet to day, and compared with other Spanish and European studies.