[Fish in the diet of the Russian Population: from actual to optimal consumption]

Fish and fishery products are considered an important component of a healthy diet due to their nutritional value and association with favorable health outcomes. Despite the existence of rational consumption norms, in many countries, including the Russian Federation, the actual consumption of fish remains insufficient. A comprehensive assessment of the levels and patterns of fish consumption is necessary to justify evidence-based, practical recommendations for optimizing the population's diet. The aim of the study was to assess the levels and patterns of fish and fishery product consumption by the population of the Russian Federation, to identify socio-demographic and territorial consumption patterns, and to substantiate approaches for developing evidence-based, practical recommendations for including fish in the diet.

The analysis was based on data from sample surveys of household budjets from 1985-2024, sample survey of the population's diets (24-hour dietary recall method, 2023), as well as sample survey of the population's health surveys from 2023-2024. Descriptive statistics methods and non-parametric criteria were used to assess differences between socio-demographic groups.

The per capita consumption of fish and fishery products in the Russian Federation in 2023-2024 was about 23 kg/year and, for most population groups, did not reach the rational norm of 28 kg per year. Pronounced differences were identified depending on income level, household composition, and region of residence. Analysis of individual diets showed low average daily fish consumption values, with single-serving amounts close to standard portions, indicating irregular inclusion of fish in the diet. More than half of the adult population consumes fish no more than once a week.

Insufficient fish consumption in the Russian Federation is primarily due to the low frequency of its inclusion in the diet, rather than the size of single portions. The rational consumption norm of 28 kg/year is realistic and achievable and corresponds to the regular inclusion of fish in the diet no less than twice a week in standard portions. The obtained results justify the feasibility of using healthy eating recommendations with an emphasis on increasing the frequency of fish consumption.