The NACNE report: are the dietary goals realistic? Comparisons with the dietary patterns of dietitians

The dietary intake of 42 dietitians studied in 1977 was compared with recent recommendations for the composition of a healthful diet proposed by a working party of the National Advisory Committee for Nutrition Education (NACNE). Mean daily sucrose intake was 35 g, compared with a present national intake of around 100 g and a proposed goal of 55 g; it is argued that a national goal of 65 g is a more realistic goal. Mean fibre intake was 23 g, compared with a present national intake of 20 g and a proposed goal of 30 g; it is argued that while 30 g is a realistic goal for a national mean intake, it is not realistic for subgroups of the population with below average energy intake, and 26-27 g is suggested as a realistic goal for an adult female population. Fat energy intake was 40 per cent of total energy, compared with a present national average of 38 per cent and 30 per cent as a long-term goal; but if national sucrose and alcohol intakes were as low as the dietitians', national fat energy would be 42 per cent. It is argued that 34 per cent fat energy is a more appropriate long-term goal for the dietitians and similar subgroups of the population; however, it is thought that 36 per cent (or 32 per cent nationally) would be more realistic.