Changing patterns of food consumption in Italy

Italy is perhaps unique in that data spanning more than a century are available on food consumption. During that period, the country was unified and evolved from an agricultural economy to one of an industrial society. Analysis shows that the greatest changes have occurred within the last twenty years. Excesses of fat and energy have shown up. Whereas the nutrient levels of the Italian population were formerly only borderline, today they are substantialy above energy recomendations, but fat and sugar account for much of the increase. Protein intake has remained substantially stable. Food expenditures represent more than 40 per cent of total income. Positive aspects of the Italian diet remain its richness in complex carbohydrates, fresh fruits, vegetables, olive and seed oils, with relatively low saturated fat and cholesterol. Significant North-South differences persist.