[The nutritional status in Switzerland--consequences for prevention]

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Diet significantly impacts chronic disease prevention.
• Switzerland lacks a comprehensive national dietary survey.
• Observed dietary shifts include decreased complex carbohydrates and increased fats.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the current dietary habits and nutritional status of the Swiss population.
• To identify key nutritional challenges and deficiencies.
• To inform the development of national nutritional guidelines.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of available group and individual dietary data in Switzerland.
• Evaluation of per capita food availability trends since World War II.
• Assessment of overweight prevalence (BMI < or = 25).

Main Results:

• High prevalence of overweight individuals (39% men, 22% women).
• Dietary intake is high in fat and sugar, low in complex carbohydrates.
• Concerns include hazardous alcohol consumption and deficiencies in vitamins B1, B2, B6, folic acid, and C.
• Insufficient calcium intake noted in the elderly, and calcium/iron in women.

Conclusions:

• The Swiss population faces significant nutritional challenges.
• Dietary patterns deviate from recommended intake levels.
• These findings underscore the need for national nutritional guidelines, which have been recently published.