[Food patterns among adults visiting primary care clinics in the metropolitan region]

To assess the intake of foods and nutrients in a group of adults of the Metropolitan Region of Chile and to identify food intake patterns which may need to be modified according to the guidelines of health promotion.

A non-randomly selected group of 859 adults (410 men) from 120 health care centers of the National Health System (October 1995) was studied. Food intake was assessed by 24-hour recall applied by well-trained standardized nutritionists. Both frequency and food and nutrients intake were calculated.

The mean age was 35.8 +/- 10.6 years old. Median energy, protein and fat intake in male were 2324 kcal, 84 g y 70 g, respectively. For women, medians intake were: 1668 kcal, 59 g and 53 g respectively. From the total sample 72%, 53% y 71% reported consumption of less than two servings of milk product, vegetables and fruits. Likewise 42%, 36% y 22% of subjects had calcium, vitamin A and C intake below than 50% of the corresponding recommended dietary allowances (RDA). On the other hand 24% of the sample had daily salt consumption higher than 5 g, 37% had energy intake derived from fat higher than 30% of total calories and 15% had more than 10% of the energy supplied by sugar.

A significant part of the adult population had inadequate patterns of food intake which confirms the need to promote a healthier diet.