An effective way to identify dietary risks among adults--general discussion and conclusions

To identify dietary risks among adults in the Netherlands, with special reference to micronutrient intake, more specifically vitamin B6, folate, iron and iodine.

Dietary intake, nutritional status and other physiological and lifestyle characteristics were measured among 444 adults, aged 20-79 y, stratified for 10 y age-classes and sex, with an overrepresentation of subjects with a habitual low intake of vitamin B6.

A general discussion of the study design and possible selection bias. Identification of groups at risk and the possible impact of low intake of several micronutrients. A discussion of dietary and other determinants of micronutrient status parameters. The results of the present survey suggest that even at vitamin B6 intakes in the lower tertile of the intake range there is no great effect on biochemical functioning. However, blood vitamin levels may not be optimal with regard to cardiovascular risk among a non-negligible part of the population and a recommendation for an adequate vitamin intake seems warranted, despite the many uncertainties concerning the relationship between vitamin intake and cardiovascular risk. Furthermore, the results of the present survey stress the importance of adequate dietary advice for women of childbearing age.