Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences - Vol.4, No.3+4, December, Year 2008
Tác giả: Prof.dr. Frans J Kok Head Division of Human Nuttrition Wageningen University
Tóm tắt:
The 2006 Dietary Guidelines for the Netherlands are gradually receiving priority by policy-makers and the food industry. Physical exercise and healthy dietary habits for the prevention of overweight are increasingly implemented at schools, workplaces etc. The evidence-based dietary recommendations are stimulating food industry to further improve the composition of their product portfolio. Better fats, less salt, less added sugar, more dietary fiber rare the current goals. To make the healthy choice the easy one, logo’s have been introduced to flag up products that meet specific criteria. Salt reduction and n-3 fatty acids receive special attention. Current intake of sodium chloride is around 10 grams per day in the Dutch population. Sodium is linked to hypertension, but may also increase the risk of osteoporosis, gallstones and cataract. In its policy document, the Ministry of Health aims to reach the recommended intake of 6 grams per day by 2011. The Federation of Dutch Food Companies has taken up this challenge and the primary responsible producers (bread, meat, dairy and snack industry) are motivated to gradually lower the processing of salt. Next to saturated and trans fat reduction,the increase intake of n-3 fatty acids, especially the omega-3 fatty acids from fish are another important target. The current average intake among the Dutch population of one meal of fish every two weeks should be increased to twice fish each week, of which once fatty fish. The health benefits are related to cardiovascular disease, especially sudden cardiac death. Some major ongoing trials, however, should confirm these benefits. Numerous other preventive effects, e.g. on neurodegeneratii.’e and gastro-intestinal health are suggested, however, hard evidence is lacking. Fish is the preferred food, but alternatives (n-3 rich bread, eggs, margarine, juice) have been introduced on the market.
