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Objectives: The present study was aimed at surveying the Italian food consumption patterns in the 90s. It represented the second nationwide food intake survey that was carried out by the Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca per gli Alimenti e la Nutrizione (INRAN). Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Free-living households. Subjects: Sampled subjects: 1147 households randomly selected to be representative of the four main geographical areas (North-West, North-East, Centre, South). Analysed subjects: 1978 individuals out of 2734 initially collected in 15 Collaborative Centres strategically scattered through the national territory. Methods: A mixed 7-day based survey technique was applied in order to survey both individual and household consumption. At individual level, food intake was recorded by a self-compiled diary. At household level food data collection was by compilation of a food inventory by the dietician, a purchased/wasted foods diary and a recipes form both compiled by the person responsible for food related activities (decision of purchase, purchase, preparation of meals) in the household. All recorded data were monitored by the dieticians who visited the households participating in the study, at least three times. Household members were interviewed in order to collect socio-demographic, lifestyle and motivational information. Furthermore, field-workers performed the food coding and the input of data by an ad hoc developed software. The survey design allowed an internal quantitative check of food data. Several check steps were centrally performed Results: The complex methodology caused the 46.8% response rate and afterwards a reduction of the analysed units (72% of the surveyed individuals). However, the analysed sample provided sufficiently reliable data for outlining the most relevant aspects of dietary patterns in Italy. In order to better interpret the results, controversial aspects are also illustrated and discussed in the text. The disparity analysis found that traditional diversities among Italian regions are still alive. In general, males eat more than females. Analysis according to the age class (children: 1-9 years old; adolescents: 10-17; adults: 18-64; elderly: >64) showed differences especially between the group of children vs all the others, but also in the two groups of young individuals vs adults and the elderly, that could represent clues of an incorrect way of eating. Conclusions: Taking into account the different methodology, the comparison with previous results showed changes in the Italian average diet complying with an increasing attention to healthy aspects by large sectors of the population, but also opposite tendencies that should be carefully monitored. Sponsorship: Minister delle Politiche Agricole e Forestali (Mi.P.A.F.). Descriptors: Italian diet; food consumption; data collection; nationwide survey; individual survey; 7 day food record, Introduction Outlining food consumption patterns is key in assessing dietary adequacy and safety, representing important aspects in evaluating the relationship between diet and health, including the role of consumers' attitudes, [...]

The relationship between dietary fibre intake and the onset of gastrointestinal diseases, investigated using the food-frequency methodology helps in evaluating the suitability of the questionnaire in classifying individuals into percentiles according to the dietary fibre intake. The importance of methodological validity and nutritional evaluations are addressed. The food frequency methodology and the questionnaire design are described.

A study of dietary intake of fibers in Italy, from 1981 to 1990, shows an increased preference for higher dietary intake of fiber by the average Italians. Per capita dietary intake of fiber of Italians was 25 grams in 1990, which is the minimum specified level of fiber intake at the international level. There is a marked increase in the consumption of fruits and vegetables, whereas only partial increase was seen in cereals consumption. Effects of increase in fiber intake on carbohydrates intake are discussed.