The quality of nourishment in the population across the regions of the Republic of Serbia from 2011 to 2013

Objective. People who care about their health pay special attention of food choices, method of food preparation, as well as the amounts of food because such a diet provides a good health. The optimal diet involves intake of precise amounts of all food groups. The recommended ratio of foods in the diet is based on evidence and is available as a nutritional guide. The consequences of malnutrition are abnormal growth and development, as well as the occurrence of the disease. The objective of this paper is to point to quality of nutrition in different regions of Serbia from aspect of food groups ratio in the structure of daily meals, based on comparisons of identified and recommended average daily recommendation of each food group per capita. Methods. Relevant data were collected from The Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia, analyzed by descriptive and statistical methods, and compared with recommendations given by food pyramid. The study includes years 2011, 2012 and 2013. Results. Diet quality in Serbia is unsatisfactory when it comes to distribution of certain foods in the daily meal, primarily a group of fat, sugar and sweets in significant excess, while fruits and vegetables are in deficit presence on the menu in population of Republic of Serbia. Conclusion. Based on these results, there is a clear need for population education about proper nutrition and changes in eating habits, in order to ensure increased intake of fruit and vegetables, and reducing the use of 'empty calories', solid fat and dried products in the daily menu. That would indirectly influence the reduction of disease induced by improper diet.