There's so much that we
share
Most people nowadays are aware that they need to eat a variety of
foods, moderate their fat intake and exercise more. Messages on
healthy lifestyles have found their way into school programmes,
newspapers, magazines and even the workplace.
Dietary guidelines are one of the main
ways in which governments have tried to promote healthy lifestyles
to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as coronary heart
disease and certain cancers. The guidelines are suggestions for
people to follow based on nutritional needs, food supplies, eating
habits and cultural beliefs. In this issue of Food Facts Asia, we
look at dietary guidelines in various Asian countries and
throughout the rest of the world.
Most countries in Asia have a set of
dietary guidelines. Japan was the first Asian country to develop
dietary guidelines in 1985. Other countries introduced similar
messages soon after, including China (1989), the Philippines
(1990), Singapore (1993), Indonesia (1995), Thailand (1995),
Malaysia (1996) and Vietnam (1997).
Dietary guidelines are intended to
provide general nutrition guidance consistent with an optimal
intake of vitamins and minerals and the prevention of disease. The
principles of these guidelines are used by policymakers in
developing health guidelines and by health professionals for
education purposes. They are intended to be applied to the diet as
a whole and not to assess the healthfulness of any individual
food.
Dietary practices throughout the world
vary greatly as a result of cultural, environmental, political,
socioeconomic and behavioural practices. Yet despite this, dietary
guidelines have surprising similarities from Japan to Scandinavia
to the U.S. Whether a country has five guidelines or fifteen,
there are similar basic recommendations that are shared throughout
the world.
Eat a variety of foods
Overwhelmingly, this is the first and most consistent message
across dietary guidelines worldwide. This guideline is intended to
ensure that people obtain an optimal mix of vitamins and minerals
in their daily food intake. Variety also helps to reduce the risk
of coronary heart disease. Japanese guidelines specifically
recommend eating at least 30 different foods every day!
Moderate fat intake
With the spread of chronic diseases such as heart disease and
diabetes, fat, saturated fat and cholesterol are crucial factors
in dietary guidelines. Recommended fat intake varies from country
to country. While Korea recommends fat consumption of 20 percent
of energy (calorie) intake, the Netherlands recommends a higher
level of 35 percent of energy. In countries that experience both
under- and over-nutrition, guidelines are worded to ensure an
adequate calorie intake for the entire population. In Vietnam, for
example, one of the guidelines is to "Consume a certain amount of
fat".
Achieving and maintaining a healthy body
weight
Many countries recognise the importance of a healthy body weight
in helping to prevent diet-related disease. This is usually worded
to reflect the balance of "energy in" (food intake) versus "energy
out" (physical activity). The United Kingdom, for example, focuses
on weight control - "Eat the right amount to be a healthy weight"
- while in Indonesia the guideline recommends "Consume foods to
provide
sufficient energy".
Moderate salt intake
Most guidelines advocate a moderate salt intake although
recommended levels are not generally quantified. In countries that
do give guidelines on the amount, the level varies from 5g/day in
Singapore to l0g/day in Japan.
Moderate alcohol consumption
Moderation of alcohol intake can be found in the dietary
guidelines in most countries. Messages range from "If you drink,
keep within sensible limits" in the United Kingdom to "Alcohol is
forbidden for children and pregnant women" in Hungary.
A world of difference
Some guidelines are unique to a particular country or region. For
example;
Eat clean and safe foods
This is a common guideline in many Asian countries where the
climate means that many foods can be more easily spoiled. Messages
range from "Consume food that is hygienically prepared" in
Malaysia, to "Eat clean and safe food - this will prevent
foodborne diseases in the family" in the Philippines.
Enjoyment of eating
Some guidelines recognise that eating is more than just
nourishment - it provides pleasure and has strong links to family,
traditions and culture.
The United Kingdom simply says, "Enjoy
your food". In Japan, dietary guidelines promote family values and
people are advised to "Make all activities pertaining to food
pleasurable ones. Enjoy cooking and use mealtimes as occasions for
family communication".
Vietnamese guidelines recommend "A
healthy family meal that is delicious, wholesome, clean and
economical served with affection".
Nutrient-specific recommendations
In countries where deficiencies of vitamins and minerals have been
identified as a public health issue, guidelines reflect this. In
Australia, women and girls are urged to "Eat more
calcium-containing foods" while Indonesians are advised to
"Consume iron-rich foods". The Philippines recommends to "Choose
foods fortified with nutrients".
Moderate sugar intake
In some countries, moderation in sugar intake is recommended. The
Vietnamese guideline is "Consume a small amount of sugar". In
other countries, including Canada, Korea, Japan, China and the
Philippines, sugars are not mentioned at all.
It's a small, small world
Dietary guidance throughout the world must take into account local
public health problems, cultural traditions, eating habits and the
available food supply. However, when it comes to lifestyle and
eating behaviours to maximise health, it is truly a small world
after all.
For more information on dietary
guidelines try reading, Shils ME, Olson JA, Shike M, eds. 1994,
Diet in the Health of Populations. Modern Nutrition in Health and
Disease, Philadelphia; Lea and Febiger.
Also, Food and Agriculture Organisation
and World Health Organisation (1996). Preparation and use of
food-based dietary guidelines. World Health Organisation, Geneva.
