Indicators of a healthy dietary pattern among adolescents -A cross-sectional study from 2009 until 2015

Abstract BackgroundDietary pattern early in life is to some degree preserved into adulthood and may have implications for future health. There is scarce knowledge on associations between choices of certain foods among adolescents. The aim of this study was to explore how intakes of different food groups, correspond to each other from a health perspective among adolescents. MethodsThis cross-sectional study used data from 16-year-olds (n=13 451), who completed a health questionnaire within School Health Services from 2009 until 2015, in a county from Southern Sweden. Dietary pattern based on the response-alternatives from the ten items regarding intake of food and food frequency intake were grouped as healthy, moderately healthy, and unhealthy intakes, based on Nordic Nutrition Recommendations. ResultsIn the student cohort healthy reported intakes of different healthy food groups were closely connected to each other. Association between intakes of certain food groups were seen. High intake of fish, vegetables and fruit were associated to each other, as well as low intake of sweet drinks, sweets and snacks. The highest association was seen between high intake of fruit and high intake of vegetables, with OR=23 (95% CI 12 to 44).ConclusionHealthy food intakes were associated with each other among 16-year-old adolescents; High intake of fruit and vegetables could serve as a key indicator for a healthy dietary pattern in this age group. This knowledge increases the understanding of food patterns among adolescents and can be used for designing interventions. It also raises a hypothesis that focusing on offering healthy foods, more than restricting unhealthy foods could have a positive impact on the dietary pattern.