Dietary Habits and Cardiovascular Risk in the Spanish Population: The DRECE Study (II) Micronutrient Intake

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the dietary micronutrient intake in the adult Spanish population participating in the DRECE study. Methods: The cross-sectional study was performed in two stages in 1991 and 1996 in 43 primary care clinics. One thousand two hundred people ‘with cardiovascular risk’ and 600 ‘without risk’ answered a food frequency questionnaire. Results: Significant increases in vitamin C, retinol, lycopenes, β-cryptoxanthin and vitamin E intakes were found. Vitamin A, α-carotenoid and lutein intakes decreased. Vitamin B₁₂, B₆ and folic acid intakes increased in people with cardiovascular risk, whereas only the last two increased in the control group. Nearly 100% of the people consumed the recommended dietary allowances for vitamins B₁₂ and B₆ and >70% for folic acid. Calcium, iron, and zinc intake increased in both groups, but magnesium and selenium intake increased only in people at risk. Vitamin A, B₁ and zinc intakes have decreased, and >50% of the people do not consume the recommended dietary allowance. Conclusion: Antioxidant vitamins and vitamin B₁₂, B₆ and folic acid intakes seem to be adequate in the adult Spanish population, no significant differences appear regarding their cardiovascular risk status. Vitamin A, B₁ and zinc intakes are not appropriate.