Fat intake - some data

Recognition that the type of fat in the diet (dietary fat quality) is more important than the amount of fat (fat quantity), has encouraged health authorities around the world to assess the amount and types of fat consumed in their respective countries.

Total fats

Big differences have been observed in total fat intake across the globe. In some countries, total fat intake is in line with current dietary recommendations (20-35% energy), while in other countries the consumption levels are much higher, and a few countries show consumption levels that are too low.

Saturated fatty acids (SFA)

Globally the mean consumption of SFA is below 10% of energy intake (En%) and therefore in line with dietary recommendations, however there is a wide range of intake levels across the globe with high intakes of saturated fat found in Oceania, South East Asia, Central Europe, and Eastern Europe. Notable regions with low intakes include South Asia and East Asia, and Central Latin America.

Polyunsaturated fats (PUFA)

Globally the average intake of PUFA is far below recommended levels, with mean consumption of omega 6 below the recommended range of 6-11% daily energy intake. Also, EPA and DHA consumption is lower than the recommended intake of 250 mg EPA + DHA per day. Globally, the average consumption of plant omega 3 (Alpha Linolenic Acid) does meet the World Health Organization guidelines of ≥0.5 En%, or ≥1100 mg for a 2000 kcal/day diet. However, in Southeast Asia, East Sub-Saharan Africa, Oceania, South Asia and Central Latin America consumption levels are too low.

Trans fatty acids (TFA)

In the majority of countries for which data are available, average trans fat intake is lower than 1 En% and therefore in line with the recommended maximum intake. Intake of trans fat from animal sources have been shown to be higher than intakes from industrial TFA sources.

Fatty acid intake in children and adolescents

Patterns of fatty acid intake in children and adolescents have been shown to be similar to those for adults, with mean saturated fat intakes higher than the recommended maximum of 10 En%, and mean PUFA intakes below recommended levels.

References