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Describing a new food group classification system for UK biobank: analysis of food groups and sources of macro- and micronutrients in 208,200 participants.

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Authors

Perez-Cornago, Aurora 
Gao, Min 
Young, Heather 
Pollard, Zoe 

Abstract

PURPOSE: The UK Biobank study collected detailed dietary data using a web-based self-administered 24 h assessment tool, the Oxford WebQ. We aimed to describe a comprehensive food grouping system for this questionnaire and to report dietary intakes and key sources of selected nutrients by sex and education. METHODS: Participants with at least one valid 24-h questionnaire were included (n = 208,200). Dietary data were grouped based on the presence of nutrients as well as culinary use, processing, and plant/animal origin. For each food group, we calculated the contribution to energy intake, key macronutrients, and micronutrients. We also identified the top contributors to energy intake, free sugars and saturated fat by sex and education. RESULTS: From the 93 food groups, the top five contributors to energy intake (in descending order) were: desserts/cakes/pastries; white bread; white pasta/rice; bananas/other fruit; semi-skimmed milk. Wine, beer, and fruit juices were the top beverage contributors to overall energy intake. Biscuits, and desserts/cakes/pastries were the highest contributors to free sugars, total fat, and saturated fat intakes, but also contributed to the calcium and iron intakes. Top contributors to energy, saturated fat, and free sugars were broadly similar by sex and education category, with small differences in average nutrient intakes across the population. CONCLUSION: This new food classification system will support the growing interest in the associations between food groups and health outcomes and the development of food-based dietary guidelines. Food group variables will be available to all users of the UK Biobank WebQ questionnaire.

Description

Keywords

Dietary intake, Food groups, Macronutrients, Micronutrients, Biological Specimen Banks, Diet, Dietary Fats, Energy Intake, Humans, Micronutrients, United Kingdom

Journal Title

Eur J Nutr

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

1436-6207
1436-6215

Volume Title

60

Publisher

Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Sponsorship
Medical Research Council (MR/N003284/1)
Medical Research Council (G1000143)
Medical Research Council (G0401527)
Medical Research Council (G0401527/1)