Women's diet quality in the UK

Women's diets are of interest as they not only impact on wellbeing and risk of chronic disease in women themselves, but also influence pregnancy outcomes and infant health. UK dietary surveys show that, while some improvements have occurred, intakes of key micronutrients, particularly iron, vitamin D, calcium and folate remain below recommended levels. Women's diets are also too high in saturated fat and salt, and low in fibre, oily fish and fruits and vegetables. Evidence suggests that certain chronic conditions are influenced by dietary components, e.g. inadequate calcium and vitamin D intakes reduce bone density, salt and saturated fat increase cardiovascular disease risk, excessive alcohol intakes increase cancer risk, low intakes of long chain n-3 fatty acids may adversely affect fetal development and mental health, while adequate folic acid reduces the risk of birth defects. Focused health initiatives are needed to improve diet quality in women, particularly school-aged girls, women planning a pregnancy, those living in areas of deprivation and elderly women. Vitamin and mineral supplements, and fortified foods may have a role to play alongside dietary improvements in helping women to achieve optimal diet quality.