Temporal meal patterns in the Swedish population and associations with socio-demographic variables and nutrient intakes: a cross-sectional study

Timing of food intake seems to impact metabolism and circadian rhythms, and eating in synchronisation with the rhythms has been suggested to be favourable for health. This study aims to evaluate temporal meal patterns in the Swedish population and explore differences between population groups. Further, to investigate whether temporal meal patterns are associated with energy and nutrient intake, data were sourced from two national dietary surveys Riksmaten Adolescents 2016-2017 and Riksmaten Adults 2010-2011, with a total of 4763 participants. Food intake and temporal meal patterns were measured with 3- to 4-day food diaries and/or 24-hour recalls. The average meal frequency was 4·2 eating occasions (sd 0·9) per day for adolescents with an eating window of 11·9 h (sd 1·7). For adults, it was 4·6 (sd 1·1) eating occasions and an eating window of 12·0 h (sd 1·9) Meal frequency was positively associated with energy intake in both adolescents (<i>r</i> = 0·47) and adults (<i>r</i> = 0·51). Meal frequency was higher with age, and adolescents skipped breakfast more often, and had a later energy distribution than adults. A higher eating frequency and eating breakfast are associated with a higher absolute intake of whole grains, as well as Vitamin D and folate. A higher eating frequency makes it more likely to reach nutrient requirements. However, a higher eating frequency was also associated with a higher intake of free sugars. The findings can serve as reference data for temporal meal patterns in the Swedish context and also show differences within a population, which can be valuable insights for public health nutrition.