Food Consumption Among the Adult Men and Women of Bangladesh and Its Adherence to National Food‐Based Dietary Guidelines

The present study aimed to identify the food and nutrient intake among the adult population of Bangladesh and its adherence to Bangladesh's food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG). The consumption data of 1551 adult men, non-pregnant and non-lactating (NPNL), and pregnant and lactating women (PLW) were obtained from the Nutrition Survey of Bangladesh (NSB) 2017-18. The NSB survey collected the participants' individual-level intake using the food weighed record method. The usual intake of different food groups was compared with the FBDG of Bangladesh to assess adherence to the recommendation. Their dietary macronutrient intake was compared with the age- and sex-specific acceptable macronutrient distribution range. The probability of micronutrient adequacy was calculated considering the age-, sex-, and physiological state-specific Estimated Average Requirements. Kruskal-Wallis and chi-squared tests were used to compare differences among men, NPNL, and PLW in nutrient adequacy and adherence to FBDG. Adherence to dietary guidelines was low, especially for fruits (4.1%), milk (5%), and vegetables (6%-7%). Women (NPNL and PLW) had higher adherence to cereals, while men showed greater adherence to fruits, animal-source foods, and milk. Almost all the participants met the protein intake guideline. In contrast, most participants consumed fat below and carbohydrates above the recommended range, with similar adherence across men, NPNL, and PLW and no significant differences. Calcium, riboflavin, vitamin B12, and vitamin C adequacy were zero among the participants across all groups. Niacin was adequate (100%), while other micronutrients showed low adequacy. Men had higher iron and thiamin adequacy; women, especially PLW, had better magnesium, zinc, folate, and vitamin B6. MPA was highest in men (26.3%), followed by NPNL (22.2%) and PLW (21.7%), with significant sex differences. Thus, the intake of the above-mentioned food groups should be increased to meet their dietary recommendations and ensure the adequacy of different micronutrients.