Changes in the consumption of fruit, vegetables, red meat, and sugar-sweetened beverages in Belgium

Abstract Background A healthy diet is essential for reducing the risk of lifestyle-related conditions. Health benefits can be drawn from adequate fruit and vegetable intake while limiting the consumption of processed red meat and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB). Studies are needed to evaluate how food intake changes over time and if the population is meeting dietary recommendations. This study aims to describe changes in the intake of fruit, vegetables, processed red meat, and SSB in Belgium between 2014 and 2022. Methods Data came from the 2014-2015 and 2022-2023 nationally representative Belgian Food Consumption Surveys. The mean habitual intake from the 24-hour food recall was estimated using the Statistical Program to Assess Dietary Exposure (SPADE) of individuals aged 3 to 64 years for fruit, vegetables, processed red meat, and SSB. Time trends in the intake of these food groups were examined in the overall population and across age-sex groups. Results There is no significant change in the mean fruit intake between 2014 (112 g/day) and 2022 (108 g/day). There is an increase in the mean vegetable intake from 140 g/day (95% CI: 136-146) in 2014 to 157 g/day (95% CI: 151-162) in 2022. The mean intake of processed red meat decreased from 33 g/day (95% CI: 31-35) to 27 g/day (95% CI: 25-29). Mean SSB intake dipped from 191 g/day (95% CI: 180-205) to 156 g/day (95% CI: 144-169). The decrease in SSB intake is observed in both men and women. In children, fruit (2014: 125 g/day, 2022: 137 g/day) and vegetable (2014: 89 g/day, 2022: 112 g/day) intake increased and SSB intake (2014: 202 g/day, 2022: 132 g/day) decreased between 2014 and 2022. Conclusions Our findings indicate an increase in vegetable and a decrease in SSB and processed red meat consumption in the population in Belgium. Despite this, majority of the population still does not meet the recommendations. Improvements in children's diet were observed, with increased fruit and vegetable intake and reduced SSB intake. Key messages • Children have more fruit and vegetable and less SSB intake over time. • Despite the improvements, the overall diet is still not great as most Belgians are far from meeting recommendations.