Summary
Passarelli et al. (2022) present a harmonised methodological framework for estimating and comparing nutrient intake distributions across 31 geographically diverse countries by integrating dietary survey data with standardised food composition and nutrient requirement databases. The work quantifies the prevalence and distribution of nutrient inadequacy across population subgroups and establishes that the shape of intake distributions—particularly their variability and skewness—significantly influences adequacy estimates. This comparative international analysis provides both methodological guidance and a publicly available dataset (nutriR package) to support evidence-based nutrition policy development.
Regional applicability
This global comparative framework includes data from diverse regions and provides a methodological template applicable to United Kingdom nutrition surveillance and policy. The UK data and context may already be represented within the 31-country dataset or can be integrated using the harmonised approach, making the findings directly relevant to UK nutrient intake assessment and identification of at-risk subgroups.
Key measures
Usual intake distributions (mean, variability, skewness) for 53 nutrients; prevalence of inadequate intakes by nutrient, sex, and age group; geographic and demographic variation in nutrient adequacy
Outcomes reported
The study modelled usual intake distributions for 32 micronutrients and 21 macronutrients across 31 countries, disaggregated by sex and age groups, and estimated nutrient intake inadequacy using harmonised nutrient requirements. The research demonstrated that nutrient intake distribution shapes vary substantially by nutrient and population subgroup and strongly influence estimates of inadequate intakes.
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