What is the cost of a healthy diet in terms of achieving RDAs?

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveAssessing how the Italian average food pattern would be affected in terms of consumption structure and expenditure by the adoption of nutritional prescriptions.DesignA linear programming model with nutritional and food habits constraints was employed to generate a pattern following recommended daily allowances (RDAs) and nutritional guidelines provided for the Italian population.SettingFood consumption data from ISTAT Household Budget Survey of Italian population.SubjectsItalian families investigated by the Family Budget Survey of the National Institute of Statistics.ResultsCompared to actual behaviour, the pattern generated by the model implies an increased consumption of vegetables, pasta, rice and fresh fish, and a decreased consumption of meats, bread, sugars and cakes, and especially fats and oils. At given prices, total expenditure is lower than actual expenditure.ConclusionsDifferences between actual behaviour and the generated pattern are consistent with long-term trends in food consumption. The adoption of RDAs is unlikely to result in an increased food expenditure.