Usual Nutrient Intake Distribution and Prevalence of Nutrient Intake Inadequacy among Japanese Children and Adults: A Nationwide Study Based on 8-Day Dietary Records

Abstract

In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated nutrient intake adequacy in 4450 Japanese people aged 1–79 years. Dietary data was collected through non-consecutive 8-day weighed dietary records. Usual nutrient intakes from foods and beverages were estimated using the Multiple Source Method. Participant proportions with intakes below and above the Japanese Dietary Reference Intakes (2020) were calculated. Usual intakes of most nutrients were below the Estimated Average Requirement; calcium showed a high percentage of inadequacy across all sex and age groups (29–88%), and iron showed a high inadequacy among females aged 12–64 years (79–95%). The percentages of energy from protein and carbohydrates, dietary fibre, and potassium were typically below the lower limit of the Tentative Dietary Goal for Preventing Lifestyle-related Diseases (DG). Furthermore, over 20% of the participants exceeded the upper limit of the DG for the percentages of energy from total and saturated fats, and over 88% exceeded the upper limit of the DG for sodium. Japanese children and adults could improve their nutrient intake by increasing calcium, iron, dietary fibre, and potassium and reducing total and saturated fats and sodium. These findings can inform policies and interventions to improve nutrient intake in Japan.