Norkost 4 is a nationally representative dietary survey among people aged 18-80. The report takes a closer look at some aspects of the diet among the participants in Norkost 4 between the ages of 70 and 80, as well as an additional sample of older people in the same age group. A total of 194 men and 181 women between the ages of 70 and 80 participated (39% participation).
The data collection took place between September 2022 and October 2023. The participants completed two 24-hour dietary recalls in which they were asked about their food and drink intake the previous day. They then answered a questionnaire about how often they ate different types of food. The survey was carried out by the Department of Nutrition at the University of Oslo in collaboration with the Norwegian Institute of Public Health and the Norwegian Directorate of Health.
The average intake of energy was 9.6 MJ/day for men and 7.6 MJ/day for women. On average, the participants got 17% of their energy from protein, 38% from fat and 39% from carbohydrate. Added sugar contributed 7% of the energy and free sugar 9% of the energy. Fiber contributed around 2% of the energy and alcohol 3%. Both saturated and monounsaturated fat contributed 14% of energy each, while 6% of energy came from polyunsaturated fat. Compared to the recommendations, the intake of saturated fat was too high and the intake of carbohydrate too low.
The average intake of vitamins and minerals was largely in line with the recommended intake when dietary supplements were included in the calculations. However, the intakes of folate and selenium were lower than the recommendation. Without the contribution from dietary supplements, the intakes of vitamin D, folate and selenium were below the recommended intake in both genders. In addition, women had a lower than recommended intake of calcium.
The average intake of fruit, berries and vegetables (including a maximum of 100 g of juice/smoothie) was around 300 g, corresponding to three portions, i.e. below the recommended five to eight portions. The intake of whole grains was also lower than recommended. The intake of fish in general was in line with the recommended intake, while the intake of oily fish was lower than recommended. The intakes of red and processed meat were higher than the recommended upper limits for intake. Less than one fourth of the participants had an intake of at least three portions of low fat dairy products per day.