Consumption of young child formulae in the Netherlands.

PURPOSE: Adequate micronutrient intakes are essential for young children. Special young child formulae (YCF) intended for children from 1 year old are available in the Dutch market. Since YCF are enriched with many micronutrients, it has the potential to have a beneficial effect on young children, or might pose a risk on excessive micronutrient intakes. The current study investigated the characteristics of YCF users, and the effect of YCF use on micronutrient intakes. METHODS: Data from the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey (2012-2016; n = 440 children aged 1-2 year old) and the Dutch Food Composition Database (NEVO version 2016) were used to assess micronutrient intakes. Habitual intakes of users and non-users of YCF were calculated using Statistical Program to Assess Dietary Exposure (SPADE) and compared. RESULTS: In the Netherlands, YCF was consumed by 21% of the 1-2-year-olds. YCF contributed mostly to total vitamin D intake (76%) and between 0 and 50% for other micronutrients. Higher vitamin A, B1, C, D, E, total folate, iron and zinc intakes were observed among users, and higher potassium and phosphorus intakes were found among non-users. Risk of inadequate intake was low among both users and non-users for most nutrients, and the only elevated risk of excessive intake found was for zinc among YCF users. CONCLUSION: YCF increased micronutrient intake, however, for most of the micronutrients there is already a low risk of inadequate intake. YCF increased the risk of excessive zinc intake. It is important that the addition of micronutrients to YCF is regulated, to prevent excessive intake.

Contribution of voluntary fortified foods to micronutrient intake in The Netherlands.

PURPOSE: In the Netherlands, voluntary fortification of foods with micronutrients is allowed under strict regulations. This study investigates the impact of voluntary food fortification practices in the Netherlands on the frequency and type of fortified food consumption and on the micronutrient intakes of the Dutch population. METHODS: Data of the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey (2012-2016; N = 4314; 1-79 year) and the Dutch Food Composition Database (NEVO version 2016) was used. To determine if voluntary fortified foods could be classified as healthy foods, criteria of the Dutch Wheel of Five were used. Habitual intakes of users and non-users of voluntary food fortification were calculated using Statistical Program to Assess Dietary Exposure (SPADE) and compared. RESULTS: Within the Dutch population, 75% could be classified as user of voluntary fortified foods. Consumed voluntary fortified foods were mostly within food groups 'Fats and Oils', 'Non-alcoholic Beverages' and 'Dairy products and Substitutes' and fell mostly outside the Wheel of Five. Voluntary foods contributed between 9 and 78% to total micronutrient intake of users. Users had up to 64% higher habitual micronutrient intakes, compared to non-users. These higher intakes resulted into lower risks on inadequate intakes, and did not contribute to increased risks of excessive intakes. CONCLUSION: Although voluntary fortified foods increased micronutrient intakes, most of these foods cannot be classified as healthy foods. Future studies should study the association between higher micronutrient intakes and (potential) excessive intakes of e.g. saturated fat and sugar to better understand the role of voluntary fortified foods in a healthy food pattern.

Contribution of fortified margarines and other plant-based fats to micronutrient intake in the Netherlands.

PURPOSE: In the Netherlands, margarines and other plant-based fats (fortified fats) are encouraged to be fortified with vitamin A and D, by a covenant between the Ministry of Health and food manufacturers. Frequently, these types of fats are also voluntarily fortified with other micronutrients. The current study investigated the contribution of both encouraged as well as voluntary fortification of fortified fats on the micronutrient intakes in the Netherlands. METHODS: Data of the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey (2012-2016; N = 4, 314; 1-79 year.) and the Dutch Food Composition Database (NEVO version 2016) were used to estimate micronutrient intakes. Statistical Program to Assess Dietary Exposure (SPADE) was used to calculate habitual intakes and compared to dietary reference values, separate for users and non-users of fortified fats. RESULTS: Of the Dutch population, 84% could be considered as user of fortified fats. Users consumed mostly 1 fortified fat a day, and these fats contributed especially to the total micronutrient intake of the encouraged fortified micronutrients (vitamins D and A; 44% and 29%, respectively). The voluntary fortification also contributed to total micronutrient intakes: between 7 and 32%. Vitamin D and A intakes were up to almost double among users compared to non-users. Intakes were higher among users for almost all micronutrients voluntarily added to fats. Higher habitual intakes resulted into higher risks of excessive vitamin A-intakes among boys and adult women users. CONCLUSION: Consumption of fortified fats in the Netherlands resulted into higher vitamin A and D-intakes among users, compared to non-users of these products.