Food and nutrient intake outside the home of 629 French people of fifteen years and over.

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to assess nutrient intake outside the home of 629 people representative of the French population.

SUBJECTS

The study population consisted of 629 people aged 15 years and over. They were recruited in a randomized way with two levels (town and household).

METHOD

Food intake outside the home was assessed by self-completed estimated record for 7 d. Individuals referred to photographs to estimate portions. Nutrient intake has been calculated for energy, protein, carbohydrate, fat and some minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron).

RESULTS

Lunches and dinners eaten out are on average too rich in protein (20% of the energy), too high in fat (40-43% of the energy) and do not contain enough carbohydrate. The percentage of energy from sugars varies between 11% for lunch and 30% for breakfast. Mean intake of nutrients by beverages drunk outside the home decrease with the age of consumers.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that foods and drinks consumed outside the home in France are on average too rich in fat and protein.