Aim: To analyse the diet and the dietary food habits in a sample of 1,218 Spanish women, aged 40 to 77 years, in the menopausal or perimenopausal condition. Women were recruited nationwide and the diet was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire.
Results: Diet in our population group was close to the representative dietary habits of the Spanish population, except for dairy products. These were highly consumed (approximately 4 servings/day) by menopausal women. Energy, protein and cholesterol intakes, as well as most vitamins and mineral intakes, were very high, as compared to recommended dietary allowances. We only found marginal deficient intakes for folate and vitamin D. Women over 60 years consume less eggs, sweats, sugar and miscellany, and therefore less lipids and cholesterol, as well as vitamin D, than younger women. A high rate (61%) of overweight and obesity (BMI > 25) was present in our population group and was associated with a higher intake of meat, fish and eggs, as well as energy. A healthier diet (high intake of dairy products, fresh vegetables, fruits, legumes, cereals and fish) was associated with a healthier lifestyle (no smoking, physical exercise) and the use of fortified foods and vitamin/mineral supplements. A high percentage of women regularly consumed fortified food (52,7%) and micronutrient supplements (22,8%) although diets provided enough vitamins and minerals.
Conclusion: Diet in our study group is in accordance to healthy dietary habits and physical activity recommendations. This is probably due to a greater concern for health in women close to the menopause condition.