2.5 Dietary Intake and Consumption Patterns of Adults and Adolescents

The dietary intake and consumption patterns of adults and adolescents are the subject of this chapter. As in many other parts of the world, the consumption of fruits and vegetables is insufficient in most countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region, while the intake of salt and sugar is too high. The region also has one of the highest intake levels of trans fatty acids that have detrimental effects on cardiovascular health and are possible risk factors for certain cancer types.