The nutritional situation of adults from low-income households at risk of poverty

Peer-reviewed | Manuscript received: October 16, 2014 | Revision accepted: January 6, 2015

An analysis of data from the National Nutrition Survey II with particular emphasis on nutritional education

Introduction

Despite being one of the wealthiest European nations, the German Federal Government’s 4^th Report on Poverty and Wealth shows an estimated 14 to 16 % of the German population to be at risk of poverty or classified as being poor (at-risk-of-poverty rate) [1].

In Germany, as in other countries, poverty is associated with an increased prevalence of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, malignant neoplasms, mental disorders, psychosomatic disorders and other health problems. These health inequalities are reflected in a higher risk of mortality and lower life expectancy [2, 3]. Thus, women and men at risk of poverty had a decreased life expectancy of 8.4 and 10.8 years, respectively compared to those of the highest income group [4]. The reasons are likely to be greater psychosocial burdens such as worries about the future, experience of exclusion as well as differences in health behaviour [3]. Adults at risk of poverty smoke more often, have lower levels of physical activity and are more often affected by obesity than individuals of higher income groups [2].

Summary

Analyses of data from the Scientific Use File of the National Nutrition Survey II (NVS II) showed that groups at risk of poverty did not reach the dietary recommendations of the German Nutrition Society (DGE) to the same extent as those not at risk of poverty: they consumed less fruits, fish and water, and notably more soft drinks.

Women at risk of poverty also ate fewer vegetables whereas men at risk of poverty consumed more milk and dairy products as well as more meat. The food consumption of women at risk of poverty resulted in a lower intake of dietary fiber, vitamin C, magnesium, calcium, iron and alcohol; men at risk of poverty had a higher intake of energy, fat (% of energy intake), cholesterol, vitamin A, B₁, B₂, B₁₂ and zinc, as well as a lower intake of fiber. However, when considering education, nutritional knowledge, age, and sex the risk of poverty was of no or only minor importance for food consumption (except water and soft drink consumption). Thus, education, especially nutritional education makes a significant contribution to nutritional health promotion.

Keywords: risk of poverty, National Nutrition Survey II, food consumption and nutrient intake, education, nutritional knowledge

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