A dietary survey of the Chinese population in urban and rural areas of Tianjin.

Objectives: A survey was carried out to assess the food pattern and of nutrient intakes of 15-64 year old Chinese in Tianjin.

Design: The survey was randomised and the diet assessed by weighing household food items and by individual food records over 3 consecutive days.

Setting: The survey was carried out in Tianjin; the third largest city in China (population about 8 million).

Subjects: A random stratified multi-level cluster sampling technique was used. Of the 5233 eligible subjects, 207 dropped out, and the response rate was 96%.

Results: Distinct differences in dietary patterns and nutrient intakes were found between subjects living in urban and rural areas. The diet of urban people was richer in fat and high quality protein compared with that of rural people. Energy intake from fat was about 31% in the urban diet and about 21% in the rural diet. Low intakes of vitamin A, riboflavin, calcium and zinc were found in both areas, with the situation being worse in the rural areas. Sodium intake was found to be high in both areas. Cholesterol intake was much higher among urban people.

Conclusion: The present survey revealed that the intake of some nutrients was lower than recommended and that total sodium intake was very high in Tianjin. An integrated nutrition intervention program would appear necessary for such a population.