Fjölrit RALA - 22.03.1979, Page 106

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The Statistical Bureau 's Survey
The survey carried out by the Statistical Bureau of Iceland
extended to childless households and families with all children
under the age of 16. In addition, the father had to be from 25
to 66 years of age. If relatives or tenants shared meals or the
husband or wife had an independent source of income, the family
was excluded from the survey.
Each family kept records for 4 weeks during the period
March-December 1965. Of the 100 families, 26 were headed by
laborers, 3 by seamen, 23 by craftsmen, 30 by government em-
ployees and 18 by business and office workers.
The average consumption among men in Reykjavík proved to
be approximately 2700 calories. Thereof, 21% were from grain
products, 26% dairy products, 13% meat, fish and eggs, 8% fruits
and vegetables (60% potatoes) and 10% margarine. The sugar con-
sumption was underestimated in the survey, but it is believed to
have been about 20% of the energy.
If this survey is compared to the study carried out by the
Nutrition Council, it may be-seen that the consumption of fruits
and vegetables increased considerably after 1940 because of in-
creasing importation of fruits. The consumption of sugar and
margarine also increased, while the consumption of fish decreased
by at leasta half. In other aspects, the consumption seems to be
similar.
It is difficult to compare these surveys in detail because
the original records were made in different ways. In addition,
the survey done by the Statistical Bureau did not include the
rural communities and it is therefore impossible to get a pic-
ture of the dietary habits in the rural country during this
period.
The dietary survey of the Statistical Bureau of Iceland was
recalculated at the Institute. Table 14.3 shows the average con-
sumption of individual nutrients in the different food groups for
an adult male. It must be pointed out that butter is grouped with
dairy products and not fats.
Where do the nutrients come from ?
In table 14.3 the foods are divided into two groups. Included
in the plant products group are grain products, fruits and vege-