Nordic Nutrition Recommendations2004 - integrating nutrition and physical activity

Abstract

The 4th edition of the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations, NNR 2004, gives the proportions between energy yielding nutrients, recommended daily intakes (RI) of certain vitamins and minerals, and reference values for energy intakes in different age and sex groups. Recommendations are also given for dietary fibre, salt and alcohol. Recommendations on daily physical activity are now included and interaction with physical activity has been taken into account for the individual nutrient recommendations wherever appropriate. For adults 30minutes of daily physical activity of at least moderate intensity is recommended. More physical activity (about60 minutes daily) with a moderate and/or vigorous intensity may be needed for prevention of weight gain. For children a minimum of 60 minutes of physical activity every day is recommended. As in the 3rd edition, the recommendation is to limit of the intake of saturated plus trans fatty acids to about 10% of the total energy intake (E%) and of the total fat intake to 30 E%. The intake of carbohydrate and dietary fibres should increase, while the intake of refined sugars should not exceed 10 E%. The RI for vitamin A (women) has been lowered, while it has been increased for vitamin D (children and adults up to 60 y), vitamin C (adults) and folate (women of reproductive age; pregnant and lactating women).NNR is to be used for planning and evaluation of diets, and as a basis for food and nutrition policy, teaching and dietary information. Keywords: nutrition recommendations; physical activity; vitamins; minerals; Nordic countries