Comparison of trends in dietary pattern in Iran, Middle Eastern and North African countries from 1961 to 2005

Nutrition transition is a global change in quality and quantity of dietary pattern and is the most important underlying cause of chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the trend of dietary pattern in Iran, Middle East and North African countries and comparing them using the nutritional data of Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations (FAO) between 1961 and 2005. Information relating to food availability in the studied countries was obtained by using food balance sheets of FAOSTAT. Per capita food consumption for each food group in each category was obtained by dividing the available per capita energy to total population. Regional differences and trends change were evaluated using SPSS software. During the 45 years of assessment, availability of energy and all food items (except for alcohol in Iran and North Africa and solid fat in Middle East) has increased significantly. In this periods in Iran, available energy from fruits, meat and oil has increased significantly, while energy from dairy and discretionary calorie has decreased (p<0.05). In the Middle East region, grain and fruits contribution to energy intake has decreased and contribution of oil and meat to total diet has increased (p<0.05). In North African countries, contribution of grain group to energy intake has decreased and contribution of meat, vegetables, milk and oils has increased significantly (p<0.05). ‍ Iranian dietary habits has had some positive changes through increase in fruit intake and decrease in free sugar consumption; however, high energy intake and decreased in dairy consumption can predispose Iranians to increased risk of chronic diseases. High energy, free sugar, meat and dairy consumption in Middle East and North Africa show the shift in dietary pattern toward an unhealthy western diet. However, future investigations are suggested.