Seasonal variation in dietary intakes using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data

Kim Yangha, Yang Jieun, Kweon Sanghui, Oh Kyungwon
Division of Health and Nutrition Survey, Center for Disease Prevention, KCDC

Dietary intakes may vary according to seasons, because they are affected by food availability. The purpose of this study was to assess the variation in dietary intakes by season using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) data.
Using the sixth KNHANES (2013-2015) microdata, we estimated dietary intakes among Koreans. The seasons were divided by 4 groups with month of survey, of which the spring was defined 3 months from March to May with respective 3 months to another season.
While the intakes of vegetables, beverages, and milk were higher during summer than during other seasons, the intakes of fruits and potatoes were the highest during the fall. The differences in seasonal intakes of energy and nutrients was smaller among food groups, except for vitamin C. The intake of vitamin C was higher during the fall and winter than during spring and summer, which was affected by the intakes of fruits.
Because the dietary intakes are affected by seasonal variation, the continuous monitoring of dietary intakes considering periodic differences should be performed for the evaluation of nutritional status.

Keywords: Dietry intakes, Seasons, KNHANES, Food groups, Nutritional status