The foods and beverages we consume have a significant impact on our health. Scientific evidence has guided the generation of our dietary guidelines with the objective to promote health and prevent disease. Despite the development of the dietary guidelines, a significant proportion of our population do not meet these guidelines. Furthermore, requirements for men and women differ at different life stages. With this in mind, the present article focuses on key nutrients and foods important for men’s health highlighting those that are not consumed at the level of current recommendations.
Dietary fibre is a major concern in the Irish diet with a reported mean daily intake for males aged 18-64 years of 21.1g/day compared to the recommended intake of
25g/day. A similar inadequate intake was observed in the older male cohort of 65 years and older.1 As reported in National Adult Nutrition Survey (NANS) 2011, the main contributors to daily dietary fibre intake included breads, potatoes, and vegetables – which was similar across both male age groups. Inadequate intake of fibre is associated with a variety of health implications including gastrointestinal diseases such as bowel cancer. Bowel cancer is a prevalent cancer in Ireland, accounting for 11% of cancer related deaths in Ireland. Research has demonstrated the protective effect dietary fibre intake of colorectal cancer. Increasing the consumption of various pulses such as beans, peas, oats, or lentils as well as fruit and vegetables is beneficial in increasing the intake of dietary fibre.
