Dietary Problems among Middle-Aged Japanese Men

Balanced intake of appropriate nutrients is the key to sustaining and promoting health as well as preventing and treating diseases. It is not always easy, however, to take balanced nutrition and various related factors must be taken into consideration. This report provides a summary of studies that have examined the nutrient intakes of Japanese middle-aged men and the relationship of this intake to drinking, job-related separation from families, and health practices. The alcohol consumption of Japanese middle-aged men has more than tripled in the last forty years. When nutrient intake was examined in relation to alcohol consumption, it was discovered that the maximum acceptable alcohol consumption was approximately 23 grams (about two drinks) of pure alcohol, provided the level of nutrient intake for drinkers was equal to that of non-drinkers. The alcohol energy ratio was approximately 5％. It was also discovered that middle-aged men's eating habits deteriorate when they relocate to new posts without their families and live by themselves. Compared to those living with their families, a higher proportion of those living alone have unfavorable eating habits including skipping breakfast or lunch, having a late lunch, and eating and drinking after dinner until bedtime. When Breslow's seven health practices, nutrient intake, and consumption weight by food group were examined, it was discovered that the group that had many beneficial eating and living habits consumed plenty of legume, pulses, fruit, green yellow vegetables and milk products. Their intake of vitamins and minerals was high and the results of a physical examination proved to be excellent. According to nutrition surveys conducted in Japan, China, the United Kingdom and the United States using a 24-hour recall method with common protocols and strict controls to ensure high levels of accuracy and cross-study validity, the Japanese had the highest cholesterol intake and the lowest dietary fiber intake among the four countries. Also, the alcohol energy ratio of the Japanese exceeded 8％, the highest among the four countries, while their intake of magnesium and iron was the lowest These results indicate that it is necessary to enhance nutritional education for middle-aged men and to reinforce the social environments in which they live and work in order to promote proper diet and nutrition in Japan. (J Community Nutrition 5(2) : 105-111, 2003)