Preventing undernutrition : a public health priority

The French Ministry of Health has published The National Nutrition Health Program (PNNS) for the 2011-2015 period, which completes by the previous PNNS published in 2006.

Note : the exponent numbers refer to articles or studies listed in "References"

The main objective of PNNS 2 was « to improve the health of the whole population by acting on one of the most important factors: nutrition ». PNNS 2 stated 9 prioritised objectives and 10 specific objectives. 2 of the specific objectives focused on undernutrition amongst elderly or underpriviledged sections of the population (n° 6 and 8).

9 prioritised objectives :

1. To increase the fruit and vegetable intake.
2. To increase calcium intake.
3. To reduce the average contribution of total fat intake.
4. To increase the carbohydrate intake.
5. To reduce the annual alcohol intake per inhabitant.
6. To reduce cholesterolaemia by 5%.
7. To reduce the average systolic AP amongst adults by 2-3mm of mercury.
8. To reduce the prevalence of obesity and overweight by 20%.
9. To increase daily physical exercise.

10 specific objectives

1. To reduce the average sodium intake.
2. To reduce the prevalence of iron-deficiency anaemia amongst women of childbearing age.
3. To improve the folate status amonst women of childbearing age.
4. To promote breastfeeding.
5. To improve the Calcium and vitamine D status amongst kids and teenagers.
6. To prevent, detect, and limit undernutrition amongst the elderly.
7. To reduce frequency of iodine deficiency.
8. To improve the diet of underpriviledged populations.
9. To protect people who are on restricted diets against vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
10. To take into account food allergies.