Plant sterol intake and education level in the Spanish EPIC cohort

ObjectiveA cross-sectional study was conducted in the Spanish European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort to investigate the association among education level, as a measurement of socioeconomic position, gender, and dietary nutrient intake, focusing on plant sterols, in a Mediterranean population.MethodsA sample of 25 615 women and 15 552 men (29–69 y old) from the Spanish EPIC cohort was recruited in 1992–1996. Nutrient and plant sterol intakes were estimated using a validated dietary history questionnaire and Spanish food composition tables.Results and conclusionFew differences in nutrient or plant sterol consumption existed between men and women with different education levels. Age and energy-adjusted linear regression models of plant sterol intake showed a small increase in subjects with lower education and higher consumption in men than in women. Homogeneity of healthy dietary habits across different socioeconomic groups in this population reflects a wide availability of characteristic Mediterranean foods at the time of recruitment. However, current changes in food supply and the increasing cost of healthy foods may lead to socioeconomic inequalities in Spain parallel to those taking place in other European populations.