Australian Health Survey: Nutrition - State and Territory results

This publication summarises eating habits of Australians for each State and Territory. It presents results from a 24 hour dietary recall of foods and beverages from the 2011-12 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (NNPAS). It contains general information on dietary behaviours, and consumption of selected foods and nutrients.

• In Australia, during 2011-12, people aged two years and over consumed an estimated 3.1 kilograms of foods and beverages (including water) per day, made up of a wide variety of foods. People from Victoria and Tasmania consumed the least (3kg) while those from the Northern Territory consumed the most (3.7kg).
   

Nationally, 6% of people aged two years and over met the recommended usual daily intake of vegetables and 52% of people met the recommended usual daily intake of fruit.¹

• The proportion of people from each State and Territory who met the recommended usual daily intake of vegetables ranged between 9% in Tasmania and 5% in Queensland, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
• Those most likely to meet the recommendations for fruit were from the ACT and New South Wales (NSW) (54%) and least likely were from Tasmania (48%).
   

The following are selected food groups showing the State or Territory with the highest and lowest proportion of people consuming:

• Australians obtained over a third (35%) of their total energy from 'discretionary foods'.
• Canberrans obtained the least energy from 'discretionary foods' at one-third (33%) while Northern Territorians and Tasmanians obtained the most at 38%.
• Northern Territorian adults derived a higher proportion of their daily discretionary energy from alcoholic beverages when compared to all Australian adults (9% compared with 6%).
• Northern Territorians had the highest proportion of people who consumed 'soft drink' (33%) however they also had the lowest proportion of people of all the States and Territories who consumed 'confectionary' (20%), 'snack foods'(13%) and 'savoury biscuits' (12%).
• Tasmanians had the highest proportion of people consuming 'confectionary' (37%).
• People from NSW were most likely to report consuming 'snack foods' (16%).
• Victorians were most likely to report consuming 'savoury biscuits' (19%).
• Canberrans had the lowest proportion of people who reported drinking 'soft drink' (23%).
   

For more information see Table 5.1 for each State and Territory.

• Men in all States and Territories had a similar average energy intake to the Australian average (9,954 kilojoules).
• Women in all States and Territories had a similar average energy intake to the Australian average at 7,420 kilojoules, with the exception of women in Tasmania who consumed more (7769kJ).
• The total energy intake is likely to be an under-estimate due to under-reporting.
• Similar in all States and Territories, carbohydrates contributed the largest proportion of total energy for Australians, supplying 45% on average with the balance of energy coming from fat (31%), protein (18%) and dietary fibre (2%). Alcohol also provided 4% of energy intake for adults in Australia. Each State and Territory was within the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges (with the exception of SA and WA for carbohydrates) and within the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommended alcohol intake.
   

For more information see Table 1.1 and Table 2.1 for each State and Territory.

• In 2011-12, 17% of Australians aged two years or over reported avoiding a food due to allergy or intolerance.
• Around 7% of Australians avoided particular foods for cultural, religious or ethical reasons.
• Canberrans had the highest proportion of people avoiding a food due to allergy or intolerance (21%).
• Queensland had the lowest proportion avoiding particular foods for cultural, religious or ethical reasons (4%).
   

For more information see Table 6.1 for each State and Territory.

Nationally, 4.0% of people lived in a household that, in the previous 12 months, had run out of food and could not afford to buy more, and 1.5% of all Australians were in a household where someone went without food when they couldn't afford to buy any more. Rates were similar for all States and Territories. For more information see Table 7.1 for each State and Territory.

See Further information for definitions and more detailed explanations relating to this analysis.

How much food was consumed in NSW?

• In New South Wales (NSW), during 2011-12, people aged two years and over consumed an estimated 3.1 kilograms of foods and beverages (including water) per day, made up from a wide variety of foods.
   

• The average energy intake for people aged 19 years and over from NSW was similar to the national average for both males (9,982kJ compared with 9,954kJ) and females (7,475kJ compared with 7,420kJ). Total energy intake is likely to be an under-estimate due to under-reporting.
• Carbohydrates contributed the largest proportion of total energy for people in NSW (similar to all Australians), supplying 45% on average with the balance of energy coming from fat (31%), protein (18%) and dietary fibre (2%). Alcohol also provided 4% of energy intake for adults in NSW. These are within the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges and within the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommended alcohol intake.
   

For more information see Table 1.1 and Table 2.1.

• In 2011-12, 17% of people from NSW aged two years or over reported avoiding particular foods due to allergy or intolerance.
• Around 9% of people in NSW avoided particular foods for cultural, religious or ethical reasons.
   

See NSW Table 6.1 for more information.

Around 3.3% of people were living in a household in NSW that, in the previous 12 months, had run out of food and had not been able to afford to buy more and 1.1% went without food when they couldn’t afford to buy any more. See NSW Table 7.1 for more information.

See Further information for definitions and more detailed explanations relating to this analysis.

How much food was consumed in Victoria?

• In Victoria during 2011-12, people aged two years and over consumed an estimated 3 kilograms of foods and beverages (including water) per day, made up of a wide variety of foods.
   

• The average energy intake for people aged 19 years and over from Victoria was similar to the national average for both males (10,070kJ compared with 9,954kJ) and females (7,334kJ compared with 7,420kJ). Total energy intake is likely to be an under-estimate due to under-reporting.
• Carbohydrates contributed the largest proportion of total energy for Victorians (similar to all Australians), supplying 46% on average with the balance of energy coming from fat (31%), protein (18%) and dietary fibre (2%). Alcohol also provided 4% of energy intake for adults in Victoria. These are within the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges and within the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommended alcohol intake.
   

For more information see Victoria Table 1.1 and Victoria Table 2.1.

• In 2011-12, 17% of Victorians aged two years or over reported avoiding particular foods due to allergy or intolerance.
• In Victoria 8.5% of people avoided particular foods for cultural, religious or ethical reasons.
   

See Victoria Table 6.1 for more information.

Around 3.7% of people were living in a household in Victoria that, in the previous 12 months, had run out of food and had not been able to afford to buy more and 1% went without food when they couldn’t afford to buy any more. See Victoria Table 7.1 for more information.

See Further information for definitions and more detailed explanations relating to this analysis.

How much food was consumed in Queensland?

• In Queensland, during 2011-12, people aged two years and over consumed an estimated 3.3 kilograms of foods and beverages (including water) per day, made up of a wide variety of foods.
   

• The average energy intake for people aged 19 years and over from Queensland was similar to the national average for both males (9,977 kJ compared with 9,954kJ) and females (7,351 kJ compared with 7,420 kJ). Total energy intake is likely to be an under-estimate due to under-reporting.
• Carbohydrates contributed the largest proportion of total energy for Queenslanders (similar to all Australians), supplying 45% on average with the balance of energy coming from fat (31%), protein (18%) and dietary fibre (2%). Alcohol also provided 4% of energy intake for adults in Queensland. These are within the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges and within the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommended alcohol intake.
   

For more information see Queensland Table 1.1 and Queensland Table 2.1.

• In 2011-12, 17% of Queenslanders aged two years or over reported avoiding particular foods due to allergy or intolerance.
• Queenslanders were less likely to avoid particular foods for cultural, religious or ethical reasons when compared with the national results (4% compared with 7%).
   

See Queensland Table 6.1 for more information.

Around 5.2% of people were living in a household in Queensland that, in the previous 12 months, had run out of food and had not been able to afford to buy more and 2.4% went without food when they couldn’t afford to buy any more. See Queensland Table 7.1 for more information.

See Further information for definitions and more detailed explanations relating to this analysis.

How much food was consumed in South Australia?

• In South Australia (SA) during 2011-12, people aged two years and over consumed an estimated 3.1 kilograms of foods and beverages (including water) per day, made up of a wide variety of foods.
   

• The average energy intake for people aged 19 years and over from SA was similar to the national average for both males (9,578kJ compared with 9,954kJ) and females (7,372kJ compared with 7,420kJ). Total energy intake is likely to be an under-estimate due to under-reporting.
• Carbohydrates contributed the largest proportion of total energy for South Australians (similar to all Australians), supplying 44% on average with the balance of energy coming from fat (31%), protein (18%) and dietary fibre (2%). Alcohol also provided 5% of energy intake for adults in South Australia. These are within the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges (with the exception of carbohydrates - 44% compared with 45%) and within the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommended alcohol intake.
   

For more information see SA Table 1.1 and SA Table 2.1.

• In 2011-12, 19% of South Australians aged two years or over reported avoiding particular foods due to allergy or intolerance.
• Around 5% of people in South Australia avoided particular foods for cultural, religious or ethical reasons.
   

See SA Table 6.1 for more information.

Around 3% of people were living in a household in South Australia that, in the previous 12 months, had run out of food and had not been able to afford to buy more and 1.5% went without food when they couldn’t afford to buy any more. See SA Table 7.1 for more information.

See Further information for definitions and more detailed explanations relating to this analysis.

How much food was consumed in Western Australia?

• In Western Australia (WA), during 2011-12, people aged two years and over consumed an estimated 3.3 kilograms of foods and beverages (including water) per day, made up of a wide variety of foods.
   

• The average energy intake for people aged 19 years and over from WA was similar to the national average for both males (9,818kJ compared with 9,954kJ) and females (7,525kJ compared with 7,420kJ). Total energy intake is likely to be an under-estimate due to under-reporting.
• Carbohydrates contributed the largest proportion of total energy for Western Australians (similar to all Australians), supplying 44% on average with the balance of energy coming from fat (31%), protein (18%) and dietary fibre (2%). Alcohol also provided 6% of energy intake for adults in Western Australia. These are within the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges (with the exception of carbohydrates - 44% compared with 45%) and within the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommended alcohol intake.
   

For more information see WA Table 1.1 and WA Table 2.1.

• In 2011-12, 19% of Western Australians aged two years or over reported avoiding particular foods due to allergy or intolerance.
• Around 8% of people in Western Australia avoided particular foods for cultural, religious or ethical reasons.
   

See WA Table 6.1 for more information.

Around 4.8% of people were living in a household in WA that, in the previous 12 months, had run out of food and had not been able to afford to buy more and 2.1% went without food when they couldn’t afford to buy any more. See WA Table 7.1 for more information.

See Further information for definitions and more detailed explanations relating to this analysis.

How much food was consumed in Tasmania?

• In Tasmania during 2011-12, people aged two years and over consumed an estimated 3 kilograms of foods and beverages (including water) per day, made up of a wide variety of foods.
   

• Men in Tasmania consumed a similar amount of kilojoules when compared with all Australian men (10,143kJ compared with 9,954kJ), however women consumed more when compared with all Australian women (7,769kJ compared with 7,420kJ). Total energy intake is likely to be an under-estimate due to under-reporting.
• Carbohydrates contributed the largest proportion of total energy for Tasmanians (similar to all Australians), supplying 46% on average with the balance of energy coming from fat (31%), protein (17%) and dietary fibre (2%). Alcohol also provided 4% of energy intake for Tasmanian adults. These are within the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges and within the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommended alcohol intake.
   

For more information see Tasmania Table 1.1 and Tasmania Table 2.1.

• In 2011-12, 20% of Tasmanians aged two years or over reported avoiding particular foods due to allergy or intolerance.
• Around 8% of people in Tasmania avoided particular foods for cultural, religious or ethical reasons.
   

See Tasmania Table 6.1 for more information.

Around 5.8% of people were living in a household in Tasmania that, in the previous 12 months, had run out of food and had not been able to afford to buy more and 2.4% went without food when they couldn’t afford to buy any more. See Tasmania Table 7.1 for more information.

See Further information for definitions and more detailed explanations relating to this analysis.

How much food was consumed in the Northern Territory?

• In the Northern Territory (NT), during 2011-12, people aged two years and over consumed an estimated 3.7 kilograms of foods and beverages (including water) per day, made up of a wide variety of foods.
   

• The average energy intake for people aged 19 years and over from NT was similar to the national average for both males (10,078kJ compared with 9,954kJ) and females (7,359kJ compared with 7,420kJ). Total energy intake is likely to be an under-estimate due to under-reporting.
• Carbohydrates contributed the largest proportion of total energy for Northern Territorians (similar to all Australians), supplying 45% on average with the balance of energy coming from fat (30%), protein (19%) and dietary fibre (2%). Alcohol also provided 5% of energy intake for adults in the NT. These are within the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges and within the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommended alcohol intake.
   

For more information see NT Table 1.1 and NT Table 2.1

• In 2011-12, 17% of Northern Territorians aged two years or over reported avoiding particular foods due to allergy or intolerance.
• Around 6% of people in NT avoided particular foods for cultural, religious or ethical reasons.
   

See NT Table 6.1 for more information.

Around 4.7% of people were living in a household in the NT that, in the previous 12 months, had run out of food and had not been able to afford to buy more and 2.6% went without food when they couldn’t afford to buy any more. See NT Table 7.1 for more information.

In the Northern Territory around 23% of the population are living in Very Remote areas. As Very Remote areas of Australia and discrete Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities (and the remainder of the Collection Districts in which these communities were located) were excluded, this may have an effect on aggregate estimates produced for this Territory. See Explanatory Notes in the Methodology for more information. Also refer to the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey (NATSINPAS).

See Further information for definitions and more detailed explanations relating to this analysis.

How much food was consumed in the ACT?

• In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), during 2011-12, people aged two years and over consumed an estimated 3.1 kilograms of foods and beverages (including water) per day, made up of a wide variety of foods.
   

• The average energy intake for people aged 19 years and over from the ACT was similar to the national average for both males (9,593kJ compared with 9,954kJ) and females (7,626kJ compared with 7,420kJ). Total energy intake is likely to be an under-estimate due to under-reporting.
• Carbohydrates contributed the largest proportion of total energy for Canberrans (similar to all Australians), supplying 45% on average with the balance of energy coming from fat (31%), protein (18%) and dietary fibre (2%). Alcohol also provided 5% of energy intake for adults in Canberra. These are within the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges and within the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommended alcohol intake.
   

For more information see ACT Table 1.1 and ACT Table 2.1

• In 2011-12, 21% of Canberrans aged two years and over reported avoiding particular foods due to allergy or intolerance, a higher proportion than when compared with all Australians (21% compared with 17%).
• Around 8% of Canberrans avoided particular foods for cultural, religious or ethical reasons.
   

See ACT Table 6.1 for more information.

Around 3.6% of people were living in a household in the ACT that, in the previous 12 months, had run out of food and had not been able to afford to buy more and 1.5% went without food when they couldn’t afford to buy any more. See ACT Table 7.1 for more information.

See Further information for definitions and more detailed explanations relating to this analysis.

The 2011-12 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (NNPAS) is a component of the 2011–12 Australian Health Survey (AHS), the largest and most comprehensive health survey ever conducted in Australia. The National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey involved the collection of detailed information on dietary intake and foods consumed from over 12,000 participants across Australia. The nutrition component is the first national nutrition survey of adults and children (aged 2 years and over) conducted in over 15 years.

Information for the nutrition component of the NNPAS was gathered using a 24-hour dietary recall on all foods and beverages consumed on the day prior to the interview. Where possible, at least 8 days after the first interview, respondents were contacted to participate in a second 24-hour dietary recall via telephone interview. This publication presents results from the first interview, with information on food, beverages and dietary supplements, as well as some general information on dietary behaviours.

Reference ranges known as Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges (AMDR) form part of the recommendations for optimising diets to lower chronic disease risk while ensuring adequate micronutrient status.¹

The terms 'children', 'boys' and 'girls' are for people aged 2-18 years, and 'adults', 'men' and 'women' refer to people aged 19 years and over.

In the 2011-12 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (NNPAS), alcohol refers to pure alcohol (or ethanol), which, as a macronutrient, contributes 29 kJ per gram.

Alcohol can also contribute to dietary energy. Alcohol intakes below about 5% of dietary energy are recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council.¹

The 'Alcoholic beverages' food group includes beers, wines, spirits, cider and other alcoholic beverages.

Calcium is a mineral required for the growth and maintenance of the bones and teeth, as well as the proper functioning of the muscular and cardiovascular systems. Low intake of calcium is associated with osteoporosis, a low bone density condition particularly affecting post-menopausal women.²

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) describes the Estimated Average Requirements (EARs) for calcium, which are the daily levels of calcium estimated to meet the requirements of half the healthy individuals in a particular life stage and gender group.

Intakes from supplements are not included in this publication or Australian Health Survey: Nutrition Second Results - Usual Nutrient Intakes (cat. no 4364.0.55.008). For information on selected supplements, see Australian Health Survey: Nutrition - Supplements (cat. no. 4364.0.55.010) for more information.

The 2013 Australian Dietary Guidelines describes discretionary foods as being: “foods and drinks not necessary to provide the nutrients the body needs, but that may add variety. However, many of these are high in saturated fats, sugars, salt and/or alcohol, and are therefore described as energy dense. They can be included sometimes in small amounts by those who are physically active, but are not a necessary part of the diet”.

The Australian Dietary Guidelines Summary lists examples of discretionary choices as including: "cakes, biscuits; confectionary, chocolate; pastries, pies; ice confections, butter, cream, and spreads which contain predominantly saturated fats; potato chips, crisps and other fatty or salty snack foods; sugar-sweetened soft drinks and cordials, sports and energy drinks and alcoholic drinks." Based on these definitions and the supporting documents which underpin the Australian Dietary Guidelines, foods reported within the NNPAS have been categorised as discretionary or non-discretionary. See User Guide section Discretionary Foods for more information.

Dietary energy is required by the body for metabolic processes, physiological functions, muscular activity, heat production and growth and development.³ Energy requirements vary with age, sex, body size and physical activity, so the amount of energy consumed would be expected to vary considerably throughout the population.

Energy and nutrient intakes in this publication are derived only from foods and beverages from the first 24-hour recall day. The nutrients from supplements are excluded from this analysis. No adjustment has been made to include information from the second 24-hour recall day to calculate usual intakes, see Australian Health Survey: Nutrition Second Results - Usual Nutrient Intakes (cat. no 4364.0.55.008) for more information.

The Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) is a daily nutrient level estimated to meet the requirements of half the healthy individuals in a particular life stage and gender group.³

Food avoidance refers to people who avoid particular foods due to:

• allergy or intolerance of food groups
• cultural, religious or ethical reasons.
   

Foods and beverages reported by respondents in the National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (NNPAS) were collected and coded at a detailed level, but for output purposes are categorised within a food classification with major, sub-major, and minor group levels. At the broadest level (the Major group) there are 24 groups. These groups were designed to categorise foods that share a major component or common feature. The classification was developed by Food Standards Australia New Zealand, along with the Nutrient Database, specifically for the Australian Health Survey.

Because many foods are in fact mixtures of different ingredients, the food groups will not exclusively contain the main food of that group. For example, a beef and vegetable casserole will belong within the major group of 'Meat, poultry and game products and dishes', yet will contain vegetables and sauce or gravy.

'Cereal-based products and dishes' is a particular example of a Major group where there may be a significant proportion of other (non-cereal) ingredients in the foods. While the common feature of this food group is cereal, the foods belonging to this group are very diverse and includes biscuits, cakes, pastries, mixed pasta or rice dishes, burgers, pizza and tacos. The 'Cereal-based products and dishes' should not be confused with 'Cereal and cereal products' which contains more basic foods such as bread, plain rice, plain pasta, breakfast cereals, oats and other grains.

For more information see Appendix 1: Example foods in Major food groups.

Food security, according to the World Health Organisation definition, requires constant access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life.

This topic collects information on the number of households that have experienced financial barriers in regards to purchasing food. Specifically, this topic focusses on:

• running out of food and being unable to purchase more due to cost
• having difficulty ensuring a constant food intake is sustained.
   

In addition to collecting information about the foods actually consumed on the previous day, the AHS also asked respondents the usual number of serves of fruit consumed in a day.
A serve is equivalent to:

• one medium piece
• two small pieces of fruit
• one cup of diced fruit pieces
• one quarter of a cup of sultanas
• four dried apricot halves
   

In this publication, data about recommended usual intake of fruit is derived from the Australian Health Survey 2011-13 ( 2011-12 Core component) as it provides a larger sample. 

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) 2013 Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend a minimum number of serves of fruit each day, depending on age and sex, to ensure good nutrition and health. The table below outlines the recommended number of serves for children, adolescents and adults. Although the 2013 Australian Dietary Guidelines specify that fruit should mostly be eaten fresh and raw, other forms of fruit can count towards the daily serves occasionally. A serve is approximately 150 grams of fresh fruit, 125 ml of fruit juice (no added sugar) or 30 grams of dried fruit.*

In addition to collecting information about the foods actually consumed on the previous day, the 2011-12 AHS also asked people the usual number of serves of vegetables consumed in a day.

A serve is equivalent to:

• half a cup of cooked vegetables
• half a medium potato
• 1 cup of salad vegetables
   

In this publication, data about recommended usual intake of vegetables is derived from the Australian Health Survey 2011-13 ( 2011-12 Core component) as it provides a larger sample.

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) 2013 Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend a minimum number of serves of vegetables and legumes/beans each day, depending on age and sex, to ensure good nutrition and health. The table below outlines the recommended number of serves for children, adolescents and adults. A serve is approximately half a cup of cooked vegetables or legumes/beans or one cup of salad vegetables - equivalent to around 75 grams.*

Sodium occurs in a number of different forms but is generally consumed as sodium chloride (commonly known as salt). Salt is a naturally occurring mineral needed to maintain adequate blood pressure and electrolyte balance⁴. It is commonly added to foods to enhance flavours and to act as a preservative. High salt intake can raise blood pressure, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, heart failure, kidney disease, oedema and osteoporosis⁴.

The amounts reported in this publication include sodium naturally present in foods as well as sodium added during processing, and exclude salt added by consumers either during cooking or at the table. For these reasons, these figures are likely to be an underestimate. See the Interpretation section of the Nutrient Intake chapter of the Australian Health Survey: User's Guide, 2011-13 (cat. no. 4363.0.55.001) for more information.

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommends a daily upper level of intake of 2,300mg of salt for adults and between 1,000mg and 2,300mg for children⁵.

The vitamins and minerals presented for each State and Territory (see Table 1.1 and Table 2.1) are based on Day 1 intakes from foods only, (that is, not adjusted for usual intakes and exclusive of any amounts taken from dietary supplements). Although the data are presented alongside Nutrient Reference Values (NRVs) such as Estimated Average Requirements, (EARs), these are for context only and do not indicate the levels of nutrient deficiency/excess intake of the population group in relation to that NRV.

In order to make assessments about the proportion of the population who are at risk of inadequate intakes over the longer term, it is necessary to consider not only the mean or median intake but also the distribution of longer-term ‘usual’ intake in the population. Usual nutrient intakes are modelled estimates of the proportion of people who usually consume particular amounts of nutrients, as opposed to what they reported eating on the particular day they were surveyed in 2011-12. Usual nutrient intakes information is available in Australian Health Survey: Nutrition Second Results - Usual Nutrient Intakes (cat. no 4364.0.55.008).

In order to assist in the interpretation of data from the 2011-12 NNPAS and particularly in comparisons with the 1995 National Nutrition Survey, there are a few key points that should be noted.

• It is likely that under-reporting is present in both surveys.
• There appears to be an increase in the level under-reporting for males between 1995 and 2011-12, especially for males aged 9 - 50.
• The level of under-reporting by female respondents also appears to have increased, but to a lesser extent than for males.
   

Please see Australian Health Survey: User's Guide (cat. no. 4363.0.55.001) for more information.

The highest average daily nutrient intake level likely to pose no adverse health effects to almost all individuals in the general population. As intake increases above the UL, the potential risk of adverse effects increases.³

Usual nutrient intakes are modelled estimates of the proportion of people who usually consume particular amounts of nutrients, as opposed to what they reported eating on the particular day they were surveyed in 2011-12. Usual nutrient intakes information is available in Australian Health Survey: Nutrition Second Results - Usual Nutrient Intakes (cat. no 4364.0.55.008)

The 2011–13 Australian Health Survey (AHS) is the largest and most comprehensive health survey ever conducted in Australia. The survey, conducted throughout Australia, collected a range of information about health related issues, including health status, risk factors, health service usage and medications. In 2011–13, the AHS incorporated the National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (NNPAS). It involved the collection of detailed physical activity information using self-reported and pedometer collection methods, along with detailed information on dietary intake and foods consumed from over 12,000 participants across Australia. The nutrition component is the first national nutrition survey of adults and children (aged 2 years and over) conducted in over 15 years.

The AHS sample included Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people where they were randomly selected in the general population. The AHS also included an additional representative sample of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (NATSINPAS) will provide nutrition and physical activity results for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at the population level and provides an opportunity to compare results with the non-Indigenous population. Results for the NATSINPAS will be released in the first half of 2015.

Information for the nutrition component of the NNPAS was gathered using a 24-hour dietary recall on all foods and beverages consumed on the day prior to the interview. Where possible, at least 8 days after the first interview, respondents were contacted to participate in a second 24-hour dietary recall via telephone interview. This publication is the first release of information from the nutrition component of the NNPAS. It presents results from the first interview, with information on food, beverages and dietary supplements, as well as some general information on dietary behaviours.

The NNPAS has been made possible by additional funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing as well as the National Heart Foundation of Australia, and the contributions of these two organisations to improving health information in Australia through quality statistics are greatly valued.

The 2011–13 AHS, and particularly the NNPAS component, was developed with the assistance of several advisory groups and expert panels. Members of these groups were drawn from Commonwealth and state/territory government agencies, non-government organisations, relevant academic institutions and clinicians. The valuable contributions made by members of these groups are greatly appreciated.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) was contracted to provide advice throughout the survey development, processing and collection phases of the 2011-12 NNPAS and to provide a nutrient database for the coding of foods and supplements consumed. The ABS would like to acknowledge and thank FSANZ for providing their support, advice and expertise to the 2011-12 NNPAS.

The ABS gratefully acknowledges and thanks the Agricultural Research Service of the USDA for giving permission to adapt and use their Dietary Intake Data System including the AMPM for collecting dietary intake information as well as other processing systems and associated materials.

Finally, the success of the 2011–13 AHS was dependent on the very high level of cooperation received from the Australian public. Their continued cooperation is very much appreciated; without it, the range of statistics published by the ABS would not be possible. Information received by the ABS is treated in strict confidence as required by the Census and Statistics Act 1905.

This release previously used catalogue number 4364.0.55.009.