The definitions used in this survey are not necessarily the same as those used for similar items in other collections. Additional information is contained in the Intergenerational Health and Mental Health Study: Concepts, Sources and Methods.
Acceleration
Acceleration is how quickly something speeds up or slows down. It is the change in speed (velocity) per unit time and, in SI units, is measured as meters per second per second (\(m/s^2\)). Acceleration is commonly compared with the pull of earth’s gravity, using g-force, where \(1g = 9.81 m/s^2\).
Accelerometer
An accelerometer is a device used to collect data on movement and speed of movement (acceleration) along the x, y, and z axes (see ‘X, Y, and Z axes’ below for more information). The device is typically worn on the wrist, hip or thigh. It can be used to measure physical activity, inactivity, and sleep. In NNPAS, the device was worn on the wrist.
Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR)
The Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR) is an estimate of the range of intake for each macronutrient for individuals (expressed as percent contribution to energy), which would allow for an adequate intake of all the other nutrients whilst maximising general health outcomes. AMDRs are available for energy from the following nutrients: carbohydrate, fat and protein. See Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand.
Alcohol
The term 'alcohol' is commonly used to refer to alcoholic beverages. However, in the 2023 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (NNPAS), alcohol refers to pure alcohol (or ethanol).
Alcoholic beverages
The 'Alcoholic beverages' AUSNUT major food group includes beers, wines, spirits, cider and other alcoholic beverages such as cocktails. The Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey 2023 captures alcohol consumption from a single 24-hour dietary recall period. Data on alcohol consumption is also available at National Health Survey (NHS): Alcohol Consumption.
Australian Food and Nutrient Database or (AUSNUT) files
The Australian Food and Nutrient (AUSNUT) files were developed by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), enabling estimates of food and dietary supplements and nutrient intake to be made from the study. This release uses the 2023 version of AUSNUT. It was previously released as AUSNUT 2011-13 for use in conjunction with the 2011-13 Australian Health Survey.
Average acceleration (ENMO)
The Euclidean Norm Minus One (ENMO) acceleration metric was used in the study. Higher ENMO values indicate more movement or greater activity intensity.
To calculate ENMO, the vector magnitude of acceleration is determined. The value of 1g (standard Earth' gravity) is subtracted. Any resulting negative values are rounded to zero to focus on acceleration caused by movement rather than gravity.
Formula:
\[\mathrm{ENMO} = \max\left\{0,\ \sqrt{x_{\mathrm{acc}}^{2} + y_{\mathrm{acc}}^{2} + z_{\mathrm{acc}}^{2}} - 1 \right\}\]ENMO data are provided averaged in 5-second increments. Other acceleration metrics are available – see the Data Item List for full details of content collected in the 2023 NNPAS. Further information is available on the GGIR website.
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)
Basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the amount of energy needed for a minimal set of functions necessary for life over a defined period. BMR is given in kilojoules (kJ) per 24-hours and is calculated using age, sex, and weight (kg) and height (cm).
Bouts
Bouts are periods when a respondent is mostly active (or inactive) without a long break. Short periods of interruption and/or changes in the intensity of the activity are included, for example taking a short break between sets of push-ups or moving from push-ups to running.
The maximum length of an interruption is 20% of the total bout duration (e.g. in a 10-minute bout, interruptions can total up to 2 minutes).
Further information about bouts are available on the GGIR website.
Carbohydrate
Carbohydrates usually provide most energy in human diets. Data for total available carbohydrates include starch, sugars and related substances (sugar alcohols and oligosaccharides). Sugar alcohols and oligosaccharides are included in 'Total carbohydrates' but not in starch and sugar sub-totals. Therefore, total carbohydrate does not always equal the sum of sugars and starch.
Cereal based products and dishes
The 'Cereal based products and dishes' AUSNUT major food group contains biscuits, cakes, pastries, pies, dumplings, sandwiches, pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs, and pasta dishes and rice mixed dishes.
Cereals and cereal products
The 'Cereals and Cereal Products' AUSNUT major food group includes grains, flours, bread and bread rolls, plain pasta, noodles and rice, and breakfast cereals.
Clipping
Clipping refers to instances where movement was outside of the measurement range (dynamic range) of the accelerometer. Data is ‘clipped’ when the device is unable to determine the magnitude of acceleration beyond the maximum value of 8g. This leads to loss of data on the true intensity of these movements.
Commercial / Commercially prepared foods
Food that is produced by a business or commercial entity for sale to consumers. This includes packaged foods, ready-to-eat meals, restaurant and takeaway items, and any food products not made in a domestic or home setting.
Confectionery and cereal, nut, fruit and seed bars
The 'Confectionery and cereal, nut, fruit and seed bars' AUSNUT major food group includes chocolate, fruit, nut and seed bars and muesli or cereal style bars.
Consumer
A respondent who reports a food or beverage during their 24-hour-recall. For example, someone who reports eating a food from the “Milk products and dishes” group is considered a consumer of this group.
Note: Some food groups include ingredients (e.g. milk) used in multiple food and beverage groups. For instance, if a respondent who reports milk with their coffee would be counted as a consumer of “Non-alcoholic beverages” but may or may not be a consumer of “Milk products and dishes”.
Cut-points / thresholds
Cut-points (or thresholds) define the boundaries used to classify acceleration into light, moderate and vigorous physical activity. Thresholds may vary by population and device.
Day 1 / Day 2 intake
In the 2023 NNPAS, 2 dietary recall days were collected. Day 1 intake refers to information collected from the first 24-hour dietary recall, while Day 2 refers to information from the second 24-hour recall.
Dairy and meat substitutes
The 'Dairy and meat substitutes' AUSNUT major food group includes unflavoured milk substitutes (e.g. almond milk), flavoured milk substitutes, meat substitutes (e.g. tofu and vegetarian sausages), and dairy-free cheese, ice cream, and yoghurts.
Dietary folate equivalents
Folate is a B group vitamin that is essential for healthy growth and development, which is important during pregnancy to help prevent the incidence of neural tube defects (such as spina bifida) in babies. Folate intake is measured in folate equivalents to consider the higher bioavailability of folic acid (pteroyl glutamic acid, or PGA, the form used in food fortification and supplements) than natural folate (tetrahydrofolate, or THF, the form found in foods and in the body). Dietary folate equivalents = (1.67 × folic acid) + natural folate.
Dietary guidelines
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) 2013 Australian Dietary Guidelines (ADG) provide information on the types and amounts of foods, food groups and dietary patterns that aim to:
- promote health and wellbeing
- reduce the risk of diet-related conditions
- reduce the risk of chronic disease.
The Guidelines are for use by health professionals, policy makers, educators, food manufacturers, food retailers and researchers.
The content of the Australian Dietary Guidelines applies to all healthy Australians, as well as those with common diet-related risk factors such as being overweight. They do not apply to people who need special dietary advice for a medical condition, or to the frail elderly.
Dietary supplement
Dietary supplements refers to products defined as Complementary Medicines under the Therapeutic Goods Regulations 1990, and includes listed medicines containing ingredients with nutrients. For example, vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts, amino acids and omega 3 fatty acids. The survey excluded listed medicines intended for inhalation or use on the skin.
Discretionary foods
The 2013 Australian Dietary Guidelines describe 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”.
Discretionary salt
Discretionary salt is the salt added to food, either at the table or during the cooking/preparation. It does not include salt (or salt containing ingredients) added during manufacturing of processed foods or as required for chemical reasons, for example in bread baking.
Eating/drinking occasion
Respondents in the 24-hour dietary recall were asked to state what the eating occasion was for each food consumed, for example breakfast, afternoon tea, or dinner.
Egg products and dishes
The 'Egg products and dishes' AUSNUT major food group includes eggs and dishes where eggs are the major component e.g. omelettes, frittatas and souffles.
Energy
Energy, measured in kilojoules (kJ), is required by the body for metabolic processes, physiological functions, muscular activity, heat production and growth and development. All energy reported in the 2023 NNPAS is energy including that from dietary fibre.
Energy Intake to Basal Metabolic Rate Ratio (EI:BMR)
The ratio of energy intake to basal metabolic rate (BMR) has been used to develop cut-off limits for identifying low-energy intakes. When energy intakes equal energy expenditure, EI:BMR approximates the physical activity level.
Epoch
An epoch is a 5-second time interval that is used to average the acceleration data.
Estimated Average Requirement (EAR)
The Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) of a particular nutrient is the level of that nutrient estimated to meet the requirements of the average healthy individual in a particular life stage and gender group. See Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand.
Fat (total)
Fat provides a significant amount of dietary energy and is also a carrier for fat-soluble vitamins and the source of essential fatty acids. It is the most energy dense of the macronutrients. The three fatty acid subtotals do not add up to total fat because total fat includes a contribution from the non-fatty acid components.
Fats and oils
The 'Fats and Oils' AUSNUT major food group includes butters, dairy blends, margarines, oils, and other fats, such as animal-based fats.
Fatty acids
Fatty acids are units of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen which combine with glycerine to form fat. Most foods contain a mixture of monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids.
Fish and seafood products and dishes
The 'Fish and seafood products and dishes' AUSNUT major food group includes fresh and tinned seafood, shellfish and mixed dishes with fish or seafood as the main component e.g. salmon mornay, fish curry and prawn cocktail.
Five major food groups
These are included in the Australian Dietary Guideline (ADG) classification. Defined by the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating, these five groups represent categories of foods that provide similar key nutrients essential for health. They are:
- Vegetables, and legumes and beans
- Fruit
- Milk, yoghurt, cheese and/or alternatives
- Lean meats and alternatives (e.g. poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, nuts and seeds, and legumes and beans)
- Grain (cereal) foods
Folate (total)
Total folate includes both folic acid (pteroyl glutamic acid, or PGA) and its derivatives (tetrahydrofolate, or THF, the naturally occurring forms of folate), all of which have similar functions in the body. Total folate is calculated as the sum of folic acid and folate, without any adjustment for their differing bio-availabilities.
Food classification or food groups
Food and beverages reported by respondents in the 24-hour dietary recall were collected and coded at a detailed level, but for output purposes are categorised within multiple classifications.
The AUSNUT food and dietary supplements classification has a Major (2-digit), Sub-major (3-digit), and Minor group (5-digit) level. At the broadest level (the Major group) there are 24 groups (23 for food, 1 for dietary supplements). The food groups were designed to categorise foods that share a major component or common feature. Because many foods are in fact mixtures of different ingredients, the food groups will not exclusively contain ingredients of that group.
Australian Dietary Guidelines (ADG) food groups are represented by a 3-tier numerical classification which includes the Major Food Groups (2-digit), Sub-groups (3-digit) and the Servings Sub-groups (4-digit). There are 7 Major Groups which include the ADG Five Food Groups plus water, and unsaturated spreads and oils.
These classifications were developed by Food Standards Australia New Zealand, specifically for the Nutrition and Physical Activity Study. The classifications are available in the data item list under Downloads and on the FSANZ website.
Fortification
Fortification refers to adding vitamins and minerals to food. When there is determined to be a significant public health need, food manufacturers may be required to add certain vitamins or minerals to specified foods (mandatory fortification). In Australia, mandatory fortification of foods includes iodised salt used in bread, thiamin and folic acid added to wheat flour for baking bread, and vitamin D added to edible oil spreads such as margarine. See Food Standards Australia New Zealand: Fortification.
Fruit products and dishes
The 'Fruit products and dishes' AUSNUT major food group includes fresh, dried and preserved fruit, as well as mixed dishes where fruit is the major component, for example apple crumble or banana split.
Haram
'Haram' was among the list of response options for respondents who said that they avoided foods due to cultural, religious or ethical reasons. In this context, haram refers to foods which may be considered forbidden in Islam such as alcohol, pork or other non-halal foods.
HDCZA or "Heuristic algorithm looking at Distribution of Change in Z-angle"
HDCZA is the algorithm used to estimate when the wearer fell asleep and woke up without a sleep diary. These estimates are based on extended periods of inactivity.
Inactivity
Inactivity refers to a lack of movement, or minimal movement, with intensities of less than 1.5 METs. Inactivity may include sedentary behaviour (e.g. sitting or lying down) and sleep outside the main sleep period (e.g. naps).
The acceleration thresholds to determine inactivity are:
- less than 56.3 mg for children aged 5–17
- less than 45.8 mg for adults aged 18 years and over.
Intense-sweetened beverages
Intense-sweetened beverages include cordials, soft drinks and flavoured mineral waters, electrolyte, energy drinks, and fortified waters, and fruit and vegetable drinks that have been artificially sweetened.
Intense sweetener
Intense sweeteners are added to food to provide sweetness without contributing significantly to the energy level (kilojoules). These food additives are substituted for sugar in some foods and beverages to lower the kilojoule or carbohydrate level.
Infant formulae and foods
The 'Infant formulae and foods' major food group includes infant formula, human breast milk and infant cereal and food products (e.g. pouches). Infant products are typically marketed toward baby and toddler age groups (0-5 years). As the survey collects data from people aged 2 years and over, all consumers of this food group in the Australian population will not be represented.
Legume and pulse products and dishes
The 'Legume and pulse products and dishes' AUSNUT major food group includes legumes and pulses e.g. baked beans, chickpeas, split peas, lentils and dishes where legumes are the major component, for example dhal and falafel.
Light physical activity
Light activity refers to activities with low intensity 1.5 to less than 3 metabolic equivalents (METs), such as slow walking or household tasks.
The acceleration thresholds to determine light physical activity are:
- 56.3 mg to less than 191.6 mg for children aged 5–17
- 45.8 mg to less than 93.2 mg for adults aged 18 years and over.
Luminosity
Luminosity refers to the amount of light or brightness. Higher luminosity indicates a brighter light source.
Macronutrients
Nutrients required by the body in large amounts to provide energy and support growth, metabolism, and overall health. The main macronutrients are carbohydrates, protein, fats, and dietary fibre.
Main sleep window (or period)
The main sleep window is the period of sleep estimated using the HDCZA. It excludes periods of rest and naps, and non-wear. Although typically occurring at night, the sleep window can occur during the day (e.g. for shift workers).
Major food group (AUSNUT)
The AUSNUT Major food group is the broadest level classification in the AUSNUT 2023 food and dietary supplement classification (i.e. 2-digit level). The classification is available in the data item list under Downloads and on the FSANZ website.
Mean
The mean is the sum of the value of each observation in a dataset divided by the number of observations. This is also known as the arithmetic average.
The mean is a useful single statistic used in this publication because it summarises consumption on a per person basis (including non-consumers, i.e. zero amounts). It is used because mean amounts of individual foods can be aggregated, that is the individual means for each food within a group will sum to the mean for the higher (parent) level food group.
For further information see Mean and median food consumption – Intergenerational Health and Mental Health Study: Concepts, Sources and Methods.
Meat, poultry and games products and dishes
The 'Meat, poultry and games products and dishes' AUSNUT major food group includes beef, sheep, pork, poultry, sausages, processed meat (e.g. ham, salami) and mixed dishes where meat or poultry is the major component e.g. casseroles, curried sausages and chicken stir-fry.
Median
The median is the middle value in distribution when the observations are arranged in ascending or descending order. The median divides the distribution in half (there are 50% of observations on either side of the median value). In a distribution with an odd number of observations, the median value is the middle value.
In contrast to means for food consumption data, which tend to be skewed to the right due to small numbers of large consumers, the median is not influenced by large individual values beyond the middle of the distribution. These features make the median most useful in this publication when comparing amounts eaten of different foods or the same food eaten by different population sub-groups. However, because medians are only relevant to consumers (zero amounts are excluded), it may also be useful to know what proportion of the population consumers were to give some prevalence context for the consumption.
For further information see Mean and median food consumption – Intergenerational Health and Mental Health Study: Concepts, Sources and Methods.
Metabolic equivalent (METs)
A Metabolic Equivalent (MET) describes how much energy the body uses during different activities. One MET represents the energy used when sitting quietly at rest.
- Children: \(1 MET = 6.0mL.O_2.kg^{-1}.min^{-1}\)
- Adults: \(1 MET = 3.5mL.O_2.kg^{-1}.min^{-1}\)
Miligravs (mg)
Miligravs are a unit used to measure acceleration equal to one-thousandth of a g (the force of gravity). \(1mg = 9.8\times10^{-3}m/s^2\).
Milk products and dishes
The 'Milk products and dishes' AUSNUT major food group includes milk, yoghurt, cream, cheese, custards, ice cream, milk shakes, smoothies and dishes where milk is the major component e.g. cheesecake, rice pudding and creme brulee.
Minerals
Inorganic elements that are essential for human health and are required in small amounts for various physiological functions. They are obtained through the diet and include both macrominerals (e.g., calcium, potassium, magnesium) and trace minerals (e.g., iodine, iron, zinc, selenium).
Minor food group (AUSNUT)
The AUSNUT minor food group is the most detailed level (5-digit level) group in the food and dietary supplements classification. The classification is available in the data item list under Downloads and on the FSANZ website.
Miscellaneous
The 'Miscellaneous' AUSNUT major food group includes yeast, and spreadable yeast extract (e.g. vegemite), intense sweeteners, herbs, spices and seasonings.
Moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA)
MVPA combines both moderate and vigorous physical activity. Moderate activity refers to activities with intensity of 3 to less than 6 METs, such as brisk walking. Vigorous activity refers to high-effort activities with intense movements of 6+ METs, such as running.
The acceleration thresholds to determine moderate physical activity are:
- 191.6 mg to less than 695.8 mg for children aged 5–17
- 93.2 mg to less than 418.3 mg for adults aged 18 years and over.
The acceleration thresholds to determine vigorous physical activity are:
- 695.8 mg and above for children aged 5–17
- 418.3 mg and above for adults aged 18 years and over.
Monounsaturated fat
Monounsaturated fat or monounsaturated fatty acids are a type of fat predominantly found in plant-based foods, although there are exceptions. These represent the sum of all the individual monounsaturated fatty acids.
Niacin equivalents
Niacin is a B group vitamin, also called Vitamin B3. Niacin equivalents are calculated from niacin and niacin derived from tryptophan. Niacin derived from tryptophan is a calculated value that estimates the amount of niacin that is able to be formed in the body from the amino acid tryptophan.
Non-alcoholic beverages
The 'Non-alcoholic beverages' AUSNUT major food group includes tea, coffee, juices, fruit and vegetable drinks, cordials, soft drinks, electrolyte and energy drinks and water. It does not include beverages that are primarily dairy based (e.g. milkshakes), added to alcohol (e.g. pre-mixed soft-drink and spirit) or de-alcoholised beverages.
Non-kosher foods
'Non-kosher foods' was among the list of response options for respondents who said that they avoided foods due to cultural, religious or ethical reasons. In this context, non-kosher foods are foods that do not follow the rules of what is allowed to be eaten according to traditional Jewish religious guidelines, such as pork, shellfish, or mixing meat and dairy.
Non-wear
Non-wear refers to periods of no recorded acceleration where the accelerometer was not worn.
Nutrient Reference Value (NRV)
The Nutrient Reference Values for Australia (NRVs) are a set of evidence-informed recommendations that outline the intake levels of essential nutrients considered adequate to meet nutritional needs and prevent harm in healthy people. See Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand.
Nutrients
Substances found in food that are essential for the growth, development, and maintenance of the body. Nutrients provide energy, support bodily functions, and help build and repair tissues. They are broadly classified into macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats and dietary fibre) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals).
Percentage contribution to energy intake
This refers to the proportion of energy that a food or macronutrient contributes to each person’s total daily energy intake.
Polyunsaturated fat
Polyunsaturated fat or polyunsaturated fatty acids are a type of fat predominantly found in plant-based foods, although there are exceptions. Linoleic acid, alpha linolenic acid, long chain omega 3 fatty acids, and other polyunsaturated fatty acids are included in the polyunsaturated fatty acid total.
Pro vitamin A (beta-carotene equivalents)
Pro vitamin A is the form of vitamin A found predominantly in dark green and orange vegetables. Where information on levels of carotenes other than beta carotene in foods was available, this has been included in the pro vitamin A total as beta carotene equivalents, according to the equation pro vitamin A = beta carotene + (0.5 × alpha carotene) + (0.5 × cryptoxanthin). This equation considers the differing biological activities of the different forms of pro vitamin A.
Saturated fat
Saturated fat or saturated fatty acids are a type of fat predominantly found in animal-based foods, although there are exceptions. Saturated fat is the total of all saturated fatty acids, that is all fatty acids without any double bonds.
Savoury sauces and condiments
The 'Savoury sauces and condiments' AUSNUT major food group includes gravies, condiment sauces (e.g. tomato, BBQ, soy), pasta sauces, pickles, chutneys and relishes, salad dressings, stuffings and dips.
Seed and nut products and dishes
The 'Seed and nut products and dishes' AUSNUT major food group includes seeds and seed products (e.g. tahini), coconut, peanuts, other nuts, mixed nuts and associated products (e.g. peanut butter, coconut cream).
Sleep (measured by accelerometer)
Sleep, as measured by accelerometers, is the main resting period in the day. Accelerometers cannot measure sleep directly – they only capture lack of movement.
In this study, accelerometer-measured sleep is defined by the longest period of sustained inactivity. Shorter rest periods (e.g. naps) are counted as inactivity rather than sleep.
Sleep estimates may be reported:
- including wakefulness (total length of the main sleep window)
- excluding wakefulness (only the inactive portion).
Sleep efficiency
Sleep efficiency is an indicator of sleep quality. It is calculated as the percentage of time spent asleep relative to the total time in the main sleep window (i.e. sleep including wakefulness).
Sleep onset
Sleep onset refers to the estimated time when the respondent went to sleep (as determined by GGIR algorithms). It differs to self-reported data which typically collects time went to bed.
Snack foods
The 'Snack foods' AUSNUT major food group includes potato chips, popcorn, corn chips, cheese and bacon balls, pretzels and pappadams.
Sodium
Sodium occurs in several different forms but is generally consumed as sodium chloride (commonly known as 'salt').
Soup
The 'Soup' AUSNUT major food group includes homemade, dry and canned soups as well as soups purchased ready to eat or from restaurants.
Special dietary foods
The 'Special dietary foods' AUSNUT major food group includes formulated dietary foods. Examples include medical or special purpose drinks, protein powders, protein shakes, and meal replacement shakes and bars.
Steps
‘Steps’ refers to the number of steps taken. This was estimated by GGIR algorithms without the use of a pedometer.
Sub-major food group (AUSNUT)
The AUSNUT sub-major food group is the second level (i.e. 3-digit level) of the food and dietary supplements classification. The classification is available in the data item list under Downloads and on the FSANZ website.
Sugar products and dishes
The 'Sugar products and dishes' AUSNUT major food group includes sugar, honey, syrups, jam, chocolate spreads and sauces. It also includes dishes and products, other than confectionery, where sugar is the major component e.g. jelly, pavlova and meringue.
Sugar-sweetened beverages
Sugar-sweetened beverages include cordials, soft drinks and flavoured mineral waters, electrolyte, energy drinks and fortified waters, and fruit and vegetable drinks that have added sugar (typically sucrose).
Suggested Dietary Target (SDT)
The Suggested Dietary Target (SDT) is a daily average intake from food and beverages for certain nutrients that may help in prevention of chronic disease. See Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand.
Sweetened beverages
Sweetened beverages refer to cordials, soft drinks and flavoured mineral waters, electrolyte, energy drinks and fortified waters, fruit and vegetable drinks, and other selected sweetened beverages that either contain added sugar or have been artificially sweetened.
Total long chain omega 3 fatty acids
Long chain omega 3 fatty acids are a particular type of omega 3 fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentanoic acid, and docosahaexanoic acid) with cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory benefits. They are found in fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, tuna and herring.
Under-reporting
Under-reporting refers to the tendency (bias) of respondents to underestimate their food intake in self-reported dietary surveys. It includes actual changes in foods eaten because people know they will be asked about them, and misrepresentation (deliberate, unconscious or accidental), e.g. to make their diets appear ‘healthier’ or be quicker to report.
Upper Level of Intake (UL)
The Upper Level of Intake (UL) of a nutrient is the highest average daily intake level that is likely to pose no adverse health effects. Nutrient intakes above the UL have a potentially increased risk of adverse effects. See Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand.
Usual intakes
Usual intakes represent food and nutrient intake over a long period of time. For a single person, dietary intake varies day to day. A single 24-hour dietary recall does not represent the usual, or long term, intake of a person because of this variation. In the 2023 NNPAS, respondents were asked to complete second 24-hour recall via a web-form or with an interviewer at least 8 days later. The second 24-hour recall is used to estimate and remove within-person variation to derive a usual nutrient intake distribution for the population.
Vegetable products and dishes
The 'Vegetable products and dishes' AUSNUT major food group includes vegetables, their products (e.g. hot potato chips, tomato paste) and dishes, e.g., salads, vegetable casserole, jacket potato.
Vitamins
Vitamins are organic compounds required in small amounts from the diet for normal growth and metabolic processes. Examples include Preformed vitamin A (Retinol), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Folic acid and Vitamin C.
Vitamin A retinol equivalent
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin which helps maintain normal reproduction, vision, and immune function. Vitamin A intake is measured in retinol equivalents to reflect the contribution of pro vitamin A and preformed vitamin A, using the equation: vitamin A retinol equivalent = retinol + (beta carotene/6) + (alpha carotene/12) + (cryptoxanthin/12). The equation considers the differing biological activities of the different forms of vitamin A.
Vitamin D3 equivalents
Vitamin D occurs in two forms. Vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol, which is produced by the action of sunlight on the skin; and Vitamin D2, or ergocalciferol, which is present in a limited number of foods. Vitamin D3 equivalent refers to the total vitamin D activity of a food. Determined by the equation: Vitamin D = cholecalciferol (µg) + ergocalciferol + (5 × 25-hydroxy vitamin D).
The major function of Vitamin D is to maintain blood calcium concentrations by enhancing the ability of the small intestine to absorb calcium and plays a role in enhancing absorption of phosphorus from the diet.
Wake time
Wake time refers to the time when sleep ended and the respondent woke up. This is estimated by GGIR algorithms without a sleep diary.
Wakefulness
This is defined as movement during the main sleep window. Wakefulness may include rolling over, getting up and going to the bathroom, or general restlessness during sleep.
Wear time
Wear time refers to the period the accelerometer was worn. Respondents were asked to wear the accelerometer for seven 24-hour periods across eight days (168 hours).
Weekend day versus weekend nights
- Weekend 'days' were defined as Saturday and Sunday.
- Weekend 'nights' were defined as to the nights before weekend days: Friday and Saturday night.
X, Y, and Z axes
The three axes describe where something is and how it moves in space.
- The x‑axis goes side-to-side (left and right)
- The y‑axis goes up and down
- The z‑axis goes forward and backward.