Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate dietary protein intake and its adequacy among Korean adults during recent 10 years. Methods: Based on the 2010 ~ 2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) data, a total of 51,296 adults aged 19 years old or more who participated in a one-day 24-hr dietary recall were included. Dietary protein intake was estimated as percentages of total energy (% of energy) and grams per body weight (g/kg/ day) and compared with the 2020 Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans to evaluate the adequacy of protein intake. In addition, proportions of people whose protein intakes were less than the estimated average requirement (EAR) and above the upper limit of the acceptable macronutrient distribution range (AMDR) (> 20% of energy) were calculated according to sociodemographic characteristics. Results: Protein intake was increased from 14.7% of energy in 2010 to 15.6% of energy in 2019 among Korean adults. However, there was no increase in protein intake relative to the recommended nutrient intake (% RNI) during the recent 10 years. Protein intake relative to the RNI was decreased from 130.2% in 2010 to 121.1% in 2019 (P for trend < 0.0001) among total participants, and a significant decreasing trend was observed in all age groups except for over 65 years old. However, protein intake relative to the RNI was lowest in the elderly (98.6%). Proportions of low protein intake (< EAR) and high protein intake (> AMDR) increased in the past 10 years (P for trend < 0.0001 for all), and these were associated with socioeconomic statuses, such as education and household income levels. Conclusions These findings suggest that protein adequacy in Korean adults has not been improved over the past decade compared with recommended levels. Nutritional education and intervention programs should consider different intake levels according to sociodemographic characteristics.

Purpose: This study evaluated the nutrition and food intake status among adults in Jeju, Republic of Korea, based on their sociodemographic characteristics and obesity. Methods: Nine hundred and forty-nine adults aged 19 years or older were included based on the 2022 Jeju Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey data. A dietary assessment was conducted using a one-day, 24-hour recall method, and the nutrition status was evaluated using the 2020 Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans. The sociodemographic status included sex, age, education, and household income, and obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI) of ≥ 25 kg/m 2 . Results: The mean age of the subjects was 49.8 years, and the overall prevalence of obesity was 48.4% (59.5% for males and 37.2% for females). The top three insufficient nutrients consumed at less than the estimated average requirement were calcium (77.7%), vitamin A (77.3%), and vitamin C (61.3%), while 40.9% of the subjects consumed fat as more than 30% of their total energy intake. The sodium intake was approximately 1.5 times higher than the chronic disease risk reduction intake level. In terms of food groups, the participants consumed more meat (148.2 g/day), seafood (69.0 g/day), potatoes, and starches (41.6 g/day) but consumed fewer vegetables (214.3 g/day) and less dairy (62.0 g/day) than Korean adults. The nutritional status and food intake patterns differed by the sociodemographic status. In addition, the obese group consumed more poultry and beverages than the non-obese group (p < 0.05 for all). Conclusion Adults in Jeju under-consume essential nutrients while over-consuming certain nutrients, such as fat and sodium. The nutritional status also varied according to the sociodemographic characteristics. These findings suggest that sociodemographic factors should be considered carefully when developing nutritional policies and programs to improve the nutritional status and address obesity among adults in Jeju.

Purpose: This study evaluated the nutrition and food intake status among adults in Jeju, Republic of Korea, based on their sociodemographic characteristics and obesity. Methods: Nine hundred and forty-nine adults aged 19 years or older were included based on the 2022 Jeju Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey data. A dietary assessment was conducted using a one-day, 24-hour recall method, and the nutrition status was evaluated using the 2020 Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans. The sociodemographic status included sex, age, education, and household income, and obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI) of ≥ 25 kg/m 2 . Results: The mean age of the subjects was 49.8 years, and the overall prevalence of obesity was 48.4% (59.5% for males and 37.2% for females). The top three insufficient nutrients consumed at less than the estimated average requirement were calcium (77.7%), vitamin A (77.3%), and vitamin C (61.3%), while 40.9% of the subjects consumed fat as more than 30% of their total energy intake. The sodium intake was approximately 1.5 times higher than the chronic disease risk reduction intake level. In terms of food groups, the participants consumed more meat (148.2 g/day), seafood (69.0 g/day), potatoes, and starches (41.6 g/day) but consumed fewer vegetables (214.3 g/day) and less dairy (62.0 g/day) than Korean adults. The nutritional status and food intake patterns differed by the sociodemographic status. In addition, the obese group consumed more poultry and beverages than the non-obese group (p < 0.05 for all). Conclusion Adults in Jeju under-consume essential nutrients while over-consuming certain nutrients, such as fat and sodium. The nutritional status also varied according to the sociodemographic characteristics. These findings suggest that sociodemographic factors should be considered carefully when developing nutritional policies and programs to improve the nutritional status and address obesity among adults in Jeju.

Purpose: This study evaluated the nutrition and food intake status among adults in Jeju, Republic of Korea, based on their sociodemographic characteristics and obesity. Methods: Nine hundred and forty-nine adults aged 19 years or older were included based on the 2022 Jeju Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey data. A dietary assessment was conducted using a one-day, 24-hour recall method, and the nutrition status was evaluated using the 2020 Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans. The sociodemographic status included sex, age, education, and household income, and obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI) of ≥ 25 kg/m 2 . Results: The mean age of the subjects was 49.8 years, and the overall prevalence of obesity was 48.4% (59.5% for males and 37.2% for females). The top three insufficient nutrients consumed at less than the estimated average requirement were calcium (77.7%), vitamin A (77.3%), and vitamin C (61.3%), while 40.9% of the subjects consumed fat as more than 30% of their total energy intake. The sodium intake was approximately 1.5 times higher than the chronic disease risk reduction intake level. In terms of food groups, the participants consumed more meat (148.2 g/day), seafood (69.0 g/day), potatoes, and starches (41.6 g/day) but consumed fewer vegetables (214.3 g/day) and less dairy (62.0 g/day) than Korean adults. The nutritional status and food intake patterns differed by the sociodemographic status. In addition, the obese group consumed more poultry and beverages than the non-obese group (p < 0.05 for all). Conclusion Adults in Jeju under-consume essential nutrients while over-consuming certain nutrients, such as fat and sodium. The nutritional status also varied according to the sociodemographic characteristics. These findings suggest that sociodemographic factors should be considered carefully when developing nutritional policies and programs to improve the nutritional status and address obesity among adults in Jeju.