Diettmønster

Diettmønster is a term used in Scandinavian nutrition literature to denote the habitual and longer-term composition of what a person or population eats and drinks, including the variety, amounts, timing, and combinations of foods. It reflects cultural norms, socio-economic status, geographic availability, and personal preferences, and it is a central object in nutrition science because health outcomes are often more strongly linked to overall patterns than to single nutrients.

Diettmønster can be described using predefined, theory-based patterns (for example, Mediterranean or Nordic patterns) or by data-driven approaches such as factor or cluster analysis that identify commonly co-occurring foods in a dietary dataset. Common healthy patterns emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and unsaturated fats, while Western or highly processed patterns tend to include refined grains, added sugars, red and processed meats, and high-fat dairy. Measurements rely on dietary assessment tools like food-frequency questionnaires, 24-hour recalls, or food diaries; results may be affected by misreporting and seasonal variation.

In research, higher adherence to favorable diettmønster is generally associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers, though findings depend on population, methodology, and confounding factors. Public health uses pattern-based guidance to promote overall diet quality rather than focusing on individual nutrients, recognizing that changing patterns can be more feasible and culturally appropriate.