Kostmönster

Kostmönster, in the nutrition literature often translated as dietary patterns, describe the typical combination, frequency, and amounts of foods and beverages consumed by an individual or population over a period. They reflect not only what people eat but also when and how often, and are influenced by culture, income, availability, health beliefs, and personal preferences. In research, kostmönster are analyzed to understand how eating habits relate to health outcomes, without focusing on single nutrients.

Common kostmönster identified in populations include Mediterranean-like patterns rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, fish, and olive oil; Western patterns with processed foods, red meat, refined grains, and added sugars; plant-based patterns emphasizing vegetables, grains, nuts, and little or no animal products; and traditional or mixed patterns that reflect local cuisine. Meal frequency and timing, such as three meals a day versus frequent snacking or time-restricted eating, are often considered components of a pattern.

Measurement and analysis typically rely on dietary assessment tools like 24-hour recalls, food frequency questionnaires, or diet records, followed by statistical methods such as factor or cluster analysis to identify prevalent patterns in a study population. Researchers examine associations with health outcomes including obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer risk, and overall mortality, as well as environmental and socioeconomic determinants.

Public health relevance lies in using kostmönster to inform dietary guidelines, nutrition education, and interventions, and to monitor changes over time and across groups. Limitations include reporting biases, day-to-day variability, and the challenge of comparing patterns across studies.