Étrend

Étrend is the Hungarian term for the pattern of foods and beverages consumed by a person or group. It encompasses what, when, and how much is eaten and drunk, and it influences energy balance, nutrient intake, and overall health. In nutrition science, étrend describes habitual dietary patterns and their adequacy with respect to dietary guidelines and individual needs.

The term is distinct from diéta in everyday language; diéta often refers to a prescribed or intentionally altered diet for medical or personal reasons, while étrend can simply denote daily eating habits and preferences. Étrend is shaped by culture, age, sex, activity level, health status, and socioeconomic factors, as well as food availability.

Common classifications include omnivorous, vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, and other pattern-based descriptors; clinically, étrend can be modified to manage conditions (for example, low-sodium, low-fat, or carbohydrate-controlled patterns). Diet patterns may emphasize plant foods, whole grains, lean proteins, dairy, or alternatives, and may restrict gluten, lactose, or added sugars depending on needs and tolerances.

Assessment methods such as 24-hour dietary recalls, food frequency questionnaires, and dietary records are used to evaluate étrend in research and practice. Public health guidance promotes a varied, balanced étrend that provides essential nutrients, limits added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium, and aligns with energy needs to prevent malnutrition and reduce non-communicable diseases. Trends include increased attention to plant-based patterns, personalization, and culturally tailored recommendations.