VITAMIN A
What it is
Vitamin A helps normal immune function, vision, and reproduction.
Where you get it
Vegetable products and dishes are the largest contributors to vitamin A intake in Australia followed by milk products
How we fare
Approximately 17 per cent of males and 14 per cent of females have inadequate usual intakes.
THIAMIN
What it is
Thiamin (or vitamin B1) helps the body convert food into energy for the brain, nervous system and muscles.
Where you get it
Thiamin is found in small quantities in a range of foods, but the main source is cereals. In Australia most wheat flour for bread making is enriched with thiamin.
How we fare
Approximately seven per cent of males and 16 per cent of females had usual intakes below their requirements.
CALCIUM
What it is
Calcium is a mineral required for the growth and maintenance of bones and teeth, as well as proper functioning of the muscular and cardiovascular systems.
Where you get it
Milk and milk-based foods are the richest sources of calcium in the Australian diet, although it is also found in other products
How we fare
Over half of the Australian population had inadequate usual intakes of calcium. The prevalence of inadequate calcium intakes was higher amongst females than males, with almost three in four not meeting their calcium requirements compared with one in two males.
IRON
What it is
Iron is responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood to tissues throughout the body. It is also involved in the immune system, muscle function and cognitive functioning.
Where you get it
Iron is found in a range of food sources, with cereal products, and meat, poultry and game products and dishes being the primary sources in the Australian food supply
How we fare
One in eight people aged two years and over had inadequate usual intakes of iron. Females were more likely than males to have inadequate iron intakes, with 23 per cent not meeting the requirements compared with three per cent of males.
SODIUM
What it is
High intakes of sodium can increase blood pressure, and high blood pressure can increase the risk of developing heart and kidney problems.
Where you get it
Sodium is found naturally in foods such as milk, cream, eggs, meat and shellfish. Sodium is also added to foods to enhance flavours, to act as a preservative and as part of some food additives
How we fare
Nearly two in every three people aged two years and over had a usual intake that exceeded the guidelines for sodium. Intakes of sodium were consistently higher for males than females.
IODINE
What it is
Iodine is an essential nutrient required for the production of thyroid hormones, important for normal growth and development, particularly of the brain.
Where you get it
The major dietary sources of iodine include bread and milk
How we fare
Two per cent of males and eight per cent of females had inadequate intakes of iodine. Females aged 19 years and over were more than four times as likely as males to have inadequate intakes.
SELENIUM
What it is
Selenium functions as an antioxidant and in thyroid metabolism
Where you get it
The main sources of selenium are meat, poultry and game products and dishes; cereal based products and dishes; cereals and cereal products; and fish and seafood products and dishes
How we fare
Three per cent of males and six per cent of females did not meet their requirements for selenium intake.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics and Food Standards Australia New Zealand
