Family Resemblance in Energy, Fat, and Cholesterol Intake: A Study Among Three Generations of Women

Background. Transfer of nutrition habits within the family may contribute to the establishment of a high-fat diet. Several studies show a significant correlation in nutrient intake between parents and children living in the same household. This study describes family resemblances in nutrient intake among adult women living apart. Methods. Family resemblance in fat intake was assessed in three generations of adult women by means of a short food-frequency questionnaire. Data were collected on 291 maternally related family members (97 young adult women, their mothers, and their grandmothers). Results. Weak correlations (0.13-0.27) were found between nutrient intake of the younger and middle generation. Correlations between the middle and older generation (−0.03-0.29) and between the younger and older generation (−0.03-0.33) tended to be lower. Conclusions. This study shows that family resemblance in nutrient intake is weak for adult women living apart. There seems to be more impact of middle-aged mother′s eating habits on the fat intake of their adult daughters than of elderly women′s eating habits on their middle-aged daughters.