2019 until 2021

Every generation sets its own priorities when it comes to nutrition. The resulting consumption decisions influence not only health, but also the economy. It determines to a not insignificant degree whether companies can exist on the market or not.

On the causes and effects of this behavior, scientists* from BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, the state-run Jan Kochanowski University Kielce in neighboring Poland and the state-run Catholic University Ružomberok in Slovakia have been investigating changing dietary habits and trends across countries since December 2019. Through a funding initiative of the Polish government, the project application was approved for a first funding phase until June 2022 with around three million euros. Funding from the European Union is being sought for the continuation of the project.

Initial results show that there are serious differences between the countries observed in terms of a healthy and balanced diet. Contrary to popular opinion, German students, for example, have the healthiest diet, characterized by an abundant consumption of fruit and vegetables. The sample of Polish students, who prefer sausages and fried foods, brings up the rear in these items. If, on the other hand, we look at knowledge about food and its effects, it can be seen that eating more does not necessarily mean a healthier diet. Presumably, other factors, such as physical activity or centralized nutritional offerings, such as cafeterias, canteens, etc., have a high influence here.

SULIGA, E. / CIESLA, E. / MICHEL, S. / KADUCAKOVA, H. / MARTIN, T. / SLIWINSKI, G. / BRAUN, A. / IZOVA, M. / LEHOTSKA, M. / KOZIET, D. / GLUSZEK, S.: Diet Quality Compared to the Nutritional Knowledge of Polish, German, and Slovakian University Students - Preliminary Research. In: Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(23), 9062. Basel: 2020 International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health