A Critical Review of the Association between Nutrition and Health in Modern Chinese Diet

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), obesity, diabetes, cancers and other chronic diseases are becoming main contributors to the global burden of disease, even as nutritional deficiencies are receding as leading contributors to mortality and disability. Diet is closely related to nutrition and health, which has been extensively investigated as risk factors for major chronic diseases. The past two decades have witnessed rapid changes in dietary pattern in China. However, a critical thinking of Chinese diet behind these changes is less emphasized. Given the causal relationship between nutrition and disease, lack of adequate nutrition and unhealthy diet habits might be responsible for the high incidence of chronic diseases in China in recent years. To this end, we will critically review some open problems in current diet compositions and the importance of regular mealtimes. The intake level of dietary supplements in China will also be discussed.