Iceland Portal

However, some developments are not so positive, as sugar consumption has increased. Boys drink an average of one litre of sweet, carbonated drink every day. Their sugar intake is also exceedingly high at 143 grams of added sugar per day. Altogether more than 50 kg annually. Girls consume less sugar and drink more water than boys. At the same time, consumption of coffee has decreased. Icelanders now eat more poultry than before and less lamb. Fish consumption is dropping, which is a move away from traditional Icelandic eating habits. In 1990, Icelanders ate more fish than any other European nation, but current consumption is similar to most other countries in Europe. The proportion of fat in food has fallen and it now close to acceptable level. Although Icelanders eat more sugar, their dental health has improved greatly thanks to improved dental hygiene and more regular visits to dentists. Surveys show that tooth decay in the adult population dropped by 70% between 1986 and 1996. This figure was only 50% among children but still represents a significant improvement.