According to Gram Research analysis, a new study of Saudi Arabia’s national food patterns found that while adults eat adequate calories (about 2,400 daily), many fall short on folate by 97 micrograms and vitamin C by 27 milligrams per day. The research used a computer model analyzing national food supply data to estimate that grains and protein foods dominate the diet, but fruits and vegetables—key sources of these vitamins—appear insufficient for optimal nutrition.
Researchers in Saudi Arabia created a new computer model to understand what people in the country actually eat and whether they’re getting enough nutrients. The study found that most adults eat plenty of grains and protein, but many people aren’t getting enough folate (a B vitamin) and vitamin C. The research used food supply data from 2010 onwards to estimate eating patterns across the entire country. This information could help Saudi Arabia’s government create better nutrition policies to prevent diseases like diabetes and heart disease, which affect nearly 1 in 5 adults there.
Key Statistics
A 2026 population-based assessment of Saudi Arabian dietary intake found that adults consume an average of 278 grams of grains daily and 120 grams of protein foods, with median energy intake of 2,399 kcal/day in males and 2,366 kcal/day in females.
According to Gram Research analysis of 2026 Saudi Arabia nutrition data, individuals with inadequate folate intake fell short by approximately 97 micrograms per day, while those with insufficient vitamin C intake were deficient by about 27 milligrams daily.
A 2026 study using probabilistic modeling of Saudi Arabia’s national food supply found that the model’s predictions of monthly household food expenditure aligned within 2-7% of actual national survey data, validating its accuracy for population-level nutrition assessment.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: How much food Saudi Arabian adults eat and whether they’re getting enough vitamins and minerals from their diet
- Who participated: The study analyzed national food supply data representing the entire adult population of Saudi Arabia, rather than surveying individual people
- Key finding: Adults in Saudi Arabia eat about 278 grams of grains daily and get around 2,400 calories per day, but many people don’t eat enough foods containing folate and vitamin C
- What it means for you: If you live in Saudi Arabia, this research suggests you should pay attention to eating more folate-rich foods (like leafy greens and legumes) and vitamin C sources (like citrus fruits and peppers). However, this is population-level data, so individual needs vary.
The Research Details
Researchers created a computer model called NNC-v2 that uses national food supply information to estimate what people eat. Instead of asking thousands of people what they eat (which is expensive and time-consuming), the model uses data about how much food is available in the country and works backward to estimate intake patterns. The model accounts for differences between men and women and different age groups. It ran 10,000 computer simulations to account for uncertainty and natural variation in eating habits.
The researchers tested their model by comparing its predictions about how much money people spend on food each month with actual spending data from national surveys. The model’s predictions were very close to real data (within 2-7% difference), which suggests it’s reasonably accurate. This approach is useful because it provides national-level estimates without needing to survey every person.
Understanding what an entire nation eats is important for public health planning. Saudi Arabia faces a serious health challenge with nearly 1 in 5 adults having chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Nutrition plays a major role in preventing these diseases. By knowing what nutrients people are missing, the government can create targeted policies—like nutrition education campaigns or food fortification programs—to improve public health.
The study’s main strength is that it uses actual national data rather than estimates. The model’s predictions matched real spending data very closely, which increases confidence in the results. However, the study doesn’t include individual-level data, so it shows population averages rather than what specific people eat. The model relies on data quality from national food supply statistics, which could have limitations. The study was published in a peer-reviewed journal, meaning other experts reviewed it before publication.
What the Results Show
The study found that Saudi Arabian adults eat an average of 278 grams of grains per day (like bread and rice), making grains their largest food group. Protein foods like meat, fish, and legumes average 120 grams daily. The average daily calorie intake is about 2,399 calories for men and 2,366 calories for women, which is close to recommended levels.
However, the research revealed important nutrient gaps. Many adults don’t eat enough folate (a B vitamin important for cell division and DNA). The study found that people eating below adequate levels of folate were short by about 97 micrograms per day. Similarly, many people don’t get enough vitamin C, falling short by about 27 milligrams daily on average. These gaps suggest that while people are eating enough calories, they may not be eating enough fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
The study also examined magnesium intake, another important mineral for muscle and nerve function. The research compared intake levels to recommended amounts (350 mg/day for men and 255 mg/day for women), though specific adequacy percentages weren’t detailed in the abstract. The model successfully predicted monthly household food spending, validating its accuracy as a tool for national nutrition assessment.
This research builds on earlier nutrition assessment work in Saudi Arabia by using an updated model (NNC-v2) with more recent data. Previous nutrition studies in the region often relied on individual surveys, which are expensive and time-consuming. This probabilistic modeling approach offers a new way to estimate national nutrition patterns continuously using existing data sources, making it easier to track changes over time.
The study estimates population-level averages rather than measuring what individual people actually eat, so it can’t tell you about specific groups or individuals. The model depends on the quality of national food supply data, which may not capture all foods or account for food waste perfectly. The research doesn’t include information about food quality, preparation methods, or how nutrients are absorbed by the body. Additionally, the study doesn’t account for dietary supplements people might take, which could affect actual nutrient intake.
The Bottom Line
Based on this research, Saudi Arabian adults should increase consumption of folate-rich foods (leafy greens, lentils, chickpeas, and fortified grains) and vitamin C sources (citrus fruits, tomatoes, peppers, and berries). These recommendations have moderate confidence because they’re based on population-level data. Individual needs vary based on age, health status, and activity level, so consulting with a healthcare provider or dietitian is recommended for personalized advice.
This research matters most to Saudi Arabian government health officials, policymakers, and nutrition professionals who can use it to design public health programs. It’s also relevant to healthcare providers and dietitians working in Saudi Arabia. General adults in Saudi Arabia can use this information to reflect on their own diets, though individual needs may differ from population averages. People with specific health conditions should consult healthcare providers rather than relying solely on population-level data.
Improving nutrient intake through dietary changes typically takes 2-4 weeks to notice changes in energy levels and 2-3 months to see measurable improvements in blood nutrient levels. However, the long-term health benefits of adequate nutrition (reduced disease risk) develop over years of consistent healthy eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nutrients are Saudi Arabians not getting enough of?
Research shows many Saudi Arabian adults lack adequate folate (a B vitamin) and vitamin C. People falling short on folate average 97 micrograms below recommended daily amounts, while those deficient in vitamin C are about 27 milligrams below recommendations. These nutrients come mainly from vegetables, fruits, and legumes.
How much food do people in Saudi Arabia eat on average?
According to the 2026 national assessment, Saudi Arabian adults eat approximately 278 grams of grains daily and 120 grams of protein foods. Average daily calorie intake is about 2,400 calories for both men and women, which meets basic energy needs.
How did researchers figure out what Saudis eat without surveying everyone?
Scientists created a computer model using national food supply data dating back to 2010. The model estimates eating patterns by analyzing how much food is available in the country, then accounts for waste and population size. The model’s predictions matched actual spending data within 2-7%, proving its accuracy.
What should I eat more of based on this research?
Increase folate-rich foods like leafy greens, lentils, and chickpeas, plus vitamin C sources like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and peppers. However, this is population-level data—individual needs vary. Consult a healthcare provider or dietitian for personalized recommendations based on your health status.
Why does it matter if Saudis aren’t getting enough folate and vitamin C?
Folate supports cell division and DNA health, while vitamin C boosts immunity and helps with wound healing. Inadequate intake increases disease risk over time. Since nearly 20% of Saudi adults have chronic diseases like diabetes, improving nutrition could help prevent these conditions.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track daily servings of folate-rich foods (target: 2-3 servings of leafy greens or legumes) and vitamin C sources (target: 2-3 servings of fruits or vegetables high in vitamin C) for one week to establish baseline habits
- Set a reminder to add one folate or vitamin C-rich food to each meal. For example: add spinach to breakfast, include hummus as a snack, or add bell peppers to dinner
- Weekly check-in on folate and vitamin C food intake; monthly review of overall dietary patterns; consider periodic blood tests with a healthcare provider to verify nutrient levels are improving
This research provides population-level estimates of dietary intake in Saudi Arabia and should not be used for individual medical diagnosis or treatment. Individual nutritional needs vary based on age, sex, health status, medications, and activity level. If you have concerns about your nutrient intake or have been diagnosed with a nutrient deficiency, consult with a qualified healthcare provider or registered dietitian for personalized assessment and recommendations. This study estimates population averages and does not measure individual intake. Always seek professional medical advice before making significant dietary changes, especially if you have existing health conditions.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.