Yearly variations of demographic indices and mortality data in Italy from 1901 to 2008 as related to the caloric intake.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate, by Join Point regression method, the yearly variations in demographic indices and mortality data in Italy from 1901 to 2008, as related to the caloric intake. The relationships between mortality and caloric intake were studied by time series. The results showed that, from 1901 to 2008, the Italian population grew from 32.5 to 59.6 millions; the live births rates decreased from 31.8 to 10.1‰ (males) and from 33.3 to 9.0‰ (females); the infant mortality rates fell from 184.1 to 3.7‰ (males) and from 149.4 to 3.2‰ (females); males and females gained 35.7 and 40.6 years in life expectancy at birth, respectively. In 1901 the 61% of deaths occurred in the youngest, whereas in 2008 the elderly accounted for the 80%. In 1901, in terms of age-adjusted data, other and undefined causes overcame the specific causes of death, whose rank was: respiratory, digestive, infectious, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, cancers, accidents, endocrine, and nervous system diseases. In 2008, undefined causes ranked 3rd (males) and 4th (females), while cancers became the leading cause of death, followed by cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, accidental, respiratory, endocrine, digestive, nervous system, and infectious diseases. The caloric intake showed a negative correlation with all-cause mortality, infant mortality, and mortality for a number of specific causes. These patterns reflect the progress in average nutritional status, lifestyle quality, socioeconomic level, and hygienic conditions.