Prepregnancy body mass index and dietary intake in the first trimester of pregnancy

OBJECTIVES: Adequate maternal nutrition is of paramount importance in pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester when fetal development is crucial. It has been reported that heavier women are most likely to fear weight gain associated with pregnancy. Few studies have, however, investigated associations between prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and nutrient intakes in the first trimester of gestation using detailed, prospective methodologies. The aim of this study was to investigate possible associations between prepregnancy BMI and nutrient intakes in the first trimester of gestation. DESIGN: Seventy-two Caucasian, primiparous nonsmokers of mean age 33.1 years (SD 4.6) were recruited from three London teaching hospitals and they completed a background information questionnaire and a 4- to 7-day weighed inventory food diary during the first trimester of pregnancy. Prepregnancy anthropometric data were extracted from General Practitioner records. RESULTS: Prepregnancy BMI was inversely associated with dietary energy (P = 0.04), Southgate and Englyst fibre (P < 0.01), and iron and folate (P < 0.01). After excluding under-reporters [individual energy intake:basal metabolic rate (estimated) ratio < 1.2], prepregnancy BMI was inversely associated with folate intake (P =0.04). Dietary intakes of Englyst fibre (P = 0.03) were statistically significantly lower than average dietary recommendations in this group. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified that women with a high prepregnancy BMI are more likely to under-report nutrient intakes. The finding that folate intake was significantly lower in heavier women accurately reporting dietary intake is of particular concern.     

Use of nutritional supplements among Mexican women and the estimated impact on dietary intakes below the EAR and above the UL

OBJECTIVE: To describe supplement use practices among non-pregnant, non-lactating Mexican women (12-49 y) and estimate their impact on the proportion of women with intakes below the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) and above the Upper Limit (UL) using data from a national probabilistic nutrition survey in Mexico (1999). METHODS: Information was collected by questionnaire on the frequency and duration of supplement use in the previous 6 months (n = 17,794). Dietary intakes by 24-hour recall were determined in a representative sub-sample (n = 2,599). Frequency of use and available information on the nutrient content of supplements was used to estimate daily equivalent intakes. RESULTS: 17.6% of women reported to have used supplements. The majority of these took supplements once daily (71%) and for < or =2 months (75%). While nutrient intakes from diet alone did not differ between users and non-users, the proportion with intakes of Vitamins A, B(6), B(12), and C, folate, iron, and zinc < EAR were significantly greater among the supplement non-users when intakes from supplements were also considered. The proportion of women with intakes > UL was greater among supplement users than non-users for iron, folate and Vitamin B(6). CONCLUSION: Supplement use contributes to the adequacy of nutrient intakes but may also increase the possible risk of toxic intakes of some nutrients among Mexican women.     

Dietary patterns of women smokers and non-smokers

The 1-day food intakes of 1,338 women, aged 19 to 50, who were respondents in the 1985 Continuing Survey of Food Intake by Individuals, were studied. The energy, nutrient, and food intake patterns of smokers, those how had quit smoking, and those who had never smoked cigarettes were compared. Mean energy intakes of smokers (1,627 kcal), those who had never smoked (1,620 kcal), and those who had quit at least 1 year before the interview (1,719 kcal) were not significantly different. Self-reported body weight was significantly different between never-smokers and smokers (p less than .01) and quitters (p less than .05) only for the oldest category of women (ages 41 to 50 years). The consumption of fruits (p less than .001) and vegetables (p less than .01) was significantly lower and the intake of eggs (p less than .01), sugars (p less than .001), regular carbonated soft drinks (p less than .01), coffee (p less than .001), and alcoholic beverages (p less than .001) was significantly higher for women smokers than for non-smokers. After controlling through regression analysis for physical activity, health status, and demographic characteristics, we found that smokers, compared with never-smokers, had significantly lower protein (p less than .04), dietary fiber (p less than .001), vitamin C (p less than .001), and thiamin (p less than .01) intakes and higher cholesterol (p less than .02) intakes per 1,000 kcal.     

Do diets high in sugars compromise micronutrient intakes? Micronutrient intakes in the Dietary and Nutritional Survey of British Adults according to dietary concentration of ‘added’, ‘non-milk extrinsic’ or ‘total’ sugars

Objective : It has been claimed that dietary sugars, particularly added and non-milk extrinsic sugars, are 'empty calories', displacing micronutrients from the diet. Evidence for this hypothesis was examined using data from the Dietary and Nutritional Survey of British Adults (Gregory et al ., 1990). Method : Men and women aged 16–64 years were classified into quintiles (fifths) of the distribution of food energy from added sugars, non-milk extrinsic sugars (NMES) and total sugars. Micronutrient intakes were compared across quintiles for each type of sugars energy. Results : Many nutrients showed a non-linear relationship with sugars energy (whether added, NME or total), with the highest nutrient intakes among average consumers. The most marginal nutrient (in comparison to dietary reference values) was iron among women; no group achieved the RNI for iron, regardless of sugar level or type. Calcium intakes were below the RNI among women in the first quintile (all types of sugars), although under-reporting may have led to underestimations of intake in this group. Intakes of several nutrients fell in the 4th and 5th quintiles (all types), but remained adequate in comparison to the RNI (except for iron and folate in women). There were positive relationships between extrinsic and total sugars, and vitamin C, which reflected fruit juice consumption. Diets high in added and NME sugars tended to be of lower nutrient density, but any deficit in nutrient intake was contingent on a low energy intake, which was untypical. Conclusions : These data suggest that NME sugar intakes providing up to about 17% of food energy did not compromise micronutrient intakes in these British adults. Specific advice may be needed to counteract low nutrient intakes (e.g. iron intake in women), particularly where energy intake is restricted.     

Lactating women restricting milk are low on select nutrients

OBJECTIVE: Currently there are no recommendations for vitamin/mineral supplementation for lactating women but supplementation may be important, particularly for those women who choose to restrict milk intake during lactation. The objective of this study was to assess nutrient adequacy for lactating women and compare their dietary intake, including supplements, between those who restrict milk and those who do not. METHODS: A cohort of 175 healthy exclusively breast-feeding women (19-45 yrs) recruited from prenatal classes were divided into milk restrictors (RS) defined as milk intake < or = 250 ml/day and non-restrictors (NRS) (>250 ml/day) and followed for six months postpartum. Participants provided repeated 24-hr dietary recalls, detailed use of vitamin/mineral supplements and reasons for restricting milk. Statistical Analyses: Observed intakes were adjusted to remove day-to-day variability. Nutrient intakes were estimated for macronutrients and vitamins C, D, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and minerals, calcium and zinc, with and without vitamin/mineral supplements. Chi-square was used to compare the number of RS and NRS with intakes less than the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR). RESULTS: Milk restriction was practiced by 23% of the sample. Sixty per cent of RS reported protein intakes 相似文献   

Institutionalized elderly women have lower food intake than do those living more independently (Dutch Nutrition Surveillance System).

The habitual intake of energy and nutrients (assessed through dietary history) among elderly women (aged 65 and over) living in a nursing home (n = 54), elderly women living in service flats and receiving their dinners from the nursing home kitchen (n = 29), and elderly women living independently (n = 52) was evaluated within the framework of the Dutch Nutrition Surveillance System. Intake of energy and nutrients was lowest among women in the nursing home and highest among those living independently. Almost all differences in absolute intake found were significant, both unadjusted and adjusted for age. In the nursing home the intake of energy and nutrients was lower at higher age. In qualitative terms the differences among the groups of women were less striking. Mean daily intakes of iron, vitamin A, thiamin, vitamin B6 and vitamin C were below the Dutch recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) among the nursing home women. Several interrelationships among nutrient intakes were found, low intake levels clustering somewhat among elderly subjects. Our data indicate that these nutritional risks are due to a lower food intake resulting in a lower intake of energy and nutrients, and owing to differences in food choice resulting in a lower nutrient density. We conclude that it is difficult to design a diet containing all essential nutrients at the RDA level in a nursing home with residents who have a relatively low intake of energy, especially among those at higher age.     

Institutionalized elderly women have lower food intake than do those living more independently (Dutch Nutrition Surveillance System).

The habitual intake of energy and nutrients (assessed through dietary history) among elderly women (aged 65 and over) living in a nursing home (n = 54), elderly women living in service flats and receiving their dinners from the nursing home kitchen (n = 29), and elderly women living independently (n = 52) was evaluated within the framework of the Dutch Nutrition Surveillance System. Intake of energy and nutrients was lowest among women in the nursing home and highest among those living independently. Almost all differences in absolute intake found were significant, both unadjusted and adjusted for age. In the nursing home the intake of energy and nutrients was lower at higher age. In qualitative terms the differences among the groups of women were less striking. Mean daily intakes of iron, vitamin A, thiamin, vitamin B6 and vitamin C were below the Dutch recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) among the nursing home women. Several interrelationships among nutrient intakes were found, low intake levels clustering somewhat among elderly subjects. Our data indicate that these nutritional risks are due to a lower food intake resulting in a lower intake of energy and nutrients, and owing to differences in food choice resulting in a lower nutrient density. We conclude that it is difficult to design a diet containing all essential nutrients at the RDA level in a nursing home with residents who have a relatively low intake of energy, especially among those at higher age.     

Dietary assessment of a population of pregnant women in Sheffield, UK

The present study examined the dietary intakes of a population of pregnant women living in the North of England. The objectives of the paper were to assess and describe the dietary intakes of the population and relate the findings to existing data on the diet of pregnant and non-pregnant women in the UK. A total of 250 pregnant women attending their first antenatal appointment at the Jessop Wing Hospital, Sheffield, UK were recruited. Information on their diet was assessed by an interviewer-administered semi-quantified food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The mean intakes as assessed by the FFQ were similar to other studies of UK pregnant population; however Sheffield pregnant women had lower intakes of calcium and folate. Study findings were also related to the National Diet and Nutrition Survey and to the Estimated Nutrient Intakes (EAR). Of the study participants, 40 % did not meet the EAR for calcium, 67 % for iron and 69 % for folate. Subgroup comparisons suggested lower nutrient intakes of participants living in the 40 % most deprived electoral wards. The study findings suggest that the diet of pregnant women in Sheffield is characterised by low intakes of important nutrients for pregnancy such as folate and nutrient variations by electoral wards.     

Nutrient intakes and foods selected by college students: comparisons among subgroups divided by energy intake

Food consumption patterns of college students, divided into subgroups of men (no. = 58), women with mean energy intakes greater than 1,200 kcal (no. = 192), and women consuming less than 1,200 kcal (no. = 53), were studied using 3-day food records. Patterns of nutrient intakes, eating frequency, and types of food eaten differed among subgroups. Women with less than 1,200 kcal had lower intakes of protein, carbohydrate, fat, calcium, iron, thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin; they ate less frequently; and they ate less meat and eggs, legumes, bread, cooked starchy vegetables, milk products, desserts, added fat, and added sugar than did men and women whose mean energy intakes exceeded 1,200 kcal. There were differences between the latter two groups for 10 nutrients and for intakes of fluid milk, meat and eggs, legumes, bread, cooked starchy vegetables, alcoholic beverages, and noncarbonated, sweetened beverages. Diets of men met the RDAs for all nutrients calculated, and diets of women whose intakes exceeded 1,200 kcal met all RDAs except that for iron. Group mean intakes of women with less than 1,200 kcal did not meet the RDAs for calcium, iron, thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin. However, the subgroup with intakes less than 1,200 kcal consumed food of greater nutrient density than did other college students.     

Low maternal dietary intakes of iron, magnesium, and niacin are associated with spina bifida in the offspring

Evidence about the preventive effects of nutrients other than folate on the occurrence of spina bifida is scarce. Therefore, the aim of this work was to investigate the role of maternal nutritional intake and the risk of spina bifida in the offspring. In 106 cases and 181 controls, the mothers' nutrient intakes were obtained by an FFQ approximately 24 mo after conception of the index pregnancy. Energy-adjusted mean nutrient intakes were compared, and odds ratios (OR) and 95% CI were calculated. Although mean nutrient intakes were comparable to the Dutch food consumption survey data, fat, cholesterol, iron, and folate intakes were below the 1998 Dutch Recommended Daily Allowances. Case mothers had significantly lower intakes of plant proteins (7%), polysaccharides (4%), fiber (7%), iron (6%), magnesium (6%), and niacin (4%) than control mothers. Mono- and disaccharide intakes were significantly higher (6%) in the case mothers than in control mothers. The adjusted OR (95% CI) in the lowest quartiles for plant proteins was 5.4 (2.3-12.4), for fiber 3.1 (1.5-6.8), for iron 3.5 (1.4-8.3), for magnesium 1.9 (0.9-4.1), and for niacin 2.5 (1.2-5.2). Mono- and disaccharide and polysaccharide intakes in the highest quartile had ORs (95% CI) of 2.9 (1.4-6.3) and 0.5 (0.3-1.0), respectively. The nutritional intake of Dutch women from food groups containing iron and folate seems to be compromised. Low preconceptional intakes of plant proteins, iron, magnesium, and niacin are associated with a 2- to 5-fold increased risk of spina bifida.     

Nutrient intake of Italian women during lactation

OBJECTIVES: Very few data have been published concerning the actual energy and nutrient intakes of lactating women; in particular there have been no reports concerning Italian women. We report our findings on the energy and macronutrient intakes of a group of exclusively breast-feeding Italian women. Differences between the actual intakes and Italian Recommended Dietary Allowances are also discussed. SUBJECTS: Healthy lactating women aged 27-36 years were recruited in the three major geographical areas of Italy (North, Central, and South) METHODS: Dietary evaluation was based on two consecutive 24-hour recalls from each mother (dietary data, n = 125). Energy and nutrient intakes were estimated using a nutritional database. Statistical analysis was performed using parametric and non-parametric tests. RESULTS: Mean energy intakes for the whole country are below recommended values, while the protein intake, and the percentages of energy from fat and saturated fatty acids are higher than the recommended values. The amount of polyunsaturated fats is within the recommended intake. The percentage of energy from carbohydrates and the amount of fiber are lower than the recommended Italian levels. CONCLUSION: The results obtained in this sample of lactating women seem to point to a low energy intake associated with a moderate imbalance in the distribution of energy percentages from macronutrients.     

Vitamin and Mineral Intakes in Adults with Mood Disorders: Comparisons to Nutrition Standards and Associations with Sociodemographic and Clinical Variables

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the nutrient intakes of people with mood disorders.

Method: A cross-sectional survey using 3-day food records was carried out in 97 adults with bipolar or major depressive disorder to compare nutrient intakes with Dietary Reference Intakes and British Columbia Nutrition Survey (BCNS) data. Blood levels of selected nutrients were compared to reference ranges. Bivariate and multivariate analyses examined the effects of sociodemographic and clinical variables on nutrient intakes.

Results: The average age of respondents was 46 (±13) years; most were women (n = 69) who had less than a university degree (n = 60) and whose incomes were in the government-defined lower range (n = 39). Compared with the BCNS, a larger proportion of the sample was below the estimated average requirement for thiamin (26% vs 8%), riboflavin (21% vs 4%), folate (64% vs 27%), phosphorous (12% vs 1%), and zinc (39% vs 15%; all P < 0.0001), as well as vitamin B₆ (25% vs 16%) and vitamin B₁₂ (27% vs 8%; both P < 0.05). Combined intakes of food and supplements helped reduce the prevalence of inadequacy; however, with supplementation, the proportion of participants exceeding the tolerable upper intake levels for niacin, vitamin B₆, folate, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc ranged from 1%–8%. Income, relationship status, age, gender, and caloric intake were associated with intakes of many nutrients. Types of medications were associated with nutrient intakes, as lower intakes of thiamin and phosphorous (P < 0.05) were found with antidepressant use, higher calcium and iron intakes (P < 0.05) were associated with antianxiety medication use, and magnesium intakes were increased with mood stabilizers (regression coefficient = 52.61, P < 0.05, 95% confidence interval = 0.74 to 104.48).

Conclusions: Adults with mood disorders are at risk for many nutrient inadequacies, as well as occasional excesses; social, demographic, and clinical factors may affect their nutrient intakes.     

Nutrient intakes of women in NHANES II, emphasizing trace minerals, fiber, and phytate

Nutrient intakes of 1,066 young women 18 to 24 years of age were estimated using a shortened nutrient data base (the University of California, Berkeley Minilist) containing 235 food items. The dietary data consisted of 24-hour recalls collected during the Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES II). A cross-reference index, recipe file, and concentration factors were developed to substitute foods on the data base for the 1,267 foods reported by the young women. Estimates of energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate, and iron intakes using the NHANES II nutrient data base and the UCB Minilist were within 3% of one another, and had correlation coefficients above 0.97. Mean +/- S.E. daily intakes of copper, zinc, dietary fiber, and phytate, which are not included in the NHANES II data base, were estimated to be 1.16 +/- 0.02 mg, 8.11 +/- 0.14 mg, 13.2 +/- 0.3 gm, 395 +/- 14 mg, respectively. The values agree closely with other published values for young women's intakes. A shortened nutrient data base can be a valid tool for estimating intakes of populations.     

Higher urinary sodium, a proxy for intake, is associated with increased calcium excretion and lower hip bone density in healthy young women with lower calcium intakes

We assessed 24-h urinary sodium (Na) and its relationship with urinary calcium (Ca) and areal bone mineral density (aBMD) at the whole body, lumbar spine and total hip in a cross-sectional study. 102 healthy non-obese women completed timed 24-h urine collections which were analyzed for Na and Ca. Dietary intakes were estimated using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Participants were grouped as those with lower vs. higher calcium intake by median split (506 mg/1000 kcal). Dietary Na intake correlated with 24-h urinary loss. Urinary Na correlated positively with urinary Ca for all participants (r = 0.29, p < 0.01) and among those with lower (r = 0.37, p < 0.01) but not higher calcium intakes (r = 0.19, p = 0.19). Urinary Na was inversely associated with hip aBMD for all participants (r = -0.21, p = 0.04) and among women with lower (r = -0.36, p < 0.01) but not higher (r = -0.05, p = 0.71) calcium intakes. Urinary Na also entered a regression equation for hip aBMD in women with lower Ca intakes, contributing 5.9% to explained variance. In conclusion, 24-h urinary Na (a proxy for intake) is associated with higher urinary Ca loss in young women and may affect aBMD, particularly in those with lower calcium intakes.     

Nutrient intake of low-income Southeast Asian pregnant women

Dietary nutrient intakes of 91 Cambodian, 37 Laotian, and 59 Vietnamese low-income pregnant women attending a university teaching hospital outpatient clinic in Southern California were measured. The nutrient intakes of the Southeast Asian groups were compared with one another as well as with the intakes of a group of 165 low-income non-Southeast Asian pregnant women of similar height, weight, and age from the same outpatient clinic population. Computerized analysis of the 24-hour recall data showed that there were few differences in nutrient intake between the Southeast Asian groups, except that the Cambodian group consumed significantly less fat, riboflavin, vitamin D, and calcium than the Vietnamese group. However, there were a number of differences between the nutrient intakes of the Southeast Asian groups and those of the non-Southeast Asian group. These included significantly lower intakes of fat, riboflavin, folate, vitamins D and E, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium and significantly higher intakes of thiamin, niacin, sodium, and selenium. These findings suggest that low-income Southeast Asian pregnant women have some good dietary habits that dietitians need to reinforce and other dietary habits that need improvement.     

Pre-pregnancy dietary vitamin A intake may alleviate the adverse birth outcomes associated with prenatal pollutant exposure: epidemiologic cohort study in Poland

A cohort study assessed the relationship between dietary intake of vitamin A in 493 healthy mothers before and around conception and adverse birth outcomes associated with environmental toxicant exposures. The cohort, non-smoking women with singleton pregnancies, aged 18-35 years, gave birth at 34-43 weeks of gestation. The women were asked about their diets over one year preceding pregnancy. Measurements of PM2.5 were carried out during the second trimester. Birth outcomes were adjusted for potential confounding factors, including gestational age. Standardized beta regression coefficients confirmed an inverse association between PM2.5 and birth weight (beta = -172.4, p = 0.02), but the effect of vitamin A on birth weight was positive (beta = 176.05, p = 0.05), when the two were adjusted for each other. The negative effect of higher prenatal PM2.5 exposures (above third tertile) on birth weight was significant in women below the third tertile of vitamin A intakes (beta = -185.1, p = 0.00), but not in women with higher intakes (beta = 38.6, p = 0.61). The negative effect of higher PM2.5 exposure on length at birth was significant with lower vitamin A intakes (beta = -1.1, p = 0.00) but not with higher intakes (beta = -0.3, p = 0.56). Prepregnancy nutrition of mothers may modulate the harmful effects of prenatal exposures to pollutants on birth outcomes.     

Improved diet quality with peanut consumption

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diet quality of free-living men, women, and children choosing peanuts and peanut products. DESIGN: Using data reported in the Continuing Survey of Food Intake by Individuals and Diet and Health Knowledge Survey (CSFII/DHKS) from 1994-1996, food codes were used to sort respondents by use or nonuse of peanuts. SUBJECTS: A nationally representative sample of 4,751 men, 4,572 women, and 4,939 children (boys and girls, 2-19 yrs) who completed 2-day intake records. Measures of Outcome: The two-sample t test was used to analyze differences between peanut users and nonusers for energy, nutrient intakes, Health Eating Index (HEI) scores, and body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: Peanut users (24% of CSFII/DHKS) had higher intakes (p < 0.001) of protein, total fat, polyunsaturated fat (PUFA), monounsaturated fat, (MUFA) (p < 0.01), fiber, vitamin A, vitamin E, folate, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron. Percent of energy from saturated fat was not significantly different for men, women or girls and was slightly lower (p < 0.01) for boys. Dietary cholesterol of peanut users was lower for all population groups; this decrease was significant for both men (p < 0.01) and children (p < 0.001). The HEI was calculated as a measure of overall nutrient profile of the diets and was significantly greater for peanut users (men 61.4, women, 65.1, children 66.8) compared to nonusers (men 59.9, women 64.1, children 64.7) for men (p = 0.0074) and children (p < 0.001). Energy intake was significantly higher in all population groups of peanut users (p < 0.001; boys: p < 0.01); however mean BMI for peanut users was lower for all gender/age categories (women: p < 0.05; children: p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate improved diet quality of peanut users, indicated by the higher intake of the micronutrients vitamin A, vitamin E, folate, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron and dietary fiber, and by the lower intake of saturated fat and cholesterol. Despite a higher energy intake over a two-day period, peanut consumption was not associated with a higher BMI.     

Relative weight, weight loss efforts and nutrient intakes among health-conscious vegetarian, past vegetarian and nonvegetarian women ages 18 to 50

OBJECTIVE: To compare relative weight, weight loss efforts and nutrient intakes among similarly health-conscious vegetarian, past vegetarian and nonvegetarian premenopausal women. METHODS: Demographic data, lifestyle practices and weight loss efforts (by questionnaire), body mass index (BMI;kg/m2) and dietary intake (via multiple-pass 24-hour diet recall) were compared in a convenience sample of 90 current vegetarians, 35 past vegetarians and 68 nonvegetarians. RESULTS: Age (31.9 +/- 8.8), educational attainment, smoking status, alcohol use, physical activity and perceived health status were similar among the three groups of women. BMI did not differ by dietary pattern and averaged 23.7 +/- 4.7 for all women combined. Participants had intentionally lost > or = 10 pounds a mean of 2.1 times, and 39% of women perceived themselves to be overweight; again, no differences were observed among dietary groups. Dietary intakes of vegetarians and current nonvegetarians were consistent with current recommendations for macronutrient composition (< 30% fat, < 10% saturates). Compared to current nonvegetarians, current vegetarians had lower intakes of protein, saturated fat, cholesterol, niacin, vitamins B12 and D, and higher fiber and magnesium intakes. Vegetarians' mean vitamin B12 and D intakes were well below recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: Relative weight and weight loss efforts do not differ by dietary pattern among similarly health-conscious vegetarian and nonvegetarian women. The only differences in nutrient intake with potential health implications were vitamins D and B12.     

Caloric and selected nutrient intakes and estimated energy expenditures for adult women: identification of non-sedentary women with lower energy intakes

Dietary intakes and energy expenditures of healthy adult women were studied. Phase I (no. = 98): 37 women (38% of Phase one subjects) reported 3-day intakes of less than 1,600 kcal/day; low nutrient intakes were associated with less than 1,600 kcal/day for women who did not take supplements. Phase II (no. = 18): group mean energy expenditures assessed by activity diaries matched 7-day intake records for 8 women who had consumed greater than 1,800 kcal/day during Phase I but not for 10 women who had consumed less than 1,600 kcal/day during Phase I. Phase III: duplicate food composites and records supported previous intake records. The data from this study suggest that some non-sedentary women maintain consistently low energy/nutrient intakes and that calculation of energy expenditure from standard tables is not appropriate for those women.