Evaluation of Nutrient Intake and Food Consumption among Dutch Toddlers

Improving dietary habits at a young age could prevent adverse health outcomes. The aim was to gain insight into the adequacy of the dietary intake of Dutch toddlers, which may provide valuable information for preventive measures. Data obtained from the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey 2012–2016 were used, which included 672 children aged one to three years. Habitual intakes of nutrients were evaluated according to recommendations set by the Dutch Health Council. Specific food groups were evaluated according to the Dutch food-based dietary guidelines. For most nutrients, intakes were estimated to be adequate. High intakes were found for saturated fatty acids, retinol, iodine, copper, zinc, and sodium. No statement could be provided on the adequacy of intakes of alpha-linoleic acids, N-3 fish fatty acids, fiber, and iron. 74% of the toddlers used dietary supplements, and 59% used vitamin D supplements specifically. Total median intakes of vegetables, bread, and milk products were sufficient. Consumption of bread, potatoes and cereals, milk products, fats, and drinks consisted largely of unhealthy products. Consumption of unfavorable products may have been the cause of the observed high and low intakes of several nutrients. Shifting towards a healthier diet that is more in line with the guidelines may positively affect the dietary intake of Dutch toddlers and prevent negative health impacts, also later in life.     

The 1990 revision of the FDA total diet study

Information from the 1987–88 USDA Nationwide Food Consumption Survey (NFCS) was used to revise the food list and diets of the Food and Drug Administration's Total Diet Study. The 1990 Total Diet Study contains 265 core foods that will be used to estimate contaminant and nutrient intakes for 14 age-sex categories. The core foods were selected by aggregating the foods consumed by the selected age-sex categories into 265 groups. A food within each group was selected to represent the group. For each age-sex category, the daily gram weight intake of each food within each group was assigned to the core food. These estimates of daily intakes of the 265 foods represent approximately the same weight and caloric intake of average diets for the 14 age-sex categories using 3,571 foods of the NFCS database. Nutrient intakes of diets calculated on the basis of the 3,571 foods and the 265 Total Diet Study foods were similar.     

Children and adolescents' choices of foods and beverages high in added sugars are associated with intakes of key nutrients and food groups.

PURPOSE: To determine associations between intakes of the primary food and beverage sources of added sugars and intakes of key nutrients and food pyramid groups among U.S. children aged 6-17 years. METHODS: The 1994-96 and 1998 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII) were used to examine the diets of U.S. children aged 6-17 years, who provided 2 full days of dietary data. The nationally representative sample (n = 3038) included children age 6-11 (n = 1913) and adolescents age 12-17 (n = 1125). Food codes for sweetened foods and beverages were selected from the USDA Food Coding Scheme and categorized into five food and beverage categories. The Statistical Analysis System software program was used to recode and format the data for statistical analysis and the Survey Data Analysis System was used to apply sample weights and generate statistical procedures. RESULTS: The consumption of sweetened dairy products was positively associated with calcium intakes for children and adolescents. Consumption of presweetened cereals increased the likelihood of the children and adolescents meeting recommendations for the essential shortfall micronutrients calcium, folate, and iron, whereas the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, sugars and sweets, and sweetened grains decreased the likelihood of meeting the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) for these nutrients. Only children who were nonconsumers of sugar-sweetened beverages had a mean calcium intake that met the adequate intakes (AI). Consumption of sweetened dairy products and presweetened cereals was positively associated with the number of dairy servings consumed per day for both age groups. CONCLUSIONS: On average, consumption of sweetened dairy foods and beverages and presweetened cereals had a positive impact on children and adolescents' diet quality, whereas sugar-sweetened beverages, sugars and sweets, and sweetened grains had a negative impact on their diet quality.     

Dietary sources of nutrients among US adults, 1994 to 1996

OBJECTIVE: To identify major food sources of 30 nutrients and dietary constituents among US adults during 1994 to 1996, and to compare them with those identified for 1989 to 1991. DESIGN: A total of 6419 foods were assigned to 112 food groups based on similarities in nutrient content or use. These foods included 3778 food mixtures disaggregated by the US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) FoodLink computerized research tool, so ingredients could be assigned to the appropriate groups and nutrient values ascribed accordingly.Subjects/setting Single 24-hour dietary recalls from a nationally representative sample of 10019 adults aged 19 years or older in USDA's 1994 to 1996 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals were used. Statistical analyses performed The population proportion formula was used to determine weighted nutrient intakes by food groups. Results were tabulated in descending rank order for food groups providing at least 1% of total nutrient intake. RESULTS: Dietary food sources found for 1994 to 1996 were fairly consistent with 1989 to 1991 results for the rank order and proportion these sources made to total nutrient intakes. Remarkable changes were seen in the higher proportion of energy from alcoholic beverages, in the shifts in the proportion of total fat and fatty acids from oil (higher ranked) and margarine (lower ranked), and in the lower proportion of vitamins and minerals from ready-to-eat cereals. CONCLUSIONS: Despite changes in survey methodology, the food supply, and eating patterns, food sources of nutrients among US adults in 1994 to 1996 and 1989 to 1991 were similar. The 1994 to 1996 data are the first known national population estimates for dietary sources of vitamin A (retinol equivalents), selenium, caffeine, and theobromine among US adults.     

School lunch menus and 11 to 12 year old children's food choice in three secondary schools in England-are the nutritional standards being met?

OBJECTIVES: To determine if the lunchtime food provided to schoolchildren adheres to nutritional standards and to examine the influence of children's food choice on nutrient intake at lunchtime. SUBJECTS/SETTING: Seventy-four children aged 11-12 years were recruited from three secondary schools. The school populations spanned a spectrum of socio-economic deprivation. Lunchtime food and nutrient intake was assessed over a 5 day period. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of menu composition and children's food choice in relation to nutrient intake. METHODS: Dietary recording was by an indirect weighing method of menu composition and nutrient intake over a 5 day period. Statistical analysis was carried out using general linear modelling techniques including: t-test, one-way ANOVA and ANCOVA. RESULTS: One school met the standards on food group provision. Intakes of total fat, saturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids were greater in boys. Intake of folate was greater in girls. There were between-school differences (independent of gender) for intake of fatty acids, starch, calcium and folate, with socio-economic deprivation associated with a lesser nutrient intake. Children could have chosen meals higher in calcium, iron, folate and zinc and lower in starch and fat, from the extensive cafeteria menu of between 26 and 42 food. For some nutrients, providing 'healthier' food influences intake of those nutrients whilst for other nutrients, children's food choice predominates. The majority of children did not meet the recommended targets for lunchtime nutrient intake, especially for micronutrients. CONCLUSIONS: Food provision in two out of three schools did not meet government guidelines and socio-economic deprivation was associated with worse food provision. Children from deprived areas were more likely to choose those foods of limited nutritional value than those from more privileged backgrounds. The statutory nutritional standards on their own, without a pricing policy to encourage healthier food choice or restrictions in food choice towards less healthy food are unlikely to catalyse the dietary changes that are so needed to ensure improved nutrient intakes amongst schoolchildren in England.     

Creation of a Database for the Calculation of Nutrient Intake Over Time

In 1987–1988, the first Dutch National Food Consumption Survey (DNFCS) was carried out; similar surveys were conducted in 1992 and 1997–1998. In each survey, food consumption data were converted into energy and nutrients using the most up-to-date version of the Dutch food composition table. To enable valid comparisons of nutrient intake over time specific food composition tables (Trend Table-1 (TT-1) for DNFCS-1 and TT-2 for DNFCS-2) were created. In these tables, for 20 nutrients, the composition of 550 selected food items was compared and reasons for differences were investigated. The food composition table used for DNFCS-3 (last update in 1997) was the reference table. To avoid artificial changes, differences as a consequence of improvements of the database were corrected in retrospect; real changes in the food composition remained intact. In TT-1 nearly 3500 modifications were made. Most of them concerned the composition of macronutrients. About 40% of the corrections arose from more and better analytical data; 6% were missing values. In both TTs many changes were related to the fatty acid composition of foods and were a consequence of changing the expression of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat into fatty acids. In TT-2 more than 2800 modifications were made; besides changes in the fatty acid composition, about 20% reflected improvements in the quality of data, and 16% were missing values. Changes in the different food groups and consequences of the modifications are discussed in more detail.     

Portion size of common foods predicts energy intake among preschool-aged children

This study evaluated the relationship of food intake behaviors to total energy intake among children aged 2 to 5 years old (N=5447) who participated in the Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals, 1994-1996, 1998 (CSFII 94-96, 98). Food intake behaviors examined were portion size for 10 commonly eaten foods, number of eating occasions per day, and number of foods consumed per day. Using regression models, we examined these eating behaviors as predictors of energy intakes with adjustment for body weight. Eating behaviors and body weight were positively related to energy intake, together explaining 38% to 39% of the variability. Portion size alone accounted for 17% to 19% of the variance in energy intake, whereas body weight predicted only 4%. Feeding recommendations should highlight the importance of age-appropriate portion sizes and provide guidance on the frequency of eating and number of foods consumed.     

Diet in a group of 18-month-old children in South West England, and comparison with the results of a national survey

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the normal range of nutrient intakes and food consumption patterns in 18 month old children. SUBJECTS: 1,026 children resident in South West England, forming part of the Children in Focus (CIF) research cohort. METHODS: Diet was assessed using a 3 day unweighed dietary record. Nutrient and food intakes were compared with the dietary reference values and with the results of a British survey of preschool children -- the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS). RESULTS: Intakes of energy and nearly all nutrients were significantly higher in boys than in girls. Intakes of energy were slightly above the estimated average requirements. For most nutrients the mean and median intakes were well above the Reference Nutrient Intakes (RNI). The exceptions were vitamin D, iron and zinc. Nutrient intakes in CIF were very similar to those in the NDNS except for carotene, calcium, vitamin D and iodine, where intakes were considerably higher in CIF, and sugar intake which was lower in CIF. Intakes of most foods were similar in the two surveys. However, consumption of milk, yoghurt and fromage frais and baby foods was higher in CIF, intakes of most fruit and vegetables was somewhat higher, and intakes of savoury snacks and sugar confectionery were lower. In addition, there were differences between the two groups in the types of meat and meat products consumed. CONCLUSIONS: These children are unlikely to be deficient in any nutrients, with the possible exceptions of iron, zinc, and vitamin D. The use of vitamin D supplements and the inclusion of iron- and zinc-rich foods in the diets of preschool children should be encouraged. These data will be important in assessing the influence of early diet on subsequent health and development.     

Food mixture or ingredient sources for dietary calcium: shifts in food group contributions using four grouping protocols

Identifying dietary sources of nutrients by assigning survey foods to food groups can under- or overestimate the contribution a group makes to the intake of specific nutrients. Using calcium and food intakes from USDA's 1994-1996, 1998 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals, the authors determined the proportion of dietary calcium from the dairy, grains, meats, fruits, and vegetables groups using four grouping protocols. Calcium contributions from milk and cheese were higher as more ingredient sources and fewer survey food items were represented in the dairy group. Milk, cheese, and yogurt reported as separate survey food items contributed 42% of total calcium intake. An additional 21% of dietary calcium came from dairy ingredients in mixed foods such as macaroni and cheese, pizza, sandwiches, and desserts. The remaining dietary calcium sources were single grains (16%); vegetable (7%); meat, poultry, and fish (5%); fruit (3%); and miscellaneous foods (7%). Data quantifying the nutrient contributions from dairy ingredients could affect dietary guidance messages or research using dairy foods as variables.     

Dietary-fat intake in the US population.

OBJECTIVE: This article looks at the food group choices by individuals grouped based on fat intake, saturated fat intake, and use of lowfat foods. METHODS: Food consumption data from USDA's National Food Consumption Surveys (NFCS) and the Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII) were used to look at changes in the mean energy, percent calories from fat and saturated-fat and total-fat intakes over time. USDA's 1995 CSFII data were used to evaluate the diets of individuals grouped based on percent calories from fat and use of low-fat foods. Individuals six to 50 years old who had complete food intake records were included and five age-gender classifications were used. RESULTS: The percent of calories from total fat and saturated fat have steadily declined over the last 30 years, and the amount of fat in the diet has increased from 1989 to 1995. Those whose diets met the Dietary Guidelines Recommendations for fat and saturated fat had lower fat intakes. Except for adult males, those with low-fat diets had higher intakes of total-food amount. Also, lower saturated-fat intakes were associated with lower energy intakes. In general, high-fruit-and-grain-products consumption were seen in groups with low-fat intake. For those who included low-fat foods in their diets and also had low-fat intakes, rice and pasta were the major foods of choice for calories. Fried potatoes were one of the main sources of calories for high-fat groups. CONCLUSION: The study showed individuals whose diets included low-fat foods are more likely to have a diet that meets the dietary guidelines recommendations for fat and saturated fat.     

Agreement on nutrient intake between the databases of the First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the ESHA Food Processor

The objective of this study was to assess agreement on nutrient intake between the nutrient database of the First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES I) and an up-to-date (December 1998) nutrient database, the ESHA Food Processor. Analysis was conducted among 11,303 NHANES I participants aged 25-74 years in 1971-1975 who had undergone dietary assessment. A list of all unique foods consumed was obtained from a single 24-hour dietary recall questionnaire administered during the baseline NHANES I visit. Foods on the list were matched to foods in the ESHA Food Processor software. Agreement between participants' nutrient intakes as calculated with the NHANES I and ESHA nutrient databases was assessed using intraclass correlation analysis, linear regression analysis, and graphic methods. Intraclass correlation analysis demonstrated excellent concordance between most nutrient intakes, with coefficients above 0.95 for intakes of energy, carbohydrates, protein, cholesterol, and calcium; coefficients between 0.90 and 0.95 for intakes of total fat, saturated fat, potassium, and vitamin C; and coefficients of approximately 0.85 for intakes of sodium and vitamin A. Graphic methods and regression analyses also showed good-to-excellent correspondence for most nutrients. These findings support the validity of expanding existing nutrient intake databases to explore current hypotheses, provided that food formulation, enrichment, and fortification practices have not changed substantially over time.     

Diet in a group of 18-month-old children in South West England, and comparison with the results of a national survey

Objective To investigate the normal range of nutrient intakes and food consumption patterns in 18-month-old children.
Subjects 1026 children resident in South West England, forming part of the Children in Focus (CIF) research cohort.
Methods Diet was assessed using a 3-day unweighed dietary record. Nutrient and food intakes were compared with the dietary reference values and with the results of a British survey of preschool children – the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS).
Results Intakes of energy and nearly all nutrients were significantly higher in boys than in girls. Intakes of energy were slightly above the estimated average requirements. For most nutrients the mean and median intakes were well above the Reference Nutrient Intakes (RNI). The exceptions were vitamin D, iron and zinc. Nutrient intakes in CIF were very similar to those in the NDNS except for carotene, calcium, vitamin D and iodine, where intakes were considerably higher in CIF, and sugar intake which was lower in CIF. Intakes of most foods were similar in the two surveys. However, consumption of milk, yoghurt and fromage frais and baby foods was higher in CIF, intakes of most fruit and vegetables was somewhat higher, and intakes of savoury snacks and sugar confectionery were lower. In addition, there were differences between the two groups in the types of meat and meat products consumed.
Conclusions These children are unlikely to be deficient in any nutrients, with the possible exceptions of iron, zinc and vitamin D. The use of vitamin D supplements and the inclusion of iron- and zinc-rich foods in the diets of preschool children should be encouraged. These data will be important in assessing the influence of early diet on subsequent health and development.     

New Zealand children's dietary intakes during school hours

Aim:  To describe the dietary habits of New Zealand schoolchildren during school hours.
Methods:  The present study was a secondary analysis of New Zealand's national nutrition survey of schoolchildren (2002 National Children's Nutrition Survey). It includes a subset of 2247 children aged 5–14 years, surveyed to recall a school day. A 24-hour dietary recall was collected in the home of the child. Food or beverage consumption during the morning (9:00 a.m.−11:59 a.m.) and at lunch time (12:00 noon−2:00 p.m.) was based on whether energy intake during these times was above zero. Foods consumed and nutrient intakes during these two time periods were ascertained.
Results:  Approximately 80% of children consumed some food or beverage during the morning and over 90% during lunch time. Older children were less likely than younger children to consume foods or beverages during lunch time. Snack foods, fruit and biscuits were the food groups most consumed during the morning, while sandwiches and fruit were the most popular foods during lunch time. Children obtained approximately one-third of their daily nutrient intakes during school hours. Food and nutrient intakes differed by ethnicity both during the morning and at lunch time.
Conclusions:  Children's food consumption at school could be improved—particularly morning snack quality. Encouraging healthier selections sourced from home is vital as well as ensuring that healthy options are available for purchase, and Pacific children need the most encouragement to choose wisely.     

Sources of fiber and fat in diets of US women aged 19 to 50: implications for nutrition education and policy.

INTRODUCTION. Many women are not meeting dietary recommendations for fiber and fat intakes. Health educators need to know which foods are major sources of these nutrients. METHODS. This study analyzed the contributions of 27 food groups to fiber, fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol intakes of 2134 women aged 19 to 50 years in USDA's Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals, the 1985 and 1986 surveys (CSFII 85-86). RESULTS. Major determinants of fiber intake include frequency of use of certain food groups (vegetables, including potatoes, bread, fruit, soups, ready-to-eat cereal) and choice of particular foods within the larger food groups (e.g., whole grain bread, high fiber cereal). Major determinants of total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol intakes included frequency of use of certain foods (sweet grains, beef, eggs, cheeses/cream, whole milks) and additions to foods (regular salad dressing and butter/margarine). Demographic characteristics were related to various food group consumption parameters. CONCLUSIONS. Information about the relationships between food group and nutrient intake and the effects of household income, race/ethnicity, and region of residence on food group intake indicate opportunities to refine nutritional education programs.     

Low-energy-density diets are associated with high diet quality in adults in the United States

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated food choices made by individuals consuming diets differing in energy density and explores relationships between energy density and diet quality. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, nationally representative survey. SUBJECTS: 7,500 adults (older than 19 years) in the 1994-1996 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Energy density values were calculated from reported food intake. Subjects were classified as consuming a low-energy-density diet, medium-energy-density diet, or high-energy-density diet using tertile cutoffs. For each group, the percentage consuming various foods/beverages and the mean amount of foods/beverages they consumed was determined along with mean nutrient intakes. RESULTS: Compared with participants consuming a high-energy-density diet, those with a low-energy-density diet had a lower energy intake but consumed more food, by weight, from most food groups. A low-energy-density diet included a relatively high proportion of foods high in micronutrients and water and low in fat, such as fruits and vegetables. Subjects with a low-energy-density diet consumed fewer (nonwater) beverages such as caloric carbonated beverages. They also consumed less fat and had higher intakes of several important micronutrients, including vitamins A, C, and B-6, folate, iron, calcium, and potassium. CONCLUSIONS: These analyses further demonstrate the beneficial effects of a low-energy-density diet, which was associated with lower energy intakes, higher food intakes, and higher diet quality than a high-energy-density diet. To achieve a low-energy-density diet, individuals should be encouraged to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables as well as low-fat/reduced-fat, nutrient-dense, and/or water-rich grains, dairy products, and meats/meat alternatives.     

Sources of energy and nutrients in diets of the elderly living in Toronto

The contribution of the various food groups to the nutrient intakes of a group of independently-living elderly individuals in Toronto is described. The pattern of meal and food intakes generally provided enough of the nutrients, excepting calcium, to meet the Recommended Nutrient Intakes for Canadians. Mean energy intake was low. It is suggested that if relatively small amounts of the foods ingested at the different meals are raised, it will likely provide enough energy and all the nutrients to satisfy the recommended levels of intake.     

Nutrient contributions of dairy foods in the United States, Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals, 1994-1996, 1998

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to quantify the impact of dairy foods on nutrient intakes in the United States. SUBJECTS: Data were from 17959 respondents to the 1994-1996, 1998 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII).Statistical analyses Nutrient intakes were quantified by quartile of dairy food intake. Also, dairy intakes were compared in people who met vs did not meet intake recommendations for select nutrients. Finally, the direct contribution of dairy foods/ingredients to calcium and lipid intakes was determined. SAS and SUDAAN software were used. Data were weighted. Energy intake was a covariable in regression models. RESULTS: Intake of all micronutrients examined, except vitamin C, was higher with increasing quartile of total dairy and milk intake, controlling for energy intake. Calcium was the only micronutrient positively associated with cheese intake. Fat intake either did not differ or was lower among people in quartile 2, 3, or 4 vs quartile 1 of total dairy and milk intake, whereas fat was higher as quartile of cheese intake increased. Dietary cholesterol was lower as intakes of any of the dairy categories increased; the opposite was true for saturated fat. Dairy foods/ingredients directly contributed an average of 51% of dietary calcium, 19% of total fat, 32% of saturated fat, and 22% of cholesterol. CONCLUSIONS: Total dairy and milk intakes were associated with higher micronutrient intakes without adverse impact on fat or dietary cholesterol. Results reinforce the strong nutritional profile of dairy-rich diets, although results with saturated fat and with cheese suggest that it would be useful to modify product composition and/or eating patterns to optimize nutritional contributions of dairy products.     

Daily boron intake from the American diet

Interest in boron as a naturally occurring trace element nutrient from the food supply is increasing. Mounting evidence suggests that boron is essential to human beings. This study explores the major food and beverage contributors of boron and estimates of daily boron intake from the American diet. Previous estimates in the literature of dietary boron consumption are based on limited foods and population segments. In this study we provide a more comprehensive assessment of boron consumption by the US population. A boron nutrient database of 1,944 individual foods was developed. These foods represent 95.3% by weight of all foods consumed in the US Department of Agriculture 1989-1991 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (1989-1991 CSFII). The Boron Nutrient Database (version 1.0) was then linked to the 3-day food records of 11,009 respondents to the 1989-1991 CSFII to generate the average daily boron intake for each person. The weighted 5th percentile, median, mean, and 95th percentile boron intakes, respectively, are 0.43, 1.02, 1.17 and 2.42 mg/day for men; 0.33, 0.83, 0.96 and 1.94 mg/day for women; and 0.40, 0.86, 1.01 and 2.18 mg/day for pregnant women. For vegetarian adults, these intakes are 0.46, 1.30, 1.47 and 2.74 mg/day for men and 0.33, 1.00, 1.29 and 4.18 mg/day for women. The top 2 boron contributors, coffee and milk, are low in boron, yet they make up 12% of the total boron intake by virtue of the volume consumed. Among the top 50 boron contributors, peanut butter, wine, raisins, peanuts, and other nuts are high in boron. As more data become available on daily boron requirements, the results of this study may be used to assess whether Americans' daily intake of boron is adequate.     

Intake estimates of naturally occurring phytosterols using deterministic and probabilistic methods in a representative Irish population

Intakes of naturally occurring phytosterols were estimated in the Irish population using phytosterol concentration data obtained from the published literature. Both deterministic and probabilistic approaches were used. Concentration data were applied to dietary intake data as assessed in the North/South Ireland Food Consumption Survey (n = 1,379). With the probabilistic approach, a uniform distribution was used in place of fixed values to reflect variability and uncertainty in phytosterol concentrations. Foods consumed were also categorized into 19 food groups, and the phytosterol intake per food group was calculated. Using the deterministic approach, mean phytosterol intake for the total population was 254 mg/day (28.1 mg/1,000 kJ). Using the probabilistic approach, slightly higher mean phytosterol intakes of 287 mg/day were found. In terms of food groups, 'bread and bread-rolls', 'vegetables and vegetable dishes' and 'spreading fat and oils' were the top three contributing food groups to phytosterol intakes. This study has shown how both deterministic and probabilistic approaches may be used to determine phytosterol intakes in a population.