Dietary sources of fats and cholesterol in US children aged 2 through 5 years.

OBJECTIVES. This study of lipid intakes among preschool children (1) analyzed the contributions of 38 food groups to fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol intakes; (2) estimated the effects of food substitutions on intakes; and (3) examined demographic differences in food group intake and food group sources of these lipids. METHODS. The sample consisted of 547 children, aged 2 to 5 years, from the US Department of Agriculture''s 1985 and 1986 Continuing Surveys of Food Intakes by Individuals. Dietary information for 4 nonconsecutive days throughout a year was used. All foods were classified into groups and the lipids contributed from each group were computed. RESULTS. Over 80% of the children consumed more total fat, saturated fats, and cholesterol than is recommended. The major source of total fat and saturated fats was whole milk; the major sources of dietary cholesterol were eggs and whole milk. Children''s food consumption patterns differed by region of the country and race/ethnicity, providing opportunities to refine nutrition education interventions and evaluations. CONCLUSIONS. By substituting lower-fat foods for the major sources of saturated fats, significant reductions in preschool children''s intakes of saturated fats, fat, and dietary cholesterol could be achieved.     

葡萄糖调节受损患者膳食营养状况调查分析

目的 评价葡萄糖调节受损患者的膳食质量,为膳食干预提供理论依据.方法 从常规健康体检中选取符合空腹血糖受损(IFG)和/或糖耐量减低(IGT)的患者63例(统称为葡萄糖调节受损IGR),其中男性29例,女性34例,根据体质指数(BMI)分为正常体型组38例(BMI 21.0±1.11),超重体型组25例(BMI 26.6±0.95).采用食物频率问卷法和膳食史法相结合,分析患者的膳食能量、三大产热营养素摄入量及来源比例.结果 正常体型组能量、碳水化合物摄入量与标准供给量相比差异无统计学意义(P＜0.05),但其摄入量均超过标准供给量10％以上;蛋白质摄入量低于标准供给量10％,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);脂肪摄入量超过标准供给量10％,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).在营养素来源分配比例中,谷类食物、动物性蛋白质、动物性脂肪和植物性脂肪摄入量均超过标准供给量,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);非谷类食物和植物性蛋白质摄入量低于标准供给量,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).超重体型组能量、碳水化合物和脂肪摄入量均超过标准供给量,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).在营养素来源分配比例中,谷类食物、动物性脂肪和植物性脂肪摄入量均超过标准供给量,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);非谷类食物和植物性蛋白摄入量均低于标准供给量10％;动物性蛋白摄入量超过标准供给量10％.两组的胆固醇摄入量均高于300 mg/d,膳食纤维摄入量明显低于推荐剂量20～35 g/d.结论 糖调节受损患者膳食结构不合理,需要科学合理的营养干预.     

Trends in nutrient and dietary intake among adults and the elderly: from NAHSIT 1993-1996 to 2005-2008

The aim of this study was to investigate trends in nutrients and sources of dietary intake for Taiwanese people from the Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (NAHSIT) 1993-1996 to 2005-2008. Twenty-four hour dietary recall data were obtained from the 2005-2008 NAHSIT. The results showed that intake of cereals and grains, and dietary fiber has decreased, whereas intake of carbohydrate rich convenience foods has increased. As a result, 10-20 g of dietary fat is now obtained from carbohydrate rich foods. A greater proportion of Taiwanese are choosing low-fat meat products, however, excessive intake of meat by men and women aged 19 to 64 years is resulting in excessive intakes of protein, cholesterol and saturated fat. Men and women aged 19 to 30 years had insufficient intakes of fruit and vegetables. Consumption of fruit, dairy/products, and nuts was low in all age groups. We recommend strengthening public nutrition education and changing diet related environment to improve dietary quality and food group distributions. Issues of concern include excessive intakes of energy and the soybean/fish/meat/eggs food group in all subjects, high amount of processed foods and refined-carbohydrate rich foods in men aged 19 to 64 years and women aged 19-30 years, as well as intakes below the DRI for a variety of nutrients in elderly persons.     

Higher glycemic load diet is associated with poorer nutrient intake in women with gestational diabetes mellitus

Changes in the quality and quantity of carbohydrate foods may compromise nutrient intake in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We hypothesized that glycemic index, glycemic load (GL), carbohydrate intake, grains, and cereal product consumption would be associated with nutrient adequacy. Eighty-two women with GDM (61% of Asian background, 34% whites) completed a 3-day food record following their routine group nutrition education session. Nutrient intakes were compared to Nutrient Reference Values (NRV) for Australia and New Zealand. Nutrient intake across energy-adjusted tertiles of glycemic index, GL, carbohydrate intake, and intake of grains and cereal products were assessed. The majority of women (66%-99%) did not meet the NRV for fiber, folate, vitamin D, iodine, and iron, and exceeded NRV for saturated fat and sodium. Higher dietary GL was associated with lower intakes of total, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fat; vitamin E; and potassium (all P < .001). Higher grain intake was not significantly associated with intake of any micronutrients. In Australian women with GDM, high dietary GL predicts greater risk of poor nutrition.     

Breakfast is the Lowest Fat Meal for Young Adult Women

Breakfast consumption and the contribution of breakfast foods to the daily fat and fiber intakes of young adults were evaluated in a sample of 2628 young adults (mean ± SD age = 19.6 ± 3.0 years).The subjects (males = 817, females = 1811) completed 24-hour dietary records for a college introductory nutrition class. The 1-day dietary intake data were analyzed for the following: (1) differences in daily fat and fiber intake between breakfast eaters (80%) and skippers (20%) by gender; (2) fat and fiber content of breakfast compared to other meals; and (3) foods most frequently consumed for breakfast by gender. More women who ate breakfast had daily fat intakes ≤30% energy from fat compared to the women who skipped breakfast (40% vs. 28%, p < .001). For both genders, the breakfast meal contained the lowest mean percent energy from fat compared to other eating occasions (p < .05). The ratio of fat to fiber was lowest for the breakfast meal, although fiber intakes were low overall. For men, the major sources of fat for breakfast were milk, eggs, sausage/ham, cream cheese, and butter/margarine; cereal, bread, and bagels were the major sources of fiber for both genders. Eating breakfast, especially breads and cereals and skim and 1% fat milk, can reduce fat intake and help increase fiber intakes of young adults.     

Dietary and non-dietary predictors of serum total and HDL-cholesterol in men and women: results from the Scottish Heart Health Study

An analysis of the associations between dietary and non-dietary variables and serum total cholesterol (Total-C) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was performed using data from the Scottish Heart Health Study--a cross-sectional survey of men (n = 5123) and women (n = 5236), aged 40-59. Subjects completed a questionnaire which provided health, socio-demographic and food frequency data. Nutrient intakes were calculated from UK food composition tables using standard portion sizes. For men, the significant independent dietary predictors of Total-C, after adjustment for all the other dietary variables, were saturated fat and cereal fibre, and after adjustment for the non-dietary variables, were cereal fibre, saturated fat and cholesterol. For women, intake of vegetable fibre, white fish and beta-carotene were significant independent predictors of Total-C after adjustment for all the other dietary variables. Only beta-carotene remained significant after adjustment for all the non-dietary variables. Alcohol intake and body mass index were respectively the strongest positive and negative predictors of HDL-C for both sexes. In conclusion: (1) certain dietary factors may affect serum cholesterol levels differently for men and women; (2) a possible role for the antioxidant vitamins and fibre in the prediction of serum cholesterol, may be indicated, in addition to the 'classical' role of dietary cholesterol and saturated fat and (3) confounding between the social and dietary variables does occur, and confirms the need for multiple adjustments in studies of this nature.     

Dietary patterns and nutrient intakes of 7-year-old children taking part in an atherosclerosis prevention project in Finland

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the dietary patterns of 7-year-old children participating in an atherosclerosis prevention project and the relationship of those dietary patterns to nutrient intakes and serum cholesterol values. DESIGN: In the randomized, prospective Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project (STRIP) 1,062 children were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n=540; low-saturated fat, low-cholesterol diet) or to a control group (n=522; unrestricted diet) at 7 months of age. SUBJECTS/SETTINGS: The intervention families received, at 6-month intervals, individualized counseling that focused on the known environmental atherosclerosis risk factors and aimed at reducing children's saturated fat and cholesterol intake. Nutrition counseling was targeted at the child but, because of the young age of the children, was given to the parents. When children were 7 years old, food and nutrient intakes of 307 intervention and 323 control children were studied using 4-day food records. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: K-means cluster analysis was used to classify children into 4 groups on the basis of similarity of food intake. Differences in nutrient intakes and serum lipid concentrations between children in the 4 food intake clusters were evaluated using Tukey's multiple comparison test. RESULTS: Intervention children dominated the bread, skim milk, and margarine cluster and the cereals, rice, and pasta cluster whereas the 1.5%-fat milk and butter cluster included mainly control children. Saturated fat intake was nearest to the recommendations, that is 11.7% and 11.9% of energy, in the bread, skim milk, and margarine cluster and the cereals, rice, and pasta cluster, respectively. Children in the bread, skim milk, and margarine cluster had 20% to 27% higher fiber intakes (P<.001) whereas children in the sugar and sweets cluster had markedly higher sugar intakes than children in other clusters (P<.001). Serum cholesterol concentrations were lower in those clusters with high dietary ratios of polyunsaturated to saturated fat. CONCLUSION: Detailed and repeated dietary counseling of parents, starting when children are aged 7 months, that aims at decreasing children's exposure to known nutrition risk factors for coronary heart disease modifies children's food patterns and nutrient intakes toward expected values.     

Food behaviour and consumption patterns in rural areas of Sirjan,Iran. 1. Dietary patterns,energy and nutrient intakes and food ideology

Food consumption patterns, using the 24‐hour dietary recall and frequency methods, as well as food beliefs, were studied in rural areas of Sirjan, Iran, the households being chosen by cluster‐sampling. Foods were mainly of a plant origin, wheat, in the form of bread, being the main staple. Energy and protein intakes were only 75% of the 1985 WHO/FAO/UNU recommendations in two thirds and one quarter of the women respectively. The intakes of Fe, Ca and vitamin A were, on the average, not satisfactory; thiamine intake, however, was quite satisfactory, due to the high consumption of whole wheat bread. Food behaviour of women during pregnancy and lactation was generally not satisfactory, although they were conscious of the importance of a good diet in these conditions. Foods classified by women as “hot” had statistically significantly higher contents of energy and fat and lower contents of carbohydrate, thiamine and fiber than “cold” foods. Local availability and low prices of foods seemed to be the most important factors influencing the types of foods consumed.     

Food consumption patterns of rural older African American, Native American, and white adults in North Carolina

This paper describes the major food sources of selected nutrients for an ethnically diverse sample of older adults in rural North Carolina. A representative sample of 130 elders (> 70 years) completed semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires. Percentages of foods most frequently consumed as the lead source of seven nutrients were calculated overall, by gender and ethnic group. Foods eaten at least one time per week were identified, and percentages of participants consuming that frequency were calculated. Major food sources included: salad oil/cooking oil for calories, total fat and saturated fat; miscellaneous vegetables for dietary fiber and folate; and orange/grapefruit juice for vitamin C. Heterogeneity in food sources was greatest for zinc and least for vitamin C. Variation across gender and ethnic groups was observed only in the degree to which specific food sources contributed to nutrient intake. These data provide greater insight into the dietary patterns of rural elders than examining nutrient intakes.     

Both food preferences and food frequency scores predict fat intakes of women with breast cancer

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether self-reported frequencies of food use were linked to self-reported preferences for the same foods. The hypothesis was that both food frequencies and food preferences can predict nutrient intakes. RESPONDENTS: Participants were adult women patients (n = 339), recruited through the University of Michigan Breast Care Center. The sample included both persons with breast cancer and persons who were cancer-free. DESIGN: All women completed a 98-item food frequency questionnaire and rated preferences for many of the same foods using a 9-point category scale. Percent energy from fat and saturated fat, and intakes of dietary fiber and vitamin C were estimated from analyses of 4-day food records. STATISTICAL ANALYSES: Pearson correlations coefficients were used for data analysis. RESULTS: Dislike was a strong predictor of nonuse. In contrast, the more preferred foods were also reported as more frequently consumed. Significant correlations between preference and frequency scores were obtained for virtually all item pairs. Median Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.30 (range 0.04 to 0.56). Correlations improved when foods were aggregated into the chief dietary sources of fat, saturated fat, and vitamin C. Food frequencies and food preferences showed the same strength of association with percent energy from fat and saturated fat (r = 0.20 to 0.25). Food frequencies showed a stronger association with vitamin C intakes than did preferences for vegetables and fruit. APPLICATIONS: Food preferences may provide a potential alternative to the food frequency approach.     

Dietary intake and the risk of coronary heart disease among the coconut-consuming Minangkabau in West Sumatra, Indonesia

Several nutrition and non-nutritional pathways are recognised in the development and occurrence of cardiovascular disease. In many populations, high intakes of saturated fat are associated with elevated serum cholesterol concentrations and increased coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality. However, several studies report that hyperlipidaemia and heart diseases are not common among populations who consume coconut, a source of saturated fat. A case-control study was conducted among the Minangkabau known to be high coconut consumers to examine the difference in food patterns and risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) between the coronary cases and their gender- and age-matched apparently healthy counterparts serving as controls. Eligible subjects with CHD were identified through the co-operation of five participating hospitals located in Padang and Bukittinggi in West Sumatra, Indonesia. A total of 93 eligible cases (62 men and 31 women) in the Case group and 189 subjects (113 men and 76 women) in the Control group were recruited. Information on the intakes of individual foods and dishes over the preceding 12 months was obtained using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The Case groups had significantly higher intakes of meats, eggs, sugar, tea, coffee and fruits, but lower intakes of soy products, rice and cereals compared to the controls. Coconut consumption as flesh or milk was not different between cases and controls. The cases had significantly higher intakes of protein and cholesterol, but lower intake of carbohydrate. Similar intakes of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids between the cases and controls indicated that the consumption of total fat or saturated fat, including that from coconut, was not a predictor for CHD in this food culture. However, the intakes of animal foods, total protein, dietary cholesterol and less plant derived carbohydrates were predictors of CHD.     

The relationship of breakfast and cereal consumption to nutrient intake and body mass index: the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Growth and Health Study

OBJECTIVE: To describe changes in breakfast and cereal consumption of girls between ages 9 and 19 years, and to examine the association of breakfast and cereal intake with body mass index (BMI) and consumption of nutrients. DESIGN: Data from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Growth and Health Study, a longitudinal biracial observational cohort study with annual 3-day food records. SUBJECTS/SETTING: The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Growth and Health Study recruited 2,379 girls (1,166 white and 1,213 black), ages 9 and 10 years at baseline, from locations in the Berkeley, CA; Cincinnati, OH; and Washington, DC, areas. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Frequency of consumption of breakfast (including cereal vs other foods) and cereal; BMI; and dietary fat, fiber, calcium, cholesterol, iron, folic acid, vitamin C, and zinc. STATISTICAL ANALYSES: Generalized estimating equations methodology was used to examine differences in the frequency of breakfast and cereal eating by age. Generalized estimating equations and mixed models were used to examine whether breakfast and cereal consumption were predictive of BMI and nutrient intakes, adjusting for potentially confounding variables. RESULTS: Frequency of breakfast and cereal consumption decreased with age. Days eating breakfast were associated with higher calcium and fiber intake in all models, regardless of adjustment variables. After adjusting for energy intake, cereal consumption was related to increased intake of fiber, calcium, iron, folic acid, vitamin C, and zinc, and decreased intake of fat and cholesterol. Days eating cereal was predictive of lower BMI. CONCLUSIONS: Cereal consumption as part of an overall healthful lifestyle may play a role in maintaining a healthful BMI and adequate nutrient intake among adolescent girls.     

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.     

Dietary Associates of Serum Total, LDL, and HDL Cholesterol and Triglycerides in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease

BACKGROUND: Diet-lipid associations established in clinical trials have in general been weak or nonexistent in cross-sectional studies within a population. Our objective was to analyze the dietary associates of serum lipids in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) not using lipid-lowering medication. METHODS: Patients with coronary bypass grafting (n = 49), balloon angioplasty (n = 46), acute myocardial infarction (n = 79), and acute myocardial ischemia (n = 79) participated in a survey (EUROASPIRE). Patients were selected from hospital records at least 6 months after hospitalization. Diet was assessed by a food record, a short questionnaire, and fatty acid composition of serum cholesteryl esters (CE). RESULTS: Neither the intake of total fat nor that of saturated, monounsaturated, or polyunsaturated fatty acids was associated with serum lipids. Use of soft margarine on bread (though not in cooking or baking) and high intake of fiber and cereal products were associated with low total cholesterol. Linoleic acid in CE was inversely associated with total cholesterol and triglycerides, and eicosapentaenoic acid was inversely associated with triglycerides and positively associated with HDL cholesterol. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study use of soft margarine on bread (though not in cooking or baking) and high intake of fiber and cereal products were associates of lowered serum cholesterol concentrations in CHD patients. Fatty acid composition of CE reflected dietary fatty acid intake involved in cholesterol lowering better than food records.     

Relationship between diet and smoking--is the diet of smokers different?

STUDY OBJECTIVE--The aim was to compare nutrient intakes of smokers, past smokers, and non-smokers. DESIGN--The study was cross sectional and compared nutrient intake by smoking status using data obtained from a concurrent study of diet. SETTING--The study took place in three towns in England: Ipswich, Wakefield, and Stoke on Trent. PARTICIPANTS--Food records were obtained from 1115 men and 1225 women aged 35 to 54 years, representing response rates of 84-86% in the three towns. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS--Diet was assessed using a 24h food record in household measures. For both men and women vitamin C, total fibre, beta carotene, and vitamin E intakes were lowest in the current smokers and highest in the non-smokers with past smokers having intermediate values. Polyunsaturated/saturated fat ratio was lowest in the current smokers. Men who smoked had higher energy intakes than those who did not. The lower fat intakes of beta carotene, vitamin C, fibre, and polyunsaturated fat in the smokers was due to fewer smokers eating a whole range of foods including fruit, wholemeal bread, cereals, and polyunsaturated margarine. Current smokers had a lower body mass index than non-smokers or past smokers despite their higher energy intakes. CONCLUSIONS--Smokers have different nutrient and food intakes compared with past smokers or non-smokers.     

The effect of breakfast cereal on diet and serum cholesterol: a randomized trial in North Karelia, Finland.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that a high carbohydrate breakfast with breakfast cereal leads to a meaningful reduction in dietary energy intake from fat, especially from saturated fat, and thus lower serum cholesterol levels. DESIGN: An open randomized controlled cross-over trial. The subjects were randomized into intervention breakfast cereal or usual breakfast (control) groups. SETTING: Free-living subjects aged 29-71 y in Eastern Finland SUBJECTS: 224 enrolled, 209 completed the study. The subjects were recruited from a survey of a random population sample and from other sources, and their serum cholesterol was not lower than 5.0 mmol/l. Recruited persons did not have any chronic disease or very low saturated fat intake. INTERVENTION: The cereal group consumed 80 g (men) or 60 g (women) cereal at breakfast and the control group continued their usual dietary habits for six weeks. After a wash out of six weeks, a cross-over with another six week trial period took place. Measurements (including serum samples and a 3 d food record) took place before and after the two trial periods. RESULTS: The intervention period led to 2.5 en% (energy percent units) reduction in saturated fatty acids intake. The reduction in total fat intake was 5.5 en%. This was compensated for by increased intake of carbohydrates. The reduction in saturated fatty acids intake led to modest (but in group 1 significant) 0.15 mmol/l (2.5%) reduction in total serum cholesterol level. CONCLUSIONS: The trial showed that regular cereal breakfast can lead to reduced intake of total and saturated fatty acids of the daily diet and consequently to reduction in serum cholesterol level.     

Contribution of specific foods to fat, fatty acids, and cholesterol in the development of a food frequency questionnaire in Koreans

The present study identified dietary sources of fat, fatty acids, and cholesterol in Koreans residing in and near Seoul. The study also identified foods to be included in a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) by both contribution analysis (CA) and multiple regression analysis (MRA). Three-day dietary records were collected from 224 subjects (107 men and 117 women) aged 30 to 85 years. Pork was the main source of total fat and the largest contributor to saturated fatty acids (SFA) was beef. MRA identified animal food as the primary source of between-person variance for SFA. Arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid originated primarily from marine products. About a fourth of the total cholesterol intake was derived from chickens' eggs by CA, while chickens' eggs accounted for 46% of the cholesterol intake for between-person variance by MRA. With 10 food items, the FFQ could explain more than half of total intakes except for total fat and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and at least 65% of between-person variances. The percentage coverage in the FFQ ranged from 61% for n-6 PUFA and linoleic acid and to 90% for arachidonic acid. The value of this FFQ is that it can estimate usual dietary food patterns and nutrient intake in Koreans for epidemiological studies. It can also potentially be used to study the relationship between specific diseases and nutrient intakes of interest.     

Total dietary fiber intakes in the US population are related to whole grain consumption: results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009 to 2010

Whole grain (WG) foods have been shown to reduce chronic disease risk and overweight. Total dietary fiber is associated with WG and its health benefits. The purpose was to determine whether associations exist between WG intake (no-WG intake, 0 ounce equivalent [oz eq]; low, >0-<3 oz eq; high, ≥3 oz eq) and total dietary fiber intake among Americans 2 years and older. One-day food intake data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009 to 2010 (n = 9042) showed that only 2.9% and 7.7% of children/adolescents (2-18 years) and adults (≥19 years) consumed at least 3 WG oz eq/d, respectively. For children/adolescents and adults, individuals in the high WG intake group were 59 and 76 times more likely to fall in the third fiber tertile, respectively, compared with those with no-WG intake. Total dietary fiber intake from food sources varied by WG intake group for children/adolescents and adults with more total dietary fiber consumed from ready-to-eat (RTE) and hot cereals and yeast breads/rolls in the high WG intake group compared with the no-WG intake group. Major WG sources for children/adolescents and adults included yeast bread/rolls (24% and 27%, respectively), RTE cereals (25% and 20%, respectively), and oatmeal (12% and 21%, respectively). Among those with the highest WG intake, WG RTE cereal with no added bran was the greatest contributor to total dietary fiber compared with other RTE cereal types. Whole grain foods make a substantial contribution to total dietary fiber intake and should be promoted to meet recommendations.     

Diet diversity and nutrient intake

Variety is espoused as a key to dietary adequacy, yet data from new shortcut dietary measures suggest that intakes of relatively few foods can accurately classify individuals according to nutrient intake. This study examines diet diversity, caloric intake, and nutrient density values as contributors to the level of selected nutrients in the diets of 1,747 white men and 1,898 white women, 18 to 34 years old, completing the 24-hour recall in NHANES II. Nutrient intake was directly related to both number of foods eaten and total calories consumed, as well as to nutrient density values. For fat, saturated fat, and potassium, higher caloric consumption alone may account for substantial differences in nutrient intakes between the lowest and highest quartiles. For cholesterol, calcium, and vitamin A, differences in dietary density were more important in explaining nutrient intake differences. Both caloric intake and nutrient density influence sodium intake from food sources. For some nutrients, an overall measure of diversity may be useful for estimating intakes. For others, nutrient-specific diversity indexes would likely be needed. Knowledge of specific foods in diets with high levels of nutrients could aid the construction of food frequency instruments.