Peer Reviewed: Impact of Periodic Follow-Up Testing Among Urban American Indian Women With Impaired Fasting Glucose

Introduction

Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) often progresses to type 2 diabetes. Given the severity and prevalence of this disease, primary prevention is important. Intensive lifestyle counseling interventions have delayed or prevented the onset of type 2 diabetes, but it is not known whether less intensive, more easily replicable efforts can also be effective.

Methods

In a lifestyle intervention study designed to reduce risks for type 2 diabetes, 200 American Indian women without diabetes, aged 18 to 40 years, were recruited from an urban community without regard to weight or IFG and block-randomized into intervention and control groups on the basis of fasting blood glucose (FBG). Dietary and physical activity behaviors were reported, and clinical metabolic, fitness, and body composition measures were taken at baseline and at periodic follow-up through 18 months. American Indian facilitators used a group-discussion format during the first 6 months to deliver a culturally influenced educational intervention on healthy eating, physical activity, social support, and goal setting. We analyzed a subset of young American Indian women with IFG at baseline (n = 42), selected from both the intervention and control groups.

Results

Among the women with IFG, mean FBG significantly decreased from baseline to follow-up (P < .001) and converted to normal (<5.6 mmol/L or <100 mg/dL) in 62.0% of the 30 women who completed the 18-month follow-up, irrespective of participation in the group educational sessions. Other improved metabolic values included significant decreases in mean fasting blood total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The women reported significant overall mean decreases in intake of total energy, saturated fat, total fat, total sugar, sweetened beverages, proportion of sweet foods in the diet, and hours of TV watching.

Conclusion

Volunteers with IFG in this study benefited from learning their FBG values and reporting their dietary patterns; they made dietary changes and improved their FBG and lipid profiles. If confirmed in larger samples, these results support periodic dietary and body composition assessment, as well as glucose monitoring among women with IFG.     

Dietary Intakes and Physical Activity among Preschool-Aged Children Living in Rural American Indian Communities before a Family-Based Healthy Lifestyle Intervention

Objective

To report dietary intake and physical activity among preschool-aged children living in rural American Indian communities before participation in a family-based healthy lifestyle intervention and to compare data to current age-specific recommendations.

Subjects/design

One hundred thirty-five preschool-aged children, living in rural American Indian communities, provided diet and physical activity data before participating in a 2-year randomized healthy lifestyle intervention. Three 24-hour dietary recalls assessed nutrient and food and added sugar intake, which were compared to the National Academy of Science's Dietary Reference Intakes, the US Department of Agriculture's MyPyramid, and American Heart Association recommendations. Time watching television and moderate plus vigorous activity was compared to MyPyramid and American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations.

Statistical analysis

Nutrient, food group, added sugar intake, and time watching television and in moderate or vigorous activity were compared to recommendations by computing the percent of recommendations met. Nonparametric tests identified differences in diet and physical activity among age groups and normal and overweight children (body mass index <85th and ≥85th percentile).

Results

Average nutrient intakes met recommendations whereas food group intakes did not. Mean fruit and vegetable intakes for 2- to 3-year-olds were 0.36 c/day fruit and 0.45 c/day vegetables and, for 4- to 5-year-olds, 0.33 c/day fruit and 0.48 c/day vegetables. Both age groups reported consuming more than 50 g added sugar, exceeding the recommendation of 16 g. Overweight vs normal weight children reported significantly more sweetened beverage intake (8.0±0.10 vs 5.28±0.08 oz/day, P<0.01). On average, all children reported watching television 2.0 hours/day and significant differences were observed for total television viewing and nonviewing time between overweight and normal weight children (8.52±0.6 vs 6.54±0.6 hours/day, P<0.01). All children engaged in <20 minutes/day of moderate or vigorous activity.

Conclusions

Overall, children in this sample did not meet MyPyramid recommendations for fruits or vegetables and exceed added sugar intake recommendations. Television viewing time and time when the television was on in the home was highly prevalent along with low levels of moderate or vigorous activity. The Healthy Children Strong Families intervention we studied has potential for improving nutrition and physical activity among preschool-aged children living in rural American Indian communities.     

Predictors of fruit and vegetable intakes in young adults by gender

The objective of this study was to identify predictors of fruit and vegetable consumption by gender in collegiate young adults to guide interventions to help increase intakes. A sample of 294 subjects reported demographics, self-efficacy, dietary patterns, and food group intakes from 3 days of food records. Average daily servings of fruits and of vegetables were 1.9 ± 2.0 and 3.9 ± 2.6, respectively, for men, and 2.0 ± 1.6 and 2.9 ± 1.7, for women. For both genders, living in a residence hall and frequency of eating breakfast were positively associated with intakes of fruit and of fruit juice, whereas vegetable intakes were positively associated with intakes of energy and discretionary fat (P < .01). Self-efficacy to eat fruit predicted 8% and 9% of the variance in fruit intakes for women and men, respectively, with percentages increasing to 11% and 17% when juice was removed from the total. Self-efficacy to eat vegetables did not predict vegetable intake in men as it did for women. Predictors of fruit and vegetable intakes in this group of young adults varied by gender and by whether juice was included with fruit and fried potatoes with vegetables.     

Parental influences on young girls' fruit and vegetable, micronutrient, and fat intakes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate parents' fruit and vegetable intake and their use of pressure to eat in child feeding as predictors of their 5-year-old daughters' fruit and vegetable, micronutrient, and fat intakes. SUBJECTS: Data were obtained from 191 non-Hispanic white families with 5-year-old girls. DESIGN: Parent data included reports of pressure in child feeding and their own fruit and vegetable intake. Girls' intakes of fruits and vegetables, selected micronutrients, and fat were the main outcomes of interest. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Structural equation modeling was used to test a model describing relationships among parents' fruit and vegetable intake, parents' use of pressure in child feeding, and daughters' fruit and vegetable, micronutrient, and fat intakes. RESULTS: The model provided a good fit to the data, revealing that girls' fruit and vegetable intake was positively related to their parents' reported fruit and vegetable intake. Parents who consumed fewer fruits and vegetables tended to report greater pressure in child feeding and had daughters who consumed fewer fruits and vegetables. Girls' reported fruit and vegetable intakes were positively related to their micronutrient intakes and negatively associated with fat intake. APPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS: This research demonstrates that parents' own fruit and vegetable intake may encourage fruit and vegetable intake in their daughters, leading to higher micronutrient intakes and lower dietary fat intakes. Conversely, pressure to eat may discourage fruit and vegetable intake among young girls.     

Fruit and vegetable intakes and bone mineral status: a cross sectional study in 5 age and sex cohorts

BACKGROUND: Evidence is increasing for positive effects of fruit and vegetable intakes on bone health. However, most of the studies to date were conducted in adults, and few reports included adolescents. OBJECTIVE: We explored the association between bone mineral status and fruit and vegetable intakes in adolescent boys and girls (aged 16-18 y), young women (aged 23-37 y), and older men and women (aged 60-83 y). DESIGN: Bone mineral measurements of the whole body, hip, and spine were made in all subjects by using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Information on health and lifestyle and physical activity was obtained by questionnaire. Fruit, vegetable, and nutrient intakes were ascertained from 7-d food diaries. RESULTS: In adolescent boys and girls and older women, significant positive associations were observed between spine size-adjusted bone mineral content (SA-BMC) and fruit intake. In boys only, femoral neck SA-BMC was also significantly and positively associated with the intakes of both fruit and dietary vitamin C. No significant associations were found in the young women or older men, or between bone measurements and intake of vegetables alone (after adjustments) in any of the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Higher fruit and vegetable intakes may have positive effects on bone mineral status in both younger and older age groups, especially at the spine and femoral neck. The specific mechanisms remain to be ascertained, but vitamin C, other fruit-specific antioxidants, and lifestyle may play a role.     

Parental influences on young girls’ fruit and vegetable, micronutrient, and fat intakes

Objective To evaluate parents’ fruit and vegetable intake and their use of pressure to eat in child feeding as predictors of their 5-year-old daughters’ fruit and vegetable, micronutrient, and fat intakes.Subjects Data were obtained from 191 non-Hispanic white families with 5-year-old girls.Design Parent data included reports of pressure in child feeding and their own fruit and vegetable intake. Girls’ intakes of fruits and vegetables, selected micronutrients, and fat were the main outcomes of interest.Statistical analysis Structural equation modeling was used to test a model describing relationships among parents’ fruit and vegetable intake, parents’ use of pressure in child feeding, and daughters’ fruit and vegetable, micronutrient, and fat intakes.Results The model provided a good fit to the data, revealing that girls’ fruit and vegetable intake was positively related to their parents’ reported fruit and vegetable intake. Parents who consumed fewer fruits and vegetables tended to report greater pressure in child feeding and had daughters who consumed fewer fruits and vegetables. Girls’ reported fruit and vegetable intakes were positively related to their micronutrient intakes and negatively associated with fat intake.Applications/conclusions This research demonstrates that parents’ own fruit and vegetable intake may encourage fruit and vegetable intake in their daughters, leading to higher micronutrient intakes and lower dietary fat intakes. Conversely, pressure to eat may discourage fruit and vegetable intake among young girls. J Am Diet Assoc. 2002;102:58–64.     

Dairy, fruit, and vegetable intakes and functional limitations and disability in a biracial cohort: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study

BACKGROUND: Dairy, fruit, and vegetable intakes may be associated with functional limitations and disability through their role in muscle function, osteoporosis, and prevention of the oxidative damage associated with aging and chronic disease. OBJECTIVE: The associations between dairy, fruit, and vegetable intakes and functional limitations and disability were examined in African Americans and whites (baseline age: 45-64 y; n=9404) in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study. DESIGN: Logistic regression analyses were used to ascertain the associations between usual dairy, fruit, and vegetable intakes obtained at baseline by using a food-frequency questionnaire and lower-extremity function, activities of daily living (ADLs), and instrumental ADLs (IADLs) self-reported approximately 9 y later in models stratified by race and sex. RESULTS: Baseline dairy, fruit, and vegetable intakes tended to be inversely associated with impaired lower-extremity function, ADLs, and IADLs approximately 9 y later, particularly in African American women. For example, in African American women, baseline dairy intakes were inversely associated with impaired ADLs and IADLs [odds ratio (95% CI): 0.60 (0.40, 0.90) and 0.69 (0.48, 0.98), respectively [corrected] in the 3rd versus the [corrected] 1st tertile of intake (P [corrected] for trend<0.05]. Combined baseline intakes of fruit and vegetables were also inversely associated with impaired lower-extremity function, ADLs, and IADLs [odds ratio (95% CI): 0.67 (0.47, 0.95), 0.52 (0.36, 0.76), and 0.64 (0.45, 0.90), respectively; P for trend<0.05]. CONCLUSIONS: Dairy, fruit, and vegetable intakes may be inversely associated with functional limitations and disability. Further research is needed to ascertain the effect of diet on subsequent functional limitations and disability.     

Comparison of dietary intakes associated with metabolic syndrome risk factors in young adults: the Bogalusa Heart Study

BACKGROUND: Previous studies suggested that dietary intakes affect individual risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine dietary intakes in 1181 young adults aged 19-38 y (38.1% men; 25% African Americans and 75% whites) in relation to metabolic syndrome risk factors in the Bogalusa Heart Study. DESIGN: Participants were stratified into 3 groups according to the number of risk factors (0, 1-2, >/=3) associated with the metabolic syndrome according to the diagnostic criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program, and dietary intakes were compared between the groups with a cross-sectional analysis. RESULTS: After adjustment for age, total energy intake, body mass index, and physical activity, mean (+/-SE) intakes of fruit, fruit juice, and vegetables were significantly higher in subjects who had no risk factors than in subjects who had 1-2 risk factors (3.30 +/- 0.09 compared with 2.99 +/- 0.07 servings/d; P < 0.05). The mean intake of sweetened beverages was lower in subjects who had no risk factors than in subjects who had 1-2 risk factors or >/=3 risk factors among whites (1.45 +/- 0.08 compared with 1.77 +/- 0.07 and 2.22 +/- 0.15 serving/d, respectively, in men; 1.26 +/- 0.06 compared with 1.62 +/- 0.05 and 1.78 +/- 0.13 servings/d, respectively, in women; P < 0.001) but not among African Americans. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that low fruit and vegetable consumption and high sweetened beverage consumption are independently associated with the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in specific sex-ethnicity populations.     

Predictors of Calcium Intake at Dinner Meals of Ethnically Diverse Mother-Child Dyads from Families with Limited Incomes

Diets adequate in calcium and other key nutrients early in life are critical for optimal growth. This study's objective was to determine associations between beverage and dairy food intakes of mothers and their young children and food/beverage contributions to calcium at dinner meals from ethnically diverse families with limited incomes. This was a secondary analysis of dietary data on mother-child dyads from a cross-sectional study. The sample was 465 children (4.4±0.6 years) and their mothers, 41% African American, 34% Hispanic, and 21% white. Dietary and anthropometric data were collected in 52 Head Start centers in Alabama and Texas during 1 year starting fall 2004. Associations between mother-child intakes were examined by race/ethnicity using correlations. Calcium intake from dinners was predicted (stepwise regression) from four beverage categories—milk, sweetened beverages, 100% fruit juices, and non-energy-containing beverages plus water—and from cheese and dairy desserts. Overall, the mother's dinnertime intake of milk did not predict that of her child. Mother-child intakes of cheese, dairy desserts, and sweetened beverages correlated more strongly than did milk. All the beverages and dairy groups demonstrated moderate correlations for dyads with those for cheese (r=0.56), dairy desserts (r=0.39), fruit juice (r=0.36), and sweetened beverages (r=0.31) higher than that for milk overall (r=0.29, P<0.01). Milk and cheese predicted the most variance in calcium intake for both mothers and children overall (R²=0.82), and for all race-ethnic groups, except African-American children, where the contribution from cheese predominated. Food and nutrition professionals should encourage replacing sweet beverages at dinner with low-fat milk or calcium-fortified beverages to improve the nutrient density of meals.     

A stage-tailored multi-modal intervention increases fruit and vegetable intakes of low-income young adults

PURPOSE: Assess effectiveness of an intervention to improve fruit and vegetable consumption in economically disadvantaged young adults. DESIGN: Randomized treatment-control, pre-post design. SETTING: Ten states. SUBJECTS: Young adults (n = 2024, ages 18-24) were recruited from noncollege venues; 1255 (62%) completed assessment interviews at baseline and at 4 and 12 months. INTERVENTION: Treatment participants received a series of mailed materials and two educational calls in 6 months. Controls received a mailed pamphlet. MEASURES: Assessment calls determined two measures of fruit and vegetable intakes, demographics and stage of change at baseline, 4 and 12 months, plus treatment participants' decisional balance, processes, and self-efficacy. ANALYSIS: Repeated measure analysis of variance, intent-to-treat, chi2, and logistic regression. RESULTS: At follow-up, participants in the experimental group had higher intakes of fruit and vegetables than controls (perceived daily intakes of 4.90 vs. 4.60 servings per day, F = 3.49, p < .05 and 4.31 vs. 3.92 servings/day via 5-A-Day Screener, F= 4.78, p < .01) and greater progression to action or maintenance stages (66% progress in fruitfor intervention vs. 55% progress in fruit for controls; 47% vs. 32% progress for vegetables, p = .0080 and .0001, respectively). Lower education, non-White ethnicity, male gender, living with children, and experimental group assignment predicted attrition (chi2(6df) = 288, p < .001, Cox R2 = .132). CONCLUSIONS: Tailored educational messages and research-extension partnerships are advantageous for improving fruit and vegetable intakes of young adults.     

Dietary fat, fiber, vegetable, and micronutrients are associated with overall survival in postmenopausal women diagnosed with breast cancer

Relatively few studies have assessed the relationship between dietary intakes and survival after breast cancer diagnosis. We investigated the influence of diet, including dietary fat (percentage energy), fiber, vegetable, and fruit intakes, and micronutrients (folate, carotenoids, and vitamin C) on overall survival in women diagnosed with breast cancer. Subjects were postmenopausal women diagnosed with breast cancer (N = 516) between 1994 and 1995 with a mean survival time of 80 mo (SD: 18). Subjects completed a food frequency questionnaire for the year prior to diagnosis. Cox proportional hazards models were used to measure the relationship between dietary intakes and death due to any cause after breast cancer diagnosis. In the multivariate analysis, we found that the hazard ratio [HR and 95% confidence interval (CI)] of dying in the highest tertile compared to the lowest tertile of total fat, fiber, vegetable, and fruit was 3.12 (95% CI = 1.79-5.44), 0.48 (95% CI = 0.27-0.86), 0.57 (95% CI = 0.35-0.94), and 0.63 (95% CI = 0.38-1.05), respectively (P 相似文献   

Fruit,Vegetable and Dietary Carotenoid Intakes Explain Variation in Skin-Color in Young Caucasian Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

Fruit and vegetables contain carotenoid pigments, which accumulate in human skin, contributing to its yellowness. This effect has a beneficial impact on appearance. The aim was to evaluate associations between diet (fruit, vegetable and dietary carotenoid intakes) and skin color in young women. Ninety-one Caucasian women (Median and Interquartile Range (IQR) age 22.1 (18.1–29.1) years, BMI 22.9 (18.5–31.9) kg/m²) were recruited from the Hunter region (Australia). Fruit, vegetable and dietary carotenoid intakes were estimated by a validated food frequency questionnaire. Skin color was measured at nine body locations (sun exposed and unexposed sites) using spectrophotometry. Multiple linear regression was used to assess the relationship between fruit and vegetable intakes and skin yellowness adjusting for known confounders. Higher combined fruit and vegetable intakes (β = 0.8, p = 0.017) were associated with higher overall skin yellowness values. Higher fruit combined fruit and vegetable intakes (β = 1.0, p = 0.004) were associated with increased unexposed skin yellowness. Combined fruit and vegetables plus dietary carotenoid intakes contribute to skin yellowness in young Caucasian women. Evaluation of interventions using improvements in appearance as an incentive for increasing fruit and vegetable consumption in young women is warranted.     

Beverage consumption for a healthy life: recommendations for the Mexican population

The Expert Committee in charge of developing the Beverage Consumption Recommendations for the Mexican Population was convened by the Secretary of Health for the purpose of developing evidence-based guidelines for consumers, health professionals, and government officials. The prevalence of overweight, obesity and diabetes have dramatically increased in Mexico; beverages contribute a fifth of all calories consumed by Mexicans. Extensive research has found that caloric beverages increase the risk of obesity. Taking into consideration multiple factors, including the health benefits, risks, and nutritional implications associated with beverage consumption, as well as consumption patterns in Mexico, the committee classified beverages into six levels. Classifications were made based on caloric content, nutritional value, and health risks associated with the consumption of each type of beverage and range from the healthier (level 1) to least healthy (level 6) options, as follows: Level 1: water; Level 2: skim or low fat (1%) milk and sugar free soy beverages; Level 3: coffee and tea without sugar; Level 4: non-caloric beverages with artificial sweeteners; Level 5: beverages with high caloric content and limited health benefits (fruit juices, whole milk, and fruit smoothies with sugar or honey; alcoholic and sports drinks), and Level 6: beverages high in sugar and with low nutritional value (soft drinks and other beverages with significant amounts of added sugar like juices, flavored waters, coffee and tea). The committee recommends the consumption of water as a first choice, followed by no or low-calorie drinks, and skim milk. These beverages should be favored over beverages with high caloric value or sweetened beverages, including those containing artificial sweeteners. Portion size recommendations are included for each beverage category and healthy consumption patterns for men and women are illustrated.     

Fruit, vegetable, and fat intake among non-Hispanic black and non-Hispanic white adolescents: associations with home availability and food consumption settings

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to explore home food availability and common settings of food consumption as correlates of fruit, vegetable, and fat intake among a sample of non-Hispanic black and non-Hispanic white adolescents. PARTICIPANTS AND DESIGN: Adolescents (n=144 black, 84 white) and their parents completed a cross-sectional survey in an urban adolescent health clinic. The adolescent survey included screening measures for fruit, vegetable, and fat intake and items on frequency of eating meals with family, while watching television, and at three types of restaurants. Parents provided information on home availability of foods. MAIN OUTCOMES: Correlates of fruit, vegetable, and fat consumption. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Spearman correlations for associations among variables, t tests for mean comparisons, and multiple stepwise regression conducted separately for black and white adolescents. RESULTS: In multiple regression, home availability was not significantly associated with fruit, vegetable, or fat intake except for fruit intake among white adolescents only. Use of non-fast-food restaurants was the strongest positive predictor of vegetable intake. For both black and white adolescents, fast-food and buffet restaurant use and eating while watching television were the strongest predictors of fat intake. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with restaurant use and eating while watching television, home availability had a relatively small impact on fruit, vegetable, and fat consumption for both black and white adolescents. Intervention programs on adolescent nutrition should target not just availability of healthful foods, but also ease of access, such as the preparation of fruits and vegetables so that they are flavorful and ready to eat.     

Sugars and satiety: does the type of sweetener make a difference?

BACKGROUND: Widespread use of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in beverages has been linked to rising obesity rates. One hypothesis is that HFCS in beverages has little satiating power. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to compare the relative effect of commercial beverages containing sucrose or HFCS on hunger, satiety, and energy intakes at the next meal with the use of a within-subject design. DESIGN: Thirty-seven volunteers (19 men, 18 women) aged 20-29 y consumed isocaloric cola beverages (215 kcal) sweetened with sucrose, HFCS 42, or HFCS 55. HFCS 42 contains 42% fructose, and HFCS 55 contains 55% fructose. Diet cola (2 kcal), 1%-fat milk (215 kcal), and no beverage were the control conditions. The 5 beverages were consumed at 1010 (2 h after a standard breakfast). Participants rated hunger, thirst, and satiety at baseline and at 20-min intervals after ingestion. A tray lunch (1708 kcal) was served at 1230, and energy intakes were measured. The free sugars content of sucrose-sweetened cola was assayed at the time of the study. RESULTS: We found no differences between sucrose- and HFCS-sweetened colas in perceived sweetness, hunger and satiety profiles, or energy intakes at lunch. The 4 caloric beverages tended to partially suppress energy intakes at lunch, whereas the no-beverage and diet beverage conditions did not; the effect was significant (P<0.05) only for 1%-fat milk. Energy intakes in the diet cola and the no-beverage conditions did not differ significantly. CONCLUSION: There was no evidence that commercial cola beverages sweetened with either sucrose or HFCS have significantly different effects on hunger, satiety, or short-term energy intakes.     

Fruit and vegetable intakes of Australians aged 2-18 years: an evaluation of the 1995 National Nutrition Survey data

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the fruit and vegetable intakes of 2 to 18-year-old Australians. METHODS: Intake data were collected as part of the National Nutrition Survey 1995 representing all Australian States and Territories, urban, rural and remote areas. Dietary intake of 3,007, two to 18-year-olds was assessed using a 24-hour structured diet recall method. Intake frequency was assessed as the percentage of participants consuming fruit and vegetables on the surveyed day, and variety was assessed as the number of sub-groups of fruit and vegetables eaten. Intake levels were compared with the recommendations of the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating, the 1993 Goals and Targets for Australia's Health in 2000 and beyond, and intakes of the 1985 National Dietary Survey. RESULTS: One-quarter of children and adolescents did not eat fruit on the day of survey and one fifth did not eat vegetables. Adolescents were less likely to include fruit (65%) than young children (80%) but slightly more adolescents (85%) included vegetables than young children (77%). Less than 50% of all participants (<25% of adolescents) had an adequate fruit intake, and only one-third of children and adolescents met the vegetable intake recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: Fruit and vegetable intakes of Australian children and adolescents fall well below recommendations and appear to have declined in the past 10 years. IMPLICATIONS: Strategic approaches involving a broad range of sectors are urgently needed to create a supportive environment for consuming recommended levels of a wide variety of fruit and vegetables.     

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.