Variability in food consumption patterns of adults in the U.S. population

This study used the 24‐hour dietary recall data of white adult respondents in the NHANES I to demonstrate variability in food consumption patterns among subgroups of this population. Both a quantitative dimension, mean intake levels and the qualitative dimensions of nutrient density and diet diversity were used. Generally males consumed more food energy and nutrients than did females, as did younger, as compared to older subjects. This pattern was less consistent for vitamins A and C than for other nutrients. Sex differences in diet diversity were small. The higher energy and nutrient consumption of males, similarity in the number of “nutritious” foods in the diet and higher nutrient density values found among females, together, support the existence of variability in food consumption.