P50 Whole Grain Intake is Low Among Ethnically Diverse, Low-Income Youth in California

Abstract

Background Many low-income youth are burdened by food insecurity, unhealthy dietary patterns, and obesity. Whole grain consumption is associated with better diet quality, nutrient intake, and lower risk of obesity. Research indicates modest gains in whole grain intake among high-income adolescents in the US but no gains observed in low-income adolescents. Objective Explore whole grain intake of low-income, ethnically diverse youth (10-18 years) in California to identify potential behaviors to target for intervention development. Study Design, Settings, Participants Random sample of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-eligible (130% of FPL) households with children across 30 California counties. Youth age 10 to 18 years of age (n\u2009=\u20092,231) completed an interviewer administered 24-hour dietary recall (ASA24) in English or Spanish in 2016. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Intake of whole grains was compared to recommendations, gender, ethnicity, and body mass index (BMI). Means were analyzed using independent sample t-tests and ANOVA (with Tukey s HSD). Results Youth participating in the study were 13.7 ± 2.3 years old (51% female) and ethnically diverse (71% Latino). Forty percent were categorized as either overweight or obese. Males consumed 0.95 ± 1.4 ounce equivalents (oz. eq.) of whole grains per day and females consumed 0.72 ± 1.0 oz. eq. (P Conclusion Low-income youth in this sample are burdened by overweight/obesity and are far below the whole grain recommendations. Intervention is needed targeting whole grain consumption that is appropriate for ethnically diverse youth in low-income communities such as making more whole grain rich options available in school. Funding USDA.