Shanthy A. Bowman

Beverage choices of young females: Changes and impact on nutrient intakes

OBJECTIVE To examine trends in beverage consumption and evaluate the impact of beverage choices on the nutrient intakes of females ages 12 to 19 years. DESIGN Dietary intake data from the USDAs Nationwide Food Consumption Surveys, including the Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII), were assessed for trends in beverage consumption. The CSFII 1994-1996 data was used to examine the diets of young females grouped based on their milk and soda consumption status. Mean energy, nutrient, and beverage intakes were compared. SUBJECTS Females with complete dietary intake information on Day 1 of the survey were included in the study. There were 732 females ages 12 to 19 years in the CSFII 1994-1996. Statistical Analysis Percentages of females consuming specific beverages were estimated. Pairwise mean comparisons were made between groups based on milk and soda consumption status. RESULTS Milk intakes decreased by 36% whereas that of sodas and fruit drinks almost doubled from the late 1970s to the mid 1990s. The CSFII 1994-1996 data showed that between ages 12 and 19 years, intakes of fruit juices, soda, tea, fruit drinks, and alcoholic beverages either increased or remained relatively steady, while milk intakes decreased with an increase in age. At age 12 years, 78% drank milk and had the lowest soda intake (276g), while at age 19-years, only 36% drank milk and drank a high amount of soda (423g). Those who did not drink milk had inadequate intakes of vitamin A, folate, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. APPLICATION A rapid decrease in milk intake during the early adolescent years indicates a need for interventions at this age. Dietitians should identify barriers to drinking milk and recommend strategies for including appropriate food sources to increase calcium intakes during growing years. Nutrition educators should provide parents of adolescent children with ideas for ensuring the adequacy of their childrens calcium intakes. J Am Diet Assoc. 2002; 102: 1234-1239.

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 USDAs 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. USDAs 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.

Socioeconomic characteristics, dietary and lifestyle patterns, and health and weight status of older adults in NHANES, 1999-2002: a comparison of Caucasians and African Americans.

There are disparities among older Caucasian and African American adults in many areas. The study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted from 1999 to 2002 and compared the self-reported dietary intakes, physical activity, and economic and health status of Caucasian (N = 1,398) and African American (N = 354) adults aged 65 years and older. Regression models and t-tests (α = 0.05) were used for comparisons. More African Americans than Caucasians lived in low-income households (40.4% vs. 21.3%), lived in households that were not fully food-secure (15.6% vs. 4.9%), watched five or more hours of television (34% vs. 20%), and were told that they had diabetes (10% vs. 4%) or high blood pressure (67 % vs. 52 %). They consumed 253 fewer calories than Caucasians. About 75 % of African American women were overweight. Our findings indicate that for those greater than 65 years of age, low-income African Americans are at a greater risk for poor nutrition and chronic health conditions than Caucasians.