Fat,
Cholesterol, Fiber and Sodium Intakes of US Population
There is substantial
evidence that lack of dietary fiber and nutrient
deficiency are responsible for many of the diseases which
afflict humans. Diseases such as diabetes, heart disease,
cancer, cataracts and even aging itself can be
ameliorated or prevented with proper nutrition. The
following abstracts support these facts and hopefully
will serve to educate and inspire people to incorporate
these important aspects of preventative medicine into
their lifestyles.
F.
Murphy, M.D.
Ganji
V; Betts N.
Fat, cholesterol, fiber and sodium intakes of US
population: evaluation
of diets reported in 1987-88 Nationwide Food Consumption
Survey.
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 1995 Dec,
49(12):915-20.
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE:
Food intake data from Nationwide Food Consumption Survey (NFCS)
was used to evaluate intakes of fat, type of fat, cholesterol,
dietary fiber and sodium of Americans classified by age.
SURVEY DESIGN & SETTING:
Data from the recent USDA's 1987-88 NFCS were used. NFCS was
designed to be a self-weighting, multistage, stratified, area
probability sample representative of individuals in the 48
conterminous states. 1987-88 NFCS response rate was 35%.
Three-day food intake data were used to assess the nutrient
intakes.
SUBJECTS:
Dietary intakes of 9027 individuals (4180 men and 4847 women)
were evaluated. Survey sample was divided into 11-14, 15-18,
19-24, 25-50 and > 51 years age groups.
RESULTS:
On average, Americans consumed more calories from total fat
(36.5-38.1% of energy) and saturated fat (13.0-14.1% of energy)
than recommended. Mean intakes for polyunsaturated fat (6.1-7.6%
of energy) and monounsaturated fat met the recommendations
(13.6-14.3% of energy). Total, saturated and monounsaturated fat
intakes were significantly lower in the > 51 years age group
compared to younger age groups. Mean cholesterol intakes were
higher in the 19-24 and 25-50 year age groups than recommended.
Fiber intakes were similar across the age groups (12.3-13.4 g/d).
Sodium intakes were higher in the younger population compared to
the older population.
CONCLUSIONS:
Although dietary patterns of Americans in relation to total fat
and saturated fat intakes have changed toward a healthier diet,
these changes did not meet recommendations. The US population
continues to consume lower intakes of fiber and higher intakes of
sodium.
