Search

Objective: To examine the changes observed in 5 nutrients of selected USDA food subgroups by partitioning the overall changes into those caused by consumption changes over time, and those caused by nutrient database revisions. Design: Population-weighted estimates of food group intakes (composites) were developed using 24-hour recall data from CSFII 1994-96 and NHANES 1999-2000. Nutrient profiles of these composites were developed using Standard Reference (SR) data (SR11 and SR16-1). Subjects: A total of 14,262 and 8070 individuals over the age of 2 years from CSFII and NHANES, respectively, composed the study sample. Outcome Measures: Absolute and percent change in food group nutrient content caused by food consumption changes and nutrient database updates. Analysis: Changes due to consumption differences were determined by comparing nutrient profiles created with CSFII and NHANES using SR11. Changes due to nutrient database differences were determined by comparing nutrient profiles created from NHANES data using SR11 and SR16-1 nutrient values. Results: Consumption differences resulted in some variations in the food group nutrient content, but a majority of the changes were associated with use of the updated nutrient database. For example, vitamin A level in the orange vegetable subgroup was increased by 2.4% owing to consumption (from CSFII to NHANES), whereas the level was decreased by 38% due to nutrient updates (from SR11 to SR16-1). Conclusion and Implications: Consideration of the changes in nutrient databases, as well as in food consumption, is essential in monitoring both the trends in the food choices Americans make and the adequacy of their diets. Key Words: MyPyramid, food intake patterns, food composition database

Objective: To identify food selections in each MyPyramid food group or subgroup reflective of typical consumption patterns by Americans, and the nutrient intake that can be expected from consuming a specified amount of these foods from each group, in a low-fat and no-added-sugars form. Design: An analytical process to identify food consumption choices within each food group and subgroup using national food consumption surveys, and to identify the expected nutrient content of each group using food composition databases. Variables Measured: Relative consumption of foods within each food group; nutrient content for each food group and subgroup (energy plus 27 nutrients). Analysis: Disaggregated foods from consumption surveys into component ingredients. Combined similar ingredients into 'item clusters' and determined relative consumption of each. Calculated a consumption-weighted nutrient profile for each food group. Results: Consumption-weighted food intake selections and nutrient profiles were developed for all MyPyramid food groups and subgroups. Conclusions and Implications: This analytical process derived food group and subgroup composites which estimate typical food choices within each MyPyramid food group. These were used to assess the adequacy of the MyPyramid food intake patterns as they were being iteratively developed. Key Words: MyPyramid, food guides, dietary guidance, food intake patterns

Magnesium (Mg) is an essential cofactor for enzymes involved in glucose and insulin metabolism. Low intakes of dietary magnesium may be linked to greater risk of metabolic syndrome (MS) in older adults. The objective of this study was to examine the cross-sectional relationship between dietary Mg intake, metabolic risk factors and MS in elderly adults. This study was conducted in a sample of 535 (179 men and 356 women) community-living adults aged 60 years and in Boston Massachusetts between the years 1981 and 1984. Dietary Mg intake was assessed by a 3-day food record and categorized by quartiles of dietary intake. The MS was defined based on criteria set by the Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program except that body mass index was used in place of waist circumference. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between quartile categories of Mg intake, prevalence of MS and components of the MS. Models were adjusted for age, gender, BMI, race, educational attainment, marital status, smoking status, alcohol intake, exercise, energy intake, percentage of calories from saturated fat, use of antihypertensive or lipid medication. Mg intake was inversely associated with the MS; those with the highest intake of Mg had significantly lower risk of having MS compared to the lowest quartile of intake (OR: 0.36, 95% CI 0.19–0.69, P for trend 0.002). Significant inverse relationships were observed between Mg intake and BMI (OR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.22–1.00, P trend = 0.03), and fasting glucose (OR: 0.41, 95% CI 0.22–0.77, P trend = 0.005). Our study demonstrates that Mg intake is inversely associated with prevalence of the MS in older adults. Older adults should be encouraged to eat foods rich in Mg, such as green vegetables, legumes and whole-grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]