Servings of Grain Products, Vegetables and Fruits Influence Nutrient Quality of Young Adult Diets

Three hundred sixty-two people between the ages of 19 and 24 years were chosen from the 1994 and 1995 Continuing Survey(s) of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII) with exclusion of those who were pregnant or lactating, on special diets including vegetarian, allergic to any food, or failed to complete two day dietary recalls. Descriptive statistics and Student's t-tests were performed. It was found that for our young adult sample, the intake of the fruit group was noticeably below the recommendation. Variety and proportionality within the grain products group and the vegetable group were missing in young adult's diets. Compared to females, males had higher mean servings for all three food groups and higher intakes of energy and nutrients. However, percent calories from fat were above the 30% limit for both genders. The average calcium and folate intake levels were alarmingly low for the females, while fiber was notably low for both genders. As higher numbers of servings were consumed, men had significantly increased energy and nutrient intakes but this did not hold true for the women. Percent fat calories were numerically lower with higher intakes of fruit and grains, but greater with higher vegetable consumption probably due to high fried potato intake and/or too much added fat. The research implied that, for 19-to-24-year-olds, balancing the food groups and nutritious foods within the groups coupled with reducing fat is especially important.