Sources of Population Nutrient Data

Information on the nutritional status of Americans is obtained from data on food production; imports and exports; marketing, distribution, and storage of food; patterns of food consumption by ethnic groups, families, and individuals; clinical nutrition surveys; studies of physical development; laboratory tests of nutrient levels; vital statistics on morbidity and mortality; and epidemiological information relating diet to disease.

The American diet has changed markedly since 1900, with increased consumption of meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, sugar and other sweeteners, fats and oils, and processed fruits and vegetables and decreased consumption of grain products, potatoes, sweet potatoes, fresh fruit, vegetables, and eggs.

A. Ten-State Nutrition Survey and Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (HANES). The Ten-State Nutrition Survey from 1968 to 1970 focused on low-income groups and evaluated the nutritional status and dietary practices of 40,000 persons. In 1971, HANES evaluated a sample of 28,943 persons aged 1 to 74 from 65 locations in the 48 contiguous U.S. states. HANES provided information on dietary intake, clinical and biochemical findings, anthropometric data, hemoglobin, serum iron, transferrin saturation, and serum cholesterol levels.

In 1974 a follow-up survey, HANES 2, was carried out. HANES 3 was scheduled over two 3-year periods, from 1988 to 1991 and 1991 to 1994. Data from the first 3 years from a sample of 20,277 persons were made available in 1994 and reported consumption of macro- and micronutrients for ages 2 months to over 80 years and among gender and race-ethnic groups. Thirty-four percent of calories were derived from fat; fiber intake averaged 15 g/day (low). There were concerns over low iron intake in women, low calcium in women and adolescents, and increased sodium.

B. Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals. In 1985 and 1986 the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) conducted the yearly Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII) using a 1-day dietary recall and 5 days of dietary data obtained by telephone. The CSFII is a component of the National Nutrition Monitoring System, a set of federal activities that provides regular information on the nutritional status of the U.S. population.

The CSFII sampled households of women 19-50 years old and their children 1-5 years old. Data were collected for 1500 women, 1100 men, and 500 children. In 1985, compared to 1977, men ate less meat (principally beef), whole milk, and eggs. They ate more fish, low-fat or skim milk, legumes, nuts and seeds, and carbonated soft drinks (regular and low calorie). The percentage of calories decreased from fat and increased from carbohydrate.

In 1986 the survey reported that one-third of meals were consumed away from home and only half the people ate breakfast. Women consumed more skim and low-fat milk than whole milk. Children consumed equal amounts of these products and drank more carbonated beverages than fruit drinks or “ades.”

The intake for women was reported as 37% of calories from fat (13% saturated, 14% monounsaturated, and 7% polyunsaturated), 46% from carbohydrate, and 17% from protein. For children the figures were 35% of calories from fat (14% saturated, 13% monounsaturated, and 6% polyunsaturated), 51% from carbohydrate, and 15% from protein.

The CSFII also was conducted in 1989 to 1991. An initial report published in September, 1995 indicated that good sources of calcium and iron may be in short supply in the diets of young children, teenage girls, and women of childbearing age. As of this writing, the most recent CSFII dates from 1994 to 1996.