Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To compare reported dairy/calcium intake with intake recommendations and examination of food sources and fat levels of dairy intake in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2002.
STUDY DESIGN: Dietary, anthropometric, and sociodemographic data for 2- to 18-year-olds (n = 7716) were evaluated to compare intakes of dairy (MyPyramid) and calcium (Adequate Intake [AI]) recommendations. US Department of Agriculture food codes were used to identify mutually exclusive food groups of dairy-contributing foods, which were ranked in descending order proportional to total intake. Complex sample survey Student t tests were used to determine statistical significance among intakes in 4 age groups and between reported and recommended intakes.
RESULTS: Dairy consumption was not significantly different among age groups, but only 2- to 3-year-olds met the MyPyramid recommendation. Calcium intake was significantly different among age groups, and 2- to 8-year-olds met the AI. Intake of flavored milk ranged from 9% to 18%. More than half of the milk consumed by 2- to 3-year-olds was whole milk, and, with the exception of yogurt consumption in 2- to 3-year-olds, children choose to consume more of the highest-fat varieties of cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and dairy-based toppings.
CONCLUSIONS: Dairy and calcium intakes are inadequate in 4- to 18-year-olds. Most children consume the high-fat varieties of milk and dairy products. Focusing nutrition guidance efforts on increasing the intake of the low-fat dairy products, with special emphasis on increasing calcium intake in school-age children and adolescents through flavored low-fat milk products, may be beneficial.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 642-6, 646.e1-2 |
Journal | Journal of Pediatrics |
Volume | 151 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Dec 2007 |
Keywords
- Adolescent
- Body Weight
- Calcium, Dietary
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Dairy Products
- Dietary Fats
- Energy Intake
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Nutrition Policy
- Nutrition Surveys
- Nutritive Value
- United States