Associations Between Consumption of Ready to Eat Cereal and Dietary Intake and Diet Quality in Hispanics (P18-052-19)

Abstract

ObjectivesTo understand consumption pattern of ready to eat cereal (RTEC) in the Hispanic population in the United States and investigate associations between RTEC consumption and dietary intake as well as diet quality in this population. MethodsChildren aged between 2–17 years old (N = 899) and adults aged 18 years or older (N = 1593) who were Mexican American or other Hispanics from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2015–2016 were included in the study. Day 1 dietary data were used to determine RTEC consumption status, energy intake, nutrient and food group intake. Diet quality was measured as the Healthy Eating Index 2015 (HEI-2015). Multiple linear regression analyses for surveys were conducted to estimate covariates-adjusted associations between RTEC consumption and dietary intake, as well as diet quality. ResultsAbout 40% of Hispanic children reported RTEC consumption whereas only 14% of Hispanic adults were RTEC eaters. RTEC eaters were more likely from lower income families. Compared to non-eaters, both children and adults who reported RTEC consumption had significantly higher intake of whole grains, dairy products, and vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc, folate, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin A, vitamin D; as well as significantly lower intake of sodium and dietary cholesterol (P < 0.05 for all). Total energy intake and added sugar intake did not differ by RTEC consumption status in both age groups. HEI-2015 total score was significantly higher in RTEC eaters than non-eaters in both Hispanic children and adults (P < 0.05 for both). ConclusionsConsumption of RTEC is associated with improved diet quality including higher intake of whole grain and dairy products, as well as several vitamins and minerals in both Hispanic children and adults. Consumption of RTEC is not associated with total energy intake or added sugar in the Hispanic population. Funding SourcesThe study was funded by General Mills, Inc.