Contribution of food groups to the total dietary energy intake of Mexican children, adolescents and adults (393.3)

Abstract

OBJECTIVE. To study the contribution of food groups to the total dietary energy intake of a representative sample of Mexican children, adolescents and adults. METHODS. Dietary intake data from a random sample of children, adolescents and adults of the National Health and Nutrition Survey 2012 (ENSANUT 2012) was obtained using a single 24h recall. Seven food groups (FG) were considered: 1) cereals, 2) legumes and nuts, 3) milk and dairy, 4) meat, poultry, fish, eggs and processed meats, 5) fruit and vegetables, 6) sugar sweetened beverages (SSB) and 7) high energy density foods, high in sugar or fat (HEDF) such as candies, chocolates, chips, deserts, cakes and fast food. FG 1‐5 were considered indispensable foods while FG 6‐7 dispensable. All analyses were adjusted for the survey design. RESULTS. Percent contributions for children < 5y, 5‐11y, adolescents and adults, respectively, were: 22, 30, 32 and 35 for FG1; 3, 4, 3 and 4 for FG2; 24, 14, 11 and 9 for FG3; 11, 13, 15, 14 for FG4; 7, 5, 4, and 5 for FG5 (about 240 g); 6, 7, 9 and 12 for FG6; and 18, 18, 16 and 11 for FG7 (males). Results for females were similar in general. The dispensable FGs provided around 25% of the total energy intake (9‐12% from SSB and 11‐18% from HEDF) and the intake of fruits and vegetables was close to 60% of recommendations. CONCLUSIONS. Given that about 70% of adults and 33% of children are overweight or obese in Mexico, it is recommended that the intake of dispensable food groups should be reduced.