Diet quality of Americans in 1994–1996 and 2001–2002 as measured by the Healthy Eating Index‐2005

Abstract

The Healthy Eating Index‐2005 (HEI‐2005) is a measure of how well diets comply with the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. HEI‐2005 scores for the U.S. population were estimated from national surveys conducted in 1994–96 (n=15,011) and 2001–02 (n=9,032) to assess the quality of diets prior to the release of the 2005 Guidelines. Long‐term intakes of the various dietary components assessed by the HEI‐2005 were estimated by using the population ratio method, which is the best available proxy for the long‐term mean HEI‐2005 scores for a group. In 1994–96 and in 2001–02, scores were below the maximum for all components, except for Total Grains and Meat and Beans. The following components had the lowest scores in 2001–02: Whole Grains (20% of the maximum); Dark Green and Orange Vegetables and Legumes (28%); Sodium (41%); and Calories from Solid Fat, Alcohol, and Added Sugar (38%). Scores for Total Fruit, Whole Fruit, Total Vegetables, Milk, Oils, and Saturated Fat were 62–68% of their maximums. Compared with 1994–96, scores had improved significantly for Sodium, Milk, and Oils and declined for Total Vegetables and Whole Grains. To improve diet quality, Americans should increase their intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat‐free or low‐fat milk and milk products; choose more nutrient‐dense forms of foods, that is, foods low in solid fats and free of added sugars; and lower their intake of saturated fats and sodium.