Diet Quality of Low‐income and Higher‐income Americans in 2003‐2004 as Measured by the Healthy Eating Index‐2005

Abstract

The Healthy Eating Index‐2005 (HEI‐2005) has 12 components designed to measure diet quality in terms of compliance with the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Mean HEI‐2005 scores were estimated using one 24‐hour recall from 8,272 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003‐2004. Long‐term intakes were estimated using the population ratio method. For the population age 2 and older, the total score was 57.5 out of a possible 100. Scores were particularly low for Dark Green and Orange Vegetables and Legumes, Whole Grains, Sodium, and Calories from Solid Fats, Alcoholic beverages, and Added Sugars. Total scores of the low‐income and higher‐income populations were not significantly different; however, compared to higher‐income people, low‐income people (family income less than 130% of poverty) had significantly lower scores for Total Vegetables, Dark Green and Orange Vegetables and Legumes, and Whole Grains; and a higher score for Sodium (indicating a lower intake) (p<.05). There was no significant difference in total HEI‐2005 scores for children ages 2 to 18 by income level. Low‐income children (less than 185% of poverty) had a higher score for Total Vegetables. All Americans, regardless of income level, could benefit from increased intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat‐free or low‐fat milk; choosing more nutrient‐dense forms of foods; and lower sodium intake.