National Report on Biochemical Indicators of Diet and Nutrition in the U.S. Population 1999‐2002

Abstract

Using advanced laboratory science and innovative techniques, the Division of Laboratory Sciences (DLS) at CDC has been in the forefront of efforts to assess the nutritional status of the U.S. population through monitoring nutritional indicators. In August 2008, DLS released the National Report on Biochemical Indicators of Diet and Nutrition in the U.S. Population 1999‐2002, the first CDC publication that offers reference information on a wide range of biochemical indicators (27) in the U.S. population in a single document (www.cdc.gov/nutritionreport). These indicators are representatives of water‐soluble and fat‐soluble vitamins, iron‐status indicators, trace elements, and isoflavones and lignans. CDC scientists measured these levels in the blood and urine of people who took part in CDC's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) during all or part of the four‐year period from 1999 through 2002. The information is presented by age, sex, and race/ethnicity. Overall, the purpose of this report is to improve understanding of the levels of biochemical indicators of diet and nutrition in the general U.S. population and in selected subpopulations. These data will help assess inadequate or excess intake and will inform analyses on the relation between biochemical indicators and health outcomes. They are expected to be a valuable resource for the nutrition community.