Review of studies of vitamin and mineral nutrition in the United States (1950–1968)

Abstract

Summary Material available in the studies reviewed provides information on vitamin and mineral nutrition in the United States which indicates that: 1. A significant proportion of the population examined had intakes below one-half RDA and biochemical indices in the “deficient” range. 2. After puberty, except for vitamin C, male nutrient intakes are usually more adequate than those of females. This is especially true of iron. 3. Although the amount of data on nutrient intakes of infants is inadequate for sweeping generalizations, available reports suggest that appreciable percentages of infants are poorly nourished and infants from high socioeconomic groups may receive less adequate diets than those from low socioeconomic groups. 4. Dietary habits of the American public have become worse, especially since 1960. 5. The relationships between nutrient intake and socioeconomic factors are not always observable except perhaps for calcium, vitamin A and vitamin C. 6. There is a need for improved methodology for determining and reporting the nutritional status of individuals and population groups.