Usual Intake of Food Patterns Components by Older Adults from WWEIA, NHANES 2013–2016 (P18-119-19)

Abstract

ObjectivesCompare the usual intake of food patterns components to the 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) by demographics for adults age 51 and older. MethodsThis analysis is based on 24-hr recalls from 4736 individuals age 51 and older from What We Eat in America, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013–2016 (WWEIA, NHANES). It uses the Food Patterns Equivalents Databases for 2013–2014 and 2015–2016. These databases contain the amounts of Food Patterns components for each food and beverage reported by each WWEIA, NHANES respondent. Usual intake distributions of selected food patterns components are estimated using the National Cancer Institute method. These distributions are then compared to the energy-specific recommendations in the DGA as appropriate for each respondent, based on age, sex, and physical activity level. The NHANES Physical Activity Questionnaire is used to classify respondents as sedentary, moderately active, or active. ResultsWhen estimating the Food Patterns component of total protein foods, the mean usual intake ± SE in ounce equivalents for adults age 51 and older, men had significantly higher intake than women (7.3 ± .13 vs 5.1 ± .10 (P < 0.001). The mean usual intake for adults age 71 and older was less than for those age 51–70 (P < 0.001) regardless of sex, race/ethnicity or income (P < 0.001). When considering the energy specific recommendation for total protein foods for adults 51 years and over, women were more likely than men to not meet their recommendation, 57% vs 38% (P < 0.001). Further, women age 71 and older were more likely to not meet their recommendation compared to those age 51–70 (70% vs 52%, P < 0.001), with the differences significant regardless of race/ethnicity and income (P < 0.001). ConclusionsOverall, there are large percentages of adults age 51 and older who failed to meet the DGA recommendations for total protein foods. Comparing usual intake of older adults shows differences between men and women and by age, race/ethnicity, and income. Funding SourcesARS, USDA.