Usual intakes of food pattern components by U.S. children: WWEIA, NHANES 2013–2016

Abstract

This research estimates adherence to the recommended Healthy U.S.-Style Pattern in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), 2015–2020 by U.S. children using national dietary intake data from WWEIA, NHANES, 2013–2016. The sample included 723 and 1685 children age 2−3 years and 4−8 years, respectively. The Food Patterns Equivalents Database and the Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies 2013–2014 and 2015–2016 were used to determine the consumption of Food Pattern components and select nutrients. Usual intake estimates were produced using the National Cancer Institute Method and compared to the DGA energy-specific recommendations based on age, sex, and assuming the lowest physical activity level. Children age 2−3 years had significantly (p < 0.001) higher percentages meeting the DGA recommended intake than 4−8 years for fruits (62 % vs 36 %), vegetables (11 % vs 5%), dairy (55 % vs 28 %) and protein foods (68 % vs 42 %). For components to limit, children age 2−3 years had significantly (p < 0.001) higher percentages who did not exceed the recommended limit for added sugar (50 % vs 20 %) and sodium (20 % vs 10 %). While age was a factor in adherence to DGA recommendations among younger children, minimal differences were seen by race/ethnicity and family income.