Widespread Micronutrient Inadequacies Among Adults in Prince Edward Island

Abstract

The prevalence of micronutrient inadequacies was assessed among adult residents of Prince Edward Island (PEI) in the PEI Nutrition Survey. A peer-reviewed protocol was used in this cross-sectional survey, in which 24-hour recalls were administered during in-home interviews. A stratified random sample of 1,995 adults aged 18 to 74 participated. Median nutrient intakes with and without supplements were calculated; intakes were adjusted for day-to-day variability. Chi-square testing was used to assess differences in prevalence of inadequacy by age and sex. Most of the sample (more than 90%) had folate intakes below the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR). Magnesium and vitamin C intakes were low in more than 50% of the sample. Iron intakes were adequate in all groups except women aged 19 to 50, 29% of whom had intakes below the EAR. Women were more likely than men to have inadequate intakes. Median calcium intakes fell below recommendations for all age and sex groups. Supplement use had little impact on dietary adequacy in this sample. This study underscores the need for public health interventions designed to reduce the very high prevalence of nutrient inadequacies in the PEI adult population. In addition, education is needed on the selection of appropriate vitamin and mineral supplements.