Canadian Recommended Nutrient Intakes Research Articles

DRI: síntese comentada das novas propostas sobre recomendações nutricionais para antioxidantes

Discute-se o conjunto dos recentes relatórios do Institute of Medicine e Food and Nutrition Board da US National Academy of Sciences, publicados entre 1998 e 2000, dando-se particular ênfase ao livro das propostas de Ingestão Alimentar de Referência para os denominados antioxidantes alimentares. O conceito das DRI engloba os já conhecidos valores de Recomendações de Cotas ou Doses Alimentares (RDA), os novos valores de Ingestão Adequada, Ingestão Máxima Tolerável e as Estimativas Médias dos Requerimentos. O termo RDA continua em uso, e é reservado para a recomendação mais apurada de um determinado nutriente, da qual se tenha informação. Na tabela da Ingestão Alimentar de Referência, encontram-se as Recomendações de Doses Alimentares atualizadas e complementadas com valores de Ingestão Recomendada de Nutrientes canadenses, ou completadas com valores de Ingestão Adequada. Valores de Ingestão Máxima Tolerável para os antioxidantes, exceto os carotenóides, são fornecidos em separado.

Enriched Eggs as a Source of N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids for Humans

Dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) decreases the risk of heart disease, inhibits the growth of prostate and breast cancer, delays the loss of immunological functions, and is required for normal fetal brain and visual development. The US has not established a recommended daily intake for n-3 PUFA. However, Canada has established the Canadian Recommended Nutrient Intake (CRNI) at 0.5% of energy. Dietary sources of n-3 PUFA include fish, chicken, eggs, canola oil, and soybean oil. Food consumption studies in the US indicate that the majority of Americans do not meet the CRNI for n-3 PUFA. Mean n-3 PUFA consumption was 78% of the CRNI for Midwestern women during pregnancy. In Midwestern women at risk for breast cancer, the mean n-3 PUFA consumption is approximately 50% of the CRNI. Increased consumption of n-3 PUFA requires identification of a food source that the public would eat in sufficient amounts to meet recommended intake. N-3 PUFA-enriched eggs can be produced by modifying hens diets. When 70 g/kg of cod liver oil, canola oil, or linseed oil are added to a commercial control diet, the n-3 PUFA are increased from 1.2% of egg yolk fatty acids to 6.3, 4.6, and 7.8%, respectively. Feeding flaxseed increases linolenic acid in the egg yolk about 30-fold, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) increases nearly fourfold. When individuals are fed four n-3 PUFA-enriched eggs a day for 4 wk, plasma total cholesterol levels and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) do not increase significantly. Plasma triglycerides (TG) are decreased by addition of n-3 PUFA-enriched eggs to the diet. N-3 PUFA may influence LDL particle size, causing a shift toward a less atherogenic particle. Blood platelet aggregation is significantly decreased in participants consuming n-3 PUFA-enriched eggs. Overall results of studies to date demonstrate positive effects and no negative effects from consumption of n-3-enriched eggs. Three n-3 PUFA-enriched eggs provide approximately the same amount of n-3 PUFA as one meal with fish. It is recommended that n-3 PUFA-enriched eggs be used as one source of n-3 PUFA to increase individual consumption to meet the current Canadian recommendations.

Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intakes in Midwestern Women of Child-Bearing Age from Different Income and Education Levels

Omega-3 fatty acids are required for normal fetal development. Low intakes have been documented among low income pregnant women in certain areas of the United States. The purpose of this project was to assess the omega-3 fatty acid intake in women of child-bearing age from the Midwestern United States. Three-day food records were obtained from women (n=67) of different income and education levels. Food intake records were analyzed using the Food Processor Plus Computer Program. Mean daily intakes of omega-3 fatty acids were determined. Analysis of variance and LS Means were used to test for differences in omega-3 fatty acid consumption among two income and three education levels. Mean daily consumption of omega-3 fatty acids for the entire population was 0.59±0.38g/day. The Canadian Recommended Nutrient Intakes (RNI, 1990) recommend an omega-3 fatty acid intake of 1.1-1.2g/day for women between the ages of 19 and 49 years. Women in the low and mid/high income groups consumed 0.74 ± 0.07g/day and 0.51±0.06 g/day, respectively (p<.01). Women with a Bachelor's Degree or higher consumed 0.89±0.09 g/day of omega-3 fatty acids, compared with women with a high school education or lower (0.39±0.07 g/day, p<.01). Food sources providing omega-3 fatty acids were fats, oils, salad dressings, whole milk, ice cream, fish and chicken. We conclude that mean intakes of omega-3 fatty acids of Midwestern women of child-bearing age are 54% of the Canadian RNI and are influenced by income and education levels.

Canadian recommended nutrient intakes underestimate true energy requirements in middle-aged women.

To examine whether Health Canada's Recommended Nutrient Intakes (RNI) and FAO/WHO/UNU (Food and Agriculture Organization, World Health Organization, United Nations University) values provide accurate indices of true energy requirements, energy expenditure was determined using doubly labelled water (DLW) over 13 days in a group of 29 middle-aged women. Energy intakes were calculated from weighed food intake, and energy expenditures and intakes were then compared with individual calculated RNI requirements. The mean energy requirement as determined by DLW expenditure (9.56 +/- 0.53 MJ/d) was higher (p < 0.0001) than reported energy intake (7.08 +/- 0.30 MJ/d) and was higher (p < 0.004) than RNI mean energy requirement (7.97 +/- 0.18 MJ/d). The mean RNI for energy was also lower (p < 0.0001) than that derived from FAO data. These results suggest that current Health Canada RNIs are inadequate in predicting the energy needs of Canadian middle-aged women.

Canadian Recommended Nutrient Intakes Underestimate True Energy Requirements in Middle-aged Women

Canadian Recommended Nutrient Intakes Underestimate True Energy Requirements in Middle-aged Women

Dietary strategies to improve the iron and zinc nutriture of young women following a vegetarian diet.

Dietary strategies to enhance the content and bioavailability of iron and zinc in vegetarian diets were compiled. Strategies included increasing promoters and decreasing antagonists of iron and zinc absorption, adopting food preparation and processing methods which hydrolyze the phytate content of cereals and legumes, and using iron cookware. These strategies were used to devise two vegetarian menus based on food consumption patterns derived from three day weighed food records of 78 Canadian lacto-ovo-vegetarian adolescents. The iron and zinc, as well as calcium, phosphorus, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin A, protein and energy content of the devised menus were all higher than the actual intakes and the corresponding Canadian recommended nutrient intakes. Results show the overall nutrient adequacy of the recommended vegetarian menus and indicate that young lacto-vegetarian women can potentially meet their estimated dietary requirements for absorbed iron and zinc through modest modifications to the diet. Laboratory studies designed to measure the total amount of iron and zinc absorbed from these diets by young vegetarian women are needed to verify the efficacy of the devised menus.

Anthropometric status and diet of 4 to 5 year old low income children

As part of the longitudinal, multidisciplinary prevention project, Better Beginnings, Better Futures, we assessed the dietary and anthropometric status of 4 and 5 year old children (n = 325) in four economically disadvantaged urban communities in Ontario. Anthropometric measurements included height, weight, triceps skinfolds, mid-arm circumference and indices of body composition. Information on demographic characteristics was collected through a parent interview. We obtained a 24 hour dietary recall for each child from the respondent parent and, where appropriate, any caregivers. Height-for-age was similar to the NCHS distribution. The proportion with weight-for-height Z scores >1.645 exceeded NCHS reference data for both boys (x 2 = 25.2, p<.001) and girls (x 2 = 21.5, p<.001). One-fifth of the children were above the 90th percentile for weight-for-height and upper arm fat area. Median nutrient intakes met or exceeded Canadian Recommended Nutrient Intakes (RNI); however, median energy intake was well below the RNI. Energy and macronutrient intakes were similar across Z score categories of weight-for-height, upper arm muscle area, and upper arm fat area. This is the first population-based study on the nutritional health of Canadian children in over 20 years. High values for weight-for-height and upper arm fat area, despite low energy intakes, suggest that programs to improve levels of physical activity should be part of nutrition strategies for low income neighbourhoods.

Nutrient patterns and nutritional adequacy among French-Canadian children in Montreal.

A representative sample of French Canadian Montrealers was surveyed to compile data on food habits, nutrient intakes and sociodemographic characteristics, using interviewer-administered questionnaires and 7-day food records (7D-FR). Complete 7D-FR and sociodemographic data were obtained from 614 adults aged 19 and over (40.1% males), and 182 children aged 5 to 18 (44.8% males). Average heights and weights of children were at the 50th percentile for both sexes and all age groups. Nutrient intakes surpassed most of the age- and sex-specific 1990 Canadian Recommended Nutrient Intakes (RNIs). Energy intakes were 83% to 98% of the RNIs, with 16-18 year old adolescent girls having systematically lower energy consumption. Calcium was most frequently found below the 66% age-sex specific RNI cut-off. On average, protein comprised 16% of energy, fat 36-37%, and carbohydrates 48-49%, for males and females, respectively. Simple sugars comprised 16-19% of energy among boys, and 16-20% among girls, fluctuating with age. Only a small proportion of respondents (15.4%) had low relative total fat and saturated fat intakes (ranging from 30-34%, and 10-12% of energy, respectively); no differences in mean nutrient levels were found between low, medium or higher fat consumers. Among those with inadequate intakes, 26% lived in one lower middle income sector of Montreal; however, no clear pattern emerged linking dietary adequacy and socioeconomic factors. While Montreal youngsters consume generally adequate diets, sufficient quantities of calcium-furnishing foods must be eaten, particularly by adolescent girls. Surveillance of children's food and nutrient intakes will contribute to the reduction of chronic disease by providing data for effective health care planning.

Nutrient patterns, nutritional adequacy, and comparisons with nutrition recommendations among French-Canadian adults in Montreal.

A survey was carried out in 1988-89 among French Canadians in Montreal, to provide data on food habits, dietary intakes and sociodemographic factors. Interviewer-administered questionnaires and 7-day food records (7D-FR) were used to gather data. Some 1,450 individuals (in 845 families) were studied. Complete 7D-FR and sociodemographic data were obtained from 182 children aged 5-18 (44.8% males), and 614 adults aged 19 and over (40.1% males). Most adult respondents greatly surpassed their age-sex specific Canadian Recommended Nutrient Intakes (RNIs), except for low mean energy intakes in women aged 75 years and over (on average, 1477 kcal), and marginally lower than recommended mean calcium consumption, again in the oldest age group (particularly men). Protein furnished 16 to 17% of energy, relative fat intake varied from 34% of energy among the oldest subjects to 38% in 25 to 49 year old women (overall average, 36%). Only 15.3% of respondents consumed < or = 30% relative fat intake; most (66%) were female. Carbohydrate ranged from 45 to 49% (51%) among males and females, respectively. The oldest age group had the highest relative intake of carbohydrates. Saturated fat was 13 to 14% of energy, and the mean P:S ratio was low (.30 to .37). Some respondents had insufficient intakes relative to their RNIs, notably for energy (6.5% of the whole sample; of these, 52.5% were male) and calcium (22.5%; 69.6% females). Contingency table analysis showed this was most evident among participants of low income and education levels, smokers, and female non-smokers. French Canadian Montreal adults don't meet the Nutrition Recommendations for Canadians with respect to lowering fat and saturated fat, and increasing complex carbohydrate intakes. Attention should be directed to ensuring adequate consumption of calcium-rich foods, particularly among women in susceptible stages of the lifecycle. Although average alcohol intakes appeared low, some individuals reported high levels of consumption of beer, wine or spirits which suggests the need for further investigation of population alcohol intakes and their effect on dietary choices and nutritional adequacy.

Survey of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Diets of Midwest Low-Income Pregnant Women

The objectives of this project were to determine the omega-3 fatty acid ( -3 FA) consumption of low-income pregnant women, and to identify food sources of -3 FA in their diets. Thirty women provided three days of dietary intake that were analyzed using the Food Processor Plus computer program. Mean daily consumption of -3 FA was 1.060 0.030 g/day. The major form of the -3 FA was -linolenic acid ( -LNA; 93%), with less from eicosapentanoic acid (EPA; 2%), and docosahexanoic acid (DHA; 5%). Foods that provided the most -LNA were fats, oils, salad dressings, and milk products. EPA and DHA were provided in fish, seafood, chicken, and eggs. Nearly one-half of the women in this study consumed < 75% of the Canadian Recommended Nutrient Intakes for -3 FA. We conclude that some low-income pregnant women in the Midwest consume diets low in -3 FA. There is a need for agriculture and nutrition research on the development of new food products that provide -3 FA.

Dietary intake and anthropometric status of 7 to 9 year old children in economically disadvantaged communities in Ontario.

There is limited information on the nutritional health of Canadian children, particularly those living in poverty. Our purpose was to assess the dietary and anthropometric status of economically disadvantaged children as part of the longitudinal, multidisciplinary prevention project, Better Beginnings, Better Futures. We obtained 24-hour dietary recalls and measurements of height, weight, triceps skinfolds and mid-arm circumference from children (n = 178) aged 7 to 9 years in three urban communities. Information on demographic characteristics was obtained through a parent interview. Linear growth appeared adequate with both boys (chi 2 = 44.1, p < .001) and girls (chi 2 = 10.8, p < .01) taller compared to NCHS reference data. The proportion of children > 90th percentile for weight-for-height (23.2%) and upper arm fat area (14.3%), suggests a tendency to excess fat; 21.1% were < 10th for percentile upper arm muscle area. Median nutrient intakes, except for calcium and vitamin A, exceeded the Canadian Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI); however, median energy intake was well below the RNI. Energy and macronutrient intakes were similar across Z score categories of weight-for-height, upper arm muscle area, and upper arm fat area. The tendency to inadequate muscle mass and excess fat in the presence of low energy intake may reflect low levels of physical activity.

Food habits of French Canadians in Montreal, Quebec.

Since the 1960's, marked sociocultural and economic changes have affected lifestyle, religious practices, and family structure among French Canadians in Quebec. Recent nutritional assessment was unavailable, despite indications of change. A survey was carried out in 1988 in a representative sample living in Greater Montreal, to obtain current data on food habits, nutrient intakes and sociodemographic factors, using interviewer-administered questionnaires and seven-day food records. Some 845 families (1450 individuals from different age groups) were studied in two phases: summer/fall and winter/spring. Mean household size in the study population was 2.7. Among adults, extremes of educational level were observed, with 33% having elementary school only and 28% having completed university. On average, each household spent $CAN 89.90 a week for food, $26.00 for tobacco, and $13.50 for alcohol. Breakfast was eaten regularly by 90% of subjects while 96% ate lunch and 99% ate dinner. Morning snacks were consumed by 36% and afternoon snacks were taken by 50%. Milk was consumed with breakfast by 24% of respondents, with lunch by 19%, and with dinner by 24%. On weekdays, 81% of subjects ate their main meals at home, while on weekends this figure was 95%. Time spent for meals varied by meal, and was slightly longer on weekends. Specialty diets, including vegetarianism, were followed by 7% of the study subjects, while 22% adhered to health-related diets. The food record analyses revealed adequate nutrient intakes overall in relation to the 1990 Canadian Recommended Nutrient Intakes, although further investigation is needed before addressing dietary quality in specific age-sex groups. Protein comprised 16% of energy, fat 38%, and carbohydrates composed 45% or 46% for males and females, respectively. Subsequent analyses will evaluate nutrient intakes in relation to health and sociodemographic indicators in this population.

Clinical Aspects of Trace Elements: Zinc in Human Nutrition – Zinc Requirements

The body requires certain levels of essential nutrients, such as zinc, to maintain life. Intake less than the required levels can cause impaired function, disease and death. Every essential nutrient has a unique range of tissue concentration and intake necessary for proper physiological and biochemical functioning. Many criteria have been used to set dietary intake levels for nutrients. For trace elements, however, a limited number of investigative approaches are currently employed by researchers due to inadequate information on individual requirements and intake levels. Further, a clear lack of satisfactory biochemical methods to measure zinc nutritional status continues to hinder formulation of dietary guidelines. Thus, many assumptions have to be made, and large safety margins have to be added to assumed daily requirements in order to compensate for this absence of information. Numerous barriers to a full understanding of what constitutes an adequate dietary recommendation for zinc still exist. Zinc is incompletely absorbed, and this absorption can be greatly influenced by the chemical form in which zinc is bound; interactions with other nutrients also affect absorption. Part three of this five-part review presents the current Canadian recommended nutrient intakes for zinc for various sex and age categories and provides a rationale for the suggested values. The important nutrient interactions that affect the bioavailability of zinc, including those with phytates, copper, cadmium, tin and iron, are discussed.

Gender differences in leucine kinetics and nitrogen balance in endurance athletes.

The current Canadian Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) for protein (0.86 g.kg-1.day-1) makes no allowance for an effect of habitual physical activity. In addition, Tarnopolsky et al. (J. Appl. Physiol. 68: 302-308, 1990) showed that males may catabolize more protein than females consequent to endurance exercise. We examined nitrogen (N) balance and leucine kinetics during submaximal endurance exercise to determine the adequacy of the current Canadian RNI for protein for male and female endurance athletes. Athletes were matched for equal training volume, competitive status, and conditioning and were fed diets isoenergetic with their habitual intake, containing protein at the Canadian RNI. Subjects were adapted to the diet for 10 days before completing a 3-day measurement of N balance. N balance showed that the RNI was inadequate for females (-15.9 +/- 6.0 mg.kg-1.day-1) and males (-26.3 +/- 11.0 mg.kg-1.day-1). Leucine kinetics during exercise were determined for each subject on day 3 of the N balance experiment by use of a primed continuous infusion of L-[1-13C]leucine and the reciprocal pool model. Exercise resulted in a significant (P < 0.01) increase in leucine oxidation for both groups. Males oxidized a greater amount of leucine during the infusion than females (P < 0.01). Leucine flux also increased significantly (P < 0.01) during exercise in both groups. We conclude that the current Canadian RNI for protein is inadequate for those who chronically engage in endurance exercise.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Low iron stores in infants and children with treated phenylketonuria: A population at risk for iron-deficiency anaemia and associated cognitive deficits

A retrospective study of 53 patients with phenylketonuria (PKU), whose disease was managed with a low-phenylalanine diet, revealed a high incidence of iron depletion (as reflected by subnormal serum ferritin concentrations). Serum ferritin concentrations under 10 micrograms/l were found in one out of six infants aged 5-12 months. Concentrations under 16 micrograms/l were found in 16 of 22 children aged 1-3 years and in 11 of 25 children aged 4-12 years. Dietary iron, estimated from prescribed intakes of medical foods, exceeded the Canadian recommended nutrient intake, suggesting that low stores of iron may be secondary to reduced bioavailability and absorption of iron. These findings suggest that the current dietary management of PKU is associated with an increased risk for low iron stores. Investigators have reported an association in young children between iron-deficiency anaemia and both cognitive and motor disturbances. Children with PKU, already at risk of neurological damage because of phenylalanine neurotoxicity, may be at increased risk as a result of iron depletion. Serum ferritin as well as haemoglobin concentration should be monitored, along with plasma phenylalanine and tyrosine, to ensure optimum treatment of affected children.

Selected nutrient intakes of a cohort of canadian post-menopausal women estimated from three-day dietary records; Sources of variance in nutrient intakes and probability estimates of their adequacy

Three-day estimated dietary records were obtained from 94 non-institutionalized postmenopausal Canadian women (mean age 66.8 years; range 58–89 years), consuming self-selected diets and who were living in Guelph. Intakes of energy and selected nutrients were calculated from food composition data and classified into three age groups (n=38; 55–64 years; n=37; 65–74 years; n=12; 75 years and over). The only significant differences in nutrient intakes (per day; per 1000 kcal) among the three age groups were for vitamin C and vitamin A. Of the subjects, 66% were taking nutrient supplements. Fifty-six per cent, 30% and 27% of the subjects had dietary calcium, vitamin A and D intakes below the Canadian Recommended Nutrient Intakes compared to probability estimates for risk of inadequacies of 25%, 16% and 15%, respectively. Five components of variance were estimated. The inter-subject variance within age groups explained most of the variance for each nutrient. In all cases, except for vitamin A, the inter-subject variance was greater than the intra-subject variance suggesting that the diets within the subjects are rather monotonous, despite large variations among subjects. For vitamin A, both inter- and intra-subject coefficients of variation were high, emphasizing the difficulty of obtaining a precise estimate of usual intake of vitamin A for individuals.

Contribution of tap water to mineral intakes of Canadian preschool children.

Tap water consumption was estimated from 3 day weighed dietary records in 102 Canadian preschool children (4-5 yr of age; 58 males, 44 females). Cold tap water samples were also collected from each child's household (64 hard water households, 38 soft water households) and analyzed for calcium, magnesium, sodium, zinc, copper, and sodium by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Median consumption of tap water consumed alone and tapwater alone plus that used in beverages (ml per day) was 36.5 (range 0-791) and 171.5 (range 0-1036), respectively. Average intakes of macrominerals for males (M) and females (F) from all sources of hard tap water were (mg/day): calcium (M) 16.5, (F) 13.2; magnesium (M) 6.6, (F) 4.5; and sodium (M) 2.3, (F) 2.3. Average intakes of macrominerals from soft water are as follows: calcium (M) 0.1, (F) 0.1; magnesium (M) 0, (F) 0; and sodium (M) 31.0, (F) 24.4. Trace element intakes from tap water were negligible. Hard tap water provided less than 8% of the Canadian Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) for magnesium, less than 3% for calcium, and less than 1% for zinc. Mineral contributions of soft tap water to the RNIs were less than 2%.

Vitamin B 12 and folate status of East Indian immigrants living in Canada

Serum vitamin B 12, serum folate and red blood cell (RBC) folate of adult East Indian Punjabi Canadian immigrants (59 males, mean age 37.7±10.5 yrs; 55 females, mean age 33.3±7.4 yrs) consuming predominantly lacto-ovo vegetarian diets, were determined using radio-immunoassay techniques. Dietary folate intakes were also calculated from weighed 3-day dietary records. None of the subjects took folic acid or vitamin B 12 supplements. Median serum B 12, serum folate and RBC folate values for males were 358 pg/ml, 4.1 ng/ml and 198 ng/ml respectively. Corresponding values for females were 345 pg/ml, 3.9 ng/ml and 160 ng/ml, respectively. Males had higher RBC folate values than females (p<0.0001). The percentage of males with serum B 12<160 pg/ml, serum folate <3.0 ng/ml and RBC folate<140 ng were 6.9, 19.0 and 12.1% respectively. Corresponding prevalence figures for females were 7.8, 37.3 and 33.3%, respectively. There was no incidence of macrocytosis or hypersegmented neutrophils indicative of megaloblastic anemia. Mean (±S.D.) dietary totl folate intakes met the Canadian Recommended Nutrient Intakes and were: males −303.6±105.4 and females −238.4±96.6 ug/day. Major food sources of dietary folate were grain products (38%), vegetables (26%) and fruits (12.5%). A large percentage of Punjabi subjects, especially the females, had serum folate and vitamin B 12 levels below those observed for healthy omniverous populations.

The vitamin D status of a cohort of postmenopausal non-institutionalized canadian women

Dietary vitamin D intakes, calculated from three-day dietary records, and serum 25-OHD levels were determined in a cohort of 96 non-instituonalized Canadian wome, of above average social status, aged 67.2±6.6 yr (mean±SD, range 58–89 yr). Dietary vitamin D intake (without supplements) was 4.3±2.2 ug/day; 20% of the subjects had intakes below the Canadian recommended nutrient intake (2.5 ug/day). Serum 25-OHD levels (mean±SD = 16.5±5.3 ng/ml) were not related to vitamin D supplement usage or season. Eight subjects had serum 25-OHD levels < 10 ng/ml. They were all unsupplemented, constituting 11% of this subgroup and they were significantly older (72.3±9.3 yr) (p=0.02) than subjects with serum 25-OHD values > 10 ng/ml (67.0±6.4 yr). There were indications that serum 25-OHD levels were positively coreelated with dietary vitamin D intakes (r=0.19; p=0.07) and negatively correlated with age (r=−0.21; p=0.05). Multiple regression analysis also indicated that serum 25-OHD levels were related to age and dietary vitamin D intakes (F=4.25; p<0.02). The small number of subjects with low serum 25-OHD was consonant with the relatively high consumption of vitamin D fortified dairy products by the study group.

Mineral intakes of predominantly lacto-ovo vegetarian East Indian adults

Daily energy, protein, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and dietary fiber intakes of East Indian Punjabi immigrants consuming predominantly lacto-ovo vegetarian diets [59 males (M), mean age 37.7±10.5 yr. and 53 females (F), mean age 33.3±7.4 yr] were assessed by calculation from 3-d weighted dietary records, using food composition values and by chemical analysis of 30 1-d diet composites. Mean daily calculated intakes wer: energy, M=2374±713 and F=1708±552 kcal; protein, M=95.8±35.1 and F=68.0±28.9g; Ca, M=990±468 and F=837±393 mg; M=2034±778 and F=1489±551 mg; Zn, M=12.2±4.9 and F=8.8±3.9 mg; Cu, M=2.4±0.9 and F=1.7±0.6 mg; and Mn, M=7.7±3.3 and F=5.7±2.4 mg. The mean daily Ca intakes for M and F were 124 and 105%, respectively, of the Canadian Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI). In contrast, average P intakes were much higher, 254 and 213% of the RNI for M and F, respectively, so that the mean Ca:P ratios were 1:2.0 for M and 1:1.8 for F. Forty-eight percent of the F compared to 19% of the M had Zn intakes below the current RNI, whereas 28% of the M and 77% of the F received Cu intakes below the suggested US safe and adequate range. Mean daily Mn intakes were higher than those for subjects consuming omniverous North American diets and none of the subjects had Mn intakes below the US safe and adequate range.