CALCIUM INTAKES OF MEXICAN-AMERICANS, CUBANS, PUERTO-RICANS, NON-HISPANIC WHITES, AND NON-HISPANIC BLACKS IN THE UNITED-STATES

Objective To compare dietary calcium intakes from food in Mexican Amer icans, Cubans, Puerto Ricans, non-Hispanic whites, and non-Hispanic bl acks aged 11 through 74 years. Design Population survey data from the Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the second Nation al Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used to calculate calc ium intake from a single 24-hour recall. These data were compared by a ge and sex between the five population groups. Food sources of calcium in the three Hispanic groups were also examined using 24-hour recall data. Subjects The sample consisted of 11,773 non-Hispanic whites, 1,7 28 non-Hispanic blacks, 4,739 Mexican Americans, 1,076 Cubans, and 1,8 35 Puerto Ricans. Main outcome measures Mean calcium intake, percentag e intake of Recommended Dietary Allowance, and, for Hispanics, food so urces of calcium. Statistical analyses Means were compared within age and sex groups between the five population groups using a t test. Resu lts Calcium intakes from food in the three Hispanic groups were simila r to intakes of non-Hispanic whites and higher than intakes of non-His panic blacks. Although dairy foods were the main sources of calcium fo r Hispanics, com tortillas were important calcium sources among Mexica n Americans. Women consumed less calcium than the Recommended Dietary Allowance in all age and racial or ethnic groups. Applications When as sessing calcium intakes of the three Hispanic groups, ethnic differenc es in food sources of calcium need to be considered. Efforts to increa se calcium intake in Hispanics also need to account for ethnic differe nces.