POPULATION NUTRIENT INTAKE APPROACHES DIETARY RECOMMENDATIONS - 1991 TO 1995 FRAMINGHAM NUTRITION STUDIES

Objective To estimate population nutrient intake levels and to assess adherence to current dietary recommendations for health promotion and disease prevention. Design Cross-sectional analysis of nutrient intake estimated from 3-day food records. Median macronutrient and micronutr ient intake levels for men, women, and the total population are report ed along with the proportions of men and women who achieved intakes co mpatible with nutrient goals defined by published guidelines. Setting Adult participants (2,520: 1,375 women and 1,145 men) in the Framingha m Offspring-Spouse Study surveyed between 1991 and 1995. Statistical a nalyses chi(2) Analyses were used to test for gender differences in th e proportions of persons who had intakes that met nutrient guidelines. Results Population intake levels of certain key nutrients, including total and saturated fat, appear to be approaching recommended levels. High proportions of the Framingham population (70% or more) met curren t recommendations for intakes of protein, polyunsaturated and monounsa turated fat, cholesterol, alcohol, vitamins C and B-12, and folacin. A bout half or fewer met guidelines for carbohydrate; total and saturate d fat; fiber; beta carotene; vitamins A, E, and B-6; calcium; and sodi um. Important gender differences in the proportion of those meeting nu trient guidelines were observed for 12 of the 18 nutrients examined, i ncluding carbohydrate; total, saturated, and monounsaturated fat, chol esterol; fiber, sodium; calcium; and several vitamins. Conclusion Alth ough progress has been made toward achieving population adherence to p reventive nutrition recommendations, large proportions of adults fall short of guidelines for some key nutrients. Differences in adherence r ates between men and women suggest areas for gender-specific, targeted nutrition messages and behavioral interventions.