US adolescent food intake trends from 1965 to 1996

Objective To examine adolescent food consumption trends in the United State s with important chronic disease implications. Methods Analysis of dietary intake data from 4 nationally representative US Department of Agriculture s urveys of persons aged 11 to 18 years (n = 12,438). Results From 1965 to 19 96, a considerable shift occurred in the adolescent diet. Total energy inta ke decreased, as did the proportion of energy from total fat (39%-32%) and saturated fat (15%-12%). Concurrent increases occurred in the consumption o f higher-fat potatoes and mixed dishes (pizza and macaroni and cheese). Low er-fat milks replaced higher-fat milks, but total milk consumption decrease d by 36%. This decrease was accompanied by an increase in the consumption o f soft drinks and noncitrus juices. An increase in high-fat potato consumpt ion led to an increase in vegetable intake, but the number of servings for fruits and vegetables is still lower than the recommended 5 per day. Iron, folic acid, and calcium intakes continue to be below those recommended for girls. Conclusions These trends, far greater than for US adults, may compro mise the health of the future US population.