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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Beltsville, Maryland (BHNRC) » Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center » Food Surveys Research Group » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #332674
Title: Phosphorus Intake of Americans, What We Eat in America, NHANES 2011-2012

Author
item Moshfegh, Alanna
item KOVALCHIK, ARMINDA - University Of Maryland
item Clemens, John

Submitted to: Worldwide Web Site: Food Surveys Research Group
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/1/2016
Publication Date: 9/14/2016
Citation: Moshfegh, A.J., Kovalchik, A.F., Clemens, J.C. 2016. Phosphorus Intake of Americans, What We Eat in America, NHANES 2011-2012. Worldwide Web Site: Food Surveys Research Group. Available: www.ars.usda.gov/services/docs.htm?docid=19476.

Interpretive Summary: Phosphorus is the second most abundant mineral in the body following calcium. It plays a critical role in the formation of teeth and bones. Using nationwide data on dietary intakes from What We Eat in America, NHANES 2011-2012, phosphorus intake of the American population, as well as food categories that contribute to phosphorus intake, are highlighted. Mean daily intake of phosphorus was 1,393 mg. Phosphorus intake has remained relatively consistent for the last 10 years: mean daily phosphorus intake in 2001-2002 was 1,315 mg. Adolescent and adult males had higher phosphorus intakes than their female counterparts. Phosphorus intake differed by race/ethnicity but not income. Intakes were lower for blacks and Asians compared to whites and Hispanics. Food categories that provided the largest contributions to daily phosphorus intake were dairy products (20%) followed by bakery products (10%). Categories that each contributed 5% were vegetables, chicken, Mexican dishes, and pizza.

Technical Abstract: The purpose of this report is to present data on the dietary phosphorus intake of Americans and the food categories that contribute to the total intake. Nationally representative data from individuals 2 years and over participating in What We Eat in America, NHANES 2011-2012 were analyzed (n=7,933). Dietary intake data were obtained from a 24-hour recall, collected using the interviewer-administered 5-step USDA Automated Multiple-Pass Method. The mean daily intake of phosphorus was 1,393 mg. Phosphorus intake has remained relatively consistent for the last 10 years: mean daily phosphorus intake in 2001-2002 was 1,315 mg. Adolescent and adult males had higher phosphorus intakes than their female counterparts (p<0.001). When considered per 1,000 kcal, children ages 2-5 and adults 60+ had diets higher in phosphorus density compared to other age groups. Non-Hispanic whites and Hispanics had higher intakes than non-Hispanic blacks and Asians. Food categories that provided the largest contributions to daily phosphorus intake were dairy products (20%) followed by bakery products (10%). Categories that each contributed 5% were vegetables, chicken, Mexican dishes, and pizza. The information in this report is informative for health professionals, educators, and others who are interested in the dietary intake of the U.S. population.