Food pattern group and macronutrient intakes of adults: WWEIA, NHANES 2003-2004 to 2017-2018

Authors: Bowman, Shanthy; Clemens, John; Friday, James

Submitted to: Worldwide Web Site: Food Surveys Research Group
Publication Type: Research Technical Update
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/9/2021
Publication Date: 4/13/2021
Citation: Bowman, S.A., Clemens, J.C., Friday, J.E. 2021. Food pattern group and macronutrient intakes of adults: WWEIA, NHANES 2003-2004 to 2017-2018. Worldwide Web Site: Food Surveys Research Group. Available: https://www.ars.usda.gov/nea/bhnrc/fsrg/wweia/dbrief.

Interpretive Summary: This report highlights the changes in the dietary intakes of selected USDA Food Pattern groups and macronutrients by adults 20+ years, from What We Eat In America, NHANES 2003-2004 to 2017-2018. Dietary intakes in 2003-2004 were compared with that in 2017-2018. In addition, the linear trends during the 8 survey periods were analyzed. A p-value < 0.01 was considered significantly different for all analyses. No differences were noted between 2003-2004 and 2017-2018 in the mean intakes of nutritious foods such as fruit, 0.98 vs. 0.88 cup equivalents (eq.); vegetables, 1.64 vs. 1.55 cup eq.; and dairy, 1.57 vs. 1.45 cup eq. However, 100% fruit juice intake decreased. They remained low as compared with the Dietary Guidelines recommendations. Although the whole grains intakes significantly increased from 0.64 ounce equivalent (oz. eq.) to 0.84 oz. eq., and refined grains significantly decreased from 6.21 oz. eq. to 5.76 oz. eq., whole grains intakes were far below the Dietary Guidelines recommendation of eating half the grains as whole grains. Protein foods intakes were not significantly different. Adults ate about 3.45 times more protein foods of animal origin than of plant origin, in 2017-2018. A substantial decrease of 3.2 teaspoon eq. in added sugars and 10 grams in solid fats were noted. Energy intake did not change, but percentages calories from carbohydrate and total fat significantly decreased, and that from saturated fat increased. Linear trends were significant for 100% fruit juice, whole and refined grains, added sugars, solid fats, oils, carbohydrate, and total fat. The study findings showed nutrition intervention to increase fruit, vegetables, dairy, and whole grain intakes is necessary. Also, adults may choose nonfat or low-fat dairy and lean protein foods to control solid fats intakes.

Technical Abstract: The study highlights the changes in the selected food pattern group and macronutrient intakes among adults 20+ years from 2003-2004 to 2017-2008. What We Eat In America (WWEIA), NHANES day 1 dietary data and the Food Patterns Equivalents data, for the 8 survey periods from 2003-2004 to 2017-2008, were used for the analysis. Sample weights were applied in data analysis to get nationally representative estimates. Dietary intakes in 2003-2004 were compared with that in 2017-2018. In addition, the linear trends during the 8 survey periods were analyzed. A p-value < 0.01 was considered significantly different for all analyses. In 2003-2004, adults consumed 0.98 cup equivalent (cup eq.) fruit, 1.64 cup eq. vegetables, and 1.57 cup eq. dairy; and the respective intakes in 2017-2018 were 0.88, 1.55, and 1.45 cup eq. However, these intakes were not significantly different. However, 100% fruit juice intake decreased. Whole grain intake significantly increased from 0.64 ounce equivalent (oz. eq.) in 2003-2004 to 0.84 oz. eq. in 2017-2018, and refined grains significantly decreased from 6.21 oz. eq. to 5.76 oz. eq. Intakes of protein foods meat, poultry, and seafood; and nuts, seeds, soy, and legumes were not significantly different. Adults ate about 3.45 times more protein foods of animal origin than of plant origin, in 2017-2018. Added sugars intakes decreased by 3.2 teaspoon eq. and solid fat decreased by 10 grams. Energy intake did not change, but percentage of calories from carbohydrate significantly decreased from 49.3% to 46.6%, and total fat from 33.7% to 36.2%; and saturated fat increased from 11.1% to 11.7%. Linear trends were significant for 100% fruit juice, whole and refined grains, added sugars, solid fats, oils, carbohydrate, and total fat. The study showed that adults need to increase fruit, vegetables, dairy, and whole grain intakes. They may choose nonfat or low-fat dairy and lean protein foods to limit solid fats intakes.