Food pattern group and macronutrient intakes of adolescents 12 to 19 years: 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 adolescents 12 to 19 years: 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 macronutrient by adolescents 12-19 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. Compared with 2003-2004, adolescents 12-19 years consumed 0.23 cup equivalent (cup eq.) less vegetables, 0.51 cup eq. less dairy, but consumed 0.43 ounce equivalent (oz. eq.) more of whole grains in 2017-2018. However, this increase in whole grains intakes was very small and far below the Dietary Guidelines recommendation of eating 50 percent of total grains as whole grains. Their added sugars intake substantially decreased by 8.1 teaspoon eq. and solid fats by 15.8 grams. No significant differences were noted in the estimated mean fruit; protein foods such as meat, poultry, and seafood; and nuts and seed, soy, legumes intakes. However, 100% fruit juice intake decreased. Among macronutrients, carbohydrate decreased by 56 grams and saturated fat decreased by 2.3 grams. Energy intake decreased by 311 calories. The linear trends were significant for vegetables, 100% fruit juice, dairy, whole and refined grains, added sugars, solid fats, oils, carbohydrate, saturated fat, and energy. The study showed a need for nutrition intervention strategies to increase fruit, vegetables, and low-fat or nonfat dairy intakes among adolescents 12 to 19 years.

Technical Abstract: The study highlights the changes in the selected food pattern group and macronutrient intakes among adolescents ages 12 to 19 years from 2003-2004 to 2017-2008. What We Eat In America (WWEIA), NHANES day 1 dietary data and the Food Patterns Equivalents data were used for the 8 survey periods from 2003-2004 to 2017-2008 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. The adolescent children consumed 0.23 cup eq, less vegetables and 0.51 cup eq. less dairy in 2017-2018 than in 2003-2004 (p<0.01). Their 100% fruit juice intakes decreased, although total fruit intakes remained the same over the survey periods. Adolescent children significantly increased whole grain intakes from 0.41 ounce equivalent (oz. eq.) in 2003-2004 to 0.84 oz. eq. in 2017-2018. However, this increase was small and far below the Dietary Guidelines recommendation of eating 50 percent of total grains as whole grains. They also significantly decreased their refined grain intake from 7.41 oz. eq. in 2003-2004 to 6.39 oz. eq. in 2017-2018. Other salient findings include a substantial decrease of 8.1 teaspoon eq. in added sugars and 15.8 grams decrease in solid fats. The mean intake of meat, poultry, and seafood was 4.30 oz. eq. in 2003-2004 and 4.26 oz. eq. in 2017-2018; and these means were not significantly different. They ate 4.8 times more protein foods of animal origin than of plant origin in 2017-2018. An analysis of macronutrients showed that carbohydrate decreased by 56 grams and saturated fats decreased by 2.3 grams. Energy intake decreased by 311 calories. The linear trends were significant for the following: vegetables, 100% fruit juice, dairy, whole and refined grains, added sugars, solid fat, oils, energy, carbohydrate, and saturated fat. The findings showed adolescents 12 to 19 years need to increase fruit, vegetables, and low-fat or nonfat dairy intakes.