Theoretical intakes of modern-day Paleo diets: Comparison to U.S. dietary reference intakes

Authors: KARLSEN, MICAELA - American College Of Lifestyle Medicine; STAFFIER, KARA - Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging At Tufts University; AGOULNIK, DOROTHY - Tufts University; MIKI, AKARI - Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging At Tufts University; LICHTENSTEIN, ALICE - Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging At Tufts University; FOLTA, SARA - Tufts University; ECONOMOS, CHRISTINA - Tufts University; GILHOOLY, CHERYL - Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging At Tufts University; JACQUES, PAUL - Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging At Tufts University; MCKEOWN, NICOLA - Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging At Tufts University

Submitted to: Current Developments in Nutrition
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/8/2021
Publication Date: 6/7/2021
Citation: Karlsen, M.C., Staffier, K.L., Agoulnik, D.S., Miki, A., Lichtenstein, A.H., Folta, S.C., Economos, C.D., Gilhooly, C., Jacques, P.F., McKeown, N.M. 2021. Theoretical intakes of modern-day Paleo diets: Comparison to U.S. dietary reference intakes [abstract]. Current Developments in Nutrition. 5:420. https://doi.org/10.1093/cdn/nzab038_032.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/cdn/nzab038_032

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Objectives: To evaluate the nutrient adequacy of theoretical, modern-day Paleo meal plans relative to the U.S. Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs). Methods: This analysis used data from the Adhering to Dietary Approaches for Personal Taste (ADAPT) Feasibility Study, which captured data on 9726 self-reported, popular diet followers. Paleo respondents (N = 925) reported sources of recipes and diet guidance. Five days from each of the top six sources were used to generate 30 days of meal plans among a random sample of n = 200 Paleo respondents. Nutrition Data System for Research (NDSR) was used to estimate daily nutrient content of meal plans which was compared to DRIs and recommendations, as follows: recommended daily allowances (RDAs) for vitamins D, E, and folate, which do not vary by age (years, y)/sex; sex and age-specific RDAs for vitamins A, C, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and iron (Fe); adequate intakes (AIs) for potassium (K) and fiber; upper intake level (UL) for sodium (Na); and Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) upper threshold to limit saturated fat and Na. Results: Estimated daily nutrient intakes of theoretical Paleo meal plans met or exceeded RDAs for the following (Paleo vs. RDA): vitamin A for men or women (1481 RAE mcg vs. 900 mcg and 700 mcg), vitamin D (56 mcg vs. 15 mcg), vitamin E (27 mg vs. 15 mg), folate (489 mcg vs. 400 mcg), vitamin C for men or women (225 mg vs. 90 mg and 75 mg), Mg for men and women 31-70 y (539 mg vs. 420 mg and 320 mg), and Fe for men (16 mg vs. 8 mg). Theoretical estimates did not meet the following: RDAs for carbohydrate (91 g vs. 130 g), Fe for women 19-50 y (16 g vs.18 mg), Ca for men and women 61-70 y (562 mg vs. 1000 mg and 1200 mg), and AI for K (4027 mg vs. 4700 mg) or dietary fiber (25 g vs. 28 g/2000 kcal). Estimated levels of Na exceeded the UL (2763 mg vs. 2300 mg), saturated fat exceeded the DGA (19% vs. 10% kcal), and added sugar levels fell within the recommendation (1% vs. 10%). Conclusions: While certain aspects of the Paleo diet offer improvements over typical reported intakes of US adults, saturated fat is high, and carbohydrate, fiber, Ca, and K levels of these theoretical diets do not meet DRIs. High levels of saturated fat present concern for cardiovascular health. Optimal nutrition may be challenging to sustain on a Paleo diet.