Marginal vitamin and mineral intakes of young adults: the Bogalusa Heart Study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine reported vitamin and mineral intakes, vitamin supplement use, and food consumption patterns of young adults.


METHODS
Twenty-four-hour dietary recalls were collected from 1988-1991 on a cross-sectional sample of 504 young adults in Bogalusa, Louisiana, between the ages of 19 and 28 years (58% female; 70% white). Reported vitamin and mineral intake data were analyzed for race and gender differences. Descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated where appropriate. Food sources of selected vitamins and minerals were also examined.


RESULTS
Reported intakes of vitamins A, B6, E, D, and C, folacin, magnesium, iron, zinc, and calcium were most likely to be inadequate compared with the Recommended dietary Allowances (RDA); with more females than males reported nutrient intakes less than two thirds of the RDA. Approximately 10% of the population reported taking a vitamin/mineral supplement over the 24-h survey period. Food source data indicated that breads and grains, milk, vegetables and soups, fruits, and beef were the primary contributors of the selected vitamins and minerals.


CONCLUSIONS
Public health organizations and dietitians need to educate young adults on practical strategies for making wise food choices rich in nutrient content relative to energy value to ensure intakes that approach the RDAs.
Zive
M M
MM
Department of Pediatrics, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, USA.
Nicklas
T A
TA
Busch
E C
EC
Myers
L
L
Berenson
G S
GS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American; D053198:Child Nutrition Sciences / Q000193:education*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004034:Diet Surveys; D002149:Energy Intake; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008145:Louisiana; D008297:Male; D008903:Minerals / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D012737:Sex Factors; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D044465:White People
D008903:Minerals; D014815:Vitamins