Nutritional assessment of a predominately African-American inner-city clinic population.
BACKGROUND
Dietary changes are recommended as first-line treatment and prevention strategies of chronic diseases. The African-American diet in particular has been characterized as high in sodium and fat while lacking in fiber.


METHODS
Using a 24-hour diet recall with a modified food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), we assessed the diet/nutritional status of patients attending 2 inner-city health centers in Milwaukee. Point-of-purchase data on food sales was collected for comparison.


RESULTS
Diets were high in fat (42.7% of total calories), saturated fat (14.6%), and sodium (nearly 150% of the daily recommended value), while lacking in dietary fiber (30% of the daily recommended value). Point-of-purchase data correlated with dietary intake.


CONCLUSIONS
The diets of the population surrounding these inner-city health centers were high in fat and sodium, but low in fiber. Programs are needed to address the unhealthy dietary practices within this population.
Robinson
M E
ME
University of Kansas Medical Center, Department of Family Medicine, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66160-7370, USA. mebersole-robinson@kumc.edu
Hunter
P H
PH
D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004041:Dietary Fats; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall; D008875:Middle Aged; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D009752:Nutritional Status; D012964:Sodium; D014505:Urban Population; D014922:Wisconsin
D004041:Dietary Fats; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D012964:Sodium