Selected lower-fat foods positively impact nutrient quality in diets of free-living Americans.
OBJECTIVE
To compare nutrient profiles of Continuing Survey of Food Intake by Individuals (CSFII) respondents who reported use of regular and lower-fat versions of selected foods with those not reporting intake of these foods.


METHODS
American children (ages 2 to 19) and adults completing two days of recalls for the 1994 to 1996 CSFII.


METHODS
Dietary intakes were reviewed for selected foods for which regular (high) and modified-fat versions were available. Foods included added table fats (eg, salad dressings, margarine, creams), desserts, snacks, cheeses, and yogurts. Respondents were divided into non-users (none of these foods reported), mixed users (lower-fat and high-fat foods), and high-fat (only) users.


METHODS
Weighted data were used for descriptive analyses. Unweighted data were used for reported nutrient intake, nutrient density, fat intakes, and Food Guide Pyramid comparisons. A P value of < or =.01 was selected to determine whether group differences were statistically significant. Post hoc analyses were conducted to identify where differences were found.


RESULTS
Respondents reporting inclusion of any selected lower-fat food had significantly lower fat intake (P<.01) than exclusive high-fat users (male respondents: 31.5% vs 35.1%; female respondents: 30.3% vs 34.4%; children: 30.6% vs 33.4%). In general, mixed users had higher micronutrient intakes than high-fat users. Specifically, mixed users reported higher intakes of most B vitamins; vitamins A, C, and folate; the minerals calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and zinc; and fiber. These differences were associated with higher intakes of milk, fruits, and grains.


CONCLUSIONS
This research supports the "all foods can fit" paradigm and validates recommending lower-fat foods (including snacks, desserts, cheeses, yogurt, and added table fats) to American consumers to reduce total fat to moderate levels while ensuring adequacy for most micronutrients.
University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, Las Vegas, NV 89416, USA. sigman-grantm@unce.unr.edu
Madeleine
M
Sigman-Grant
Rex
R
Warland
Gloria
G
Hsieh
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004034:Diet Surveys; D018752:Diet, Fat-Restricted / Q000592:standards*; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002149:Energy Intake; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall; D008875:Middle Aged; D008903:Minerals / Q000008:administration & dosage; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D009753:Nutritive Value; D014481:United States; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage
D004041:Dietary Fats; D008903:Minerals; D014815:Vitamins