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.
Sigman-Grant
Madeleine
M
University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, Las Vegas, NV 89416, USA. sigman-grantm@unce.unr.edu
Warland
Rex
R
Hsieh
Gloria
G
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