Dietary sources of nutrients among rural Native American and white children.
OBJECTIVE
To identify important food sources of energy, fiber, and major macro- and micronutrients among rural Native American and white children.


METHODS
In a 1997 cross-sectional study, food frequency questionnaire data were collected during in-person interviews with caregivers of young children.


METHODS
Participants included a representative sample of 329 rural Native American and non-Hispanic white children aged 1 through 6 years living in northeastern Oklahoma.


METHODS
The percentage that each of 85 food items contributed to the population intake of 10 dietary constituents was calculated for the total sample and by age and race/ethnicity. Percentages are presented in descending rank order for foods providing at least 2% of the total sample intake. Z scores were used to assess age and racial/ethnic differences in food sources.


RESULTS
Primary energy sources among study children were milk, cheese, white breads, salty snacks, nondiet soft drinks, hot dogs, candy, and sweetened fruit drinks. Diets showed poor food variety. With few exceptions (eg, milk, cheese, 100% orange juice, ready-to-eat cereals, peanuts/peanut butter, and dried beans), top sources of most dietary constituents were low-nutrient-dense high-fat foods and refined carbohydrates. Solid fruits and vegetables contributed minimally to nutrient and fiber intake. There were few differences in food sources by age or race/ethnicity.


CONCLUSIONS
Among rural Native American and white children in northeastern Oklahoma, food sources of nutrients appear less healthful than found in national samples. Sugar-sweetened beverages, high-fat foods, and refined carbohydrates are displacing more nutrient-dense alternatives, increasing children's risk for childhood obesity, type 2 diabetes, and adult chronic disease.
Stroehla
Berrit C
BC
CODA, Inc, Durham, NC, USA.
Malcoe
Lorraine Halinka
LH
Velie
Ellen M
EM
D002648:Child; D002664:Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004034:Diet Surveys; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002149:Energy Intake; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000208:ethnology*; D005260:Female; D005638:Fruit; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009753:Nutritive Value; D009825:Oklahoma; D011203:Poverty; D012424:Rural Population; D014481:United States; D014675:Vegetables; D044465:White People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004041:Dietary Fats; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D004044:Dietary Proteins