Development of food intake patterns for the MyPyramid Food Guidance System.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this research was to design food intake patterns based on typical American food selections that would meet Dietary Guidelines and Dietary Reference Intake recommendations.


METHODS
Analytic process to identify appropriate amounts from each food group that together will meet nutritional goals for various age/gender groups.


METHODS
Projected intake of energy, 9 vitamins, 8 minerals, 8 macronutrients, and dietary fiber in each food intake pattern.


METHODS
Iterative comparison of nutrients in each food intake pattern to Dietary Reference Intakes and Dietary Guidelines recommendations set as goals for that pattern.


RESULTS
Food intake patterns were established that met almost all nutrient goals within estimated energy needs. Intakes of vitamin E at all energy levels, potassium at lower energy levels, and sodium at higher energy levels did not meet goals.


CONCLUSIONS
The food intake patterns provide a foundation of food choices that will meet nutritional recommendations. They form the scientific basis for the MyPyramid Food Guidance System and can also be used as a starting point for developing other educational programs or materials.
Britten
Patricia
P
USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, Alexandria, VA 22302, USA. Patricia.Britten@cnpp.usda.gov
Marcoe
Kristin
K
Yamini
Sedigheh
S
Davis
Carole
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004032:Diet / Q000592:standards*; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004435:Eating; D002149:Energy Intake / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005502:Food / Q000145:classification*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008903:Minerals / Q000008:administration & dosage; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D009753:Nutritive Value; D017678:Sex Distribution; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage
D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004041:Dietary Fats; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D004044:Dietary Proteins; D008903:Minerals; D014815:Vitamins