Benefits of snacking in older Americans.
OBJECTIVE
Because energy intakes decline with age, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of snacking on energy intakes and energy density in older adults.


METHODS
Twenty-four-hour dietary recall data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2002 were used to compare the diets of snackers and nonsnackers.


METHODS
This study included 2,002 adults aged 65 years and older.


METHODS
All statistical analyses accounted for the survey design and sample weights. Linear regression was used to estimate energy and energy-yielding nutrient intakes, eating occasions, energy intake per eating occasions, and energy density of eating occasions.


RESULTS
The prevalence of snacking was high (84%) among this age group, and snackers had significantly higher daily intakes of energy, protein, carbohydrate, and total fat. Alcohol intakes were not significantly different. For those who snacked, it contributed almost a quarter of their energy and carbohydrate intakes and a fifth of their daily fat intakes. Snacking contributed 14% of their daily protein intakes. Snackers had, on average, two and a half snacking occasions per day, with each snacking occasion contributing 150 kcal. The average energy contribution of meals was not different between snackers and nonsnackers. The energy density of meals is significantly greater for snackers than for nonsnackers.


CONCLUSIONS
Results from this study demonstrate that snacking is an important dietary behavior among older adults. Whereas snacking may promote energy imbalance resulting in obesity among other age groups, our results suggest snacking may ensure older adults consume diets adequate in energy.
Zizza
Claire A
CA
Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA. Claire_Zizza@auburn.edu <Claire_Zizza@auburn.edu>
Tayie
Francis A
FA
Lino
Mark
M
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; 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; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D009765:Obesity / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D015995:Prevalence
D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004041:Dietary Fats; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D004044:Dietary Proteins