Relationship between whole-grain intake, chronic disease risk indicators, and weight status among adolescents in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999-2004.
BACKGROUND
Although whole-grain intake has been associated with improved chronic disease risk factors and weight status in adults, similar studies are limited among adolescents.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the relationship among chronic disease risk factors, weight status, and whole-grain intake among adolescents (aged 12 to 19 years) by sex.


METHODS
Analysis of the relationship between dietary, anthropometric, and chronic disease risk factors/laboratory measures and whole-grain intake groups (none, low [>0 to ≤0.5 oz equivalents/day], high [>0.5 oz equivalents/day]) among US adolescents (based on cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999-2004).


METHODS
Data from 4,928 adolescents (2,495 boys, 2,433 girls) collected in person at home and mobile examination centers.


METHODS
Adjusted least-squares means for dietary, anthropometric, and chronic disease risk factors/laboratory measures by whole-grain intake groups.


METHODS
Outcome variables were examined in separate multiple linear regression models with categories of whole-grain intake as the independent variable, adjusted for demographic characteristics, smoking, physical activity, and food group/energy intake.


RESULTS
Fewer than one third consumed >0.5 whole grain ounce equivalents per day. Higher whole-grain intake was associated with lower refined-grain and higher carbohydrate, fiber, folate, and energy intakes. Higher whole-grain intake was associated with lower body mass index and waist, thigh, and arm circumferences among boys only but not on further adjustment for food group intake. In models adjusted for food group intake, higher whole-grain intake was associated with lower fasting insulin levels and higher serum and red blood cell folate levels for boys and girls, with lower C-peptide concentrations for girls and lower homocysteine concentrations for boys.


CONCLUSIONS
Whole-grain intake was not associated with body mass index after adjusting for food group intake but was related to positive nutrient profiles and chronic disease risk factors, which supports current recommendations to promote greater intake of whole grains among adolescents.
Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN 55018, USA.
In Young
IY
Hur
Marla
M
Reicks
D000293:Adolescent; D017195:Adolescent Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / Q000502:physiology*; D000886:Anthropometry; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology*; D002648:Child; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002523:Edible Grain; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D009753:Nutritive Value; D012307:Risk Factors; D057185:Sedentary Behavior; D012737:Sex Factors; D014481:United States; D055815:Young Adult
D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D007328:Insulin; D005492:Folic Acid; D002784:Cholesterol