title: Use of the Go-for-Green nutrition labeling system in military dining facilities is associated with lower fat intake.
abstract: Point-of-purchase nutrition labeling is a potential tool to help consumers choose healthier foods. The objectives of our study were to survey soldiers on their use of the Go-for-Green nutrition labeling system in dining facilities and compare characteristics of users and nonusers. The study population consisted of 299 US Army active duty soldiers at two US Army installations. The frequency of use of food labels and characteristics were calculated and differences in characteristics of label users and nonusers were compared using χ(2) and regression analyses. Forty-seven percent of soldiers reported using nutrition labels to make food choices always or sometimes. Users were more likely to be following a special diet (P=0.04) and to take a multivitamin or protein supplement (P<0.001) than nonusers. Users consumed a mean of 32% of energy from fat vs 36% for nonusers (P<0.0001) after adjusting for reported use of special diets. Use of the Go-for-Green nutrition labeling system is encouraging and should be further investigated to determine whether the program is actually influencing dietary choices in broader military settings.
authors: Joanne E
authors: JE
authors: Arsenault
authors: Michelle C
authors: MC
authors: Singleton
authors: LesLee K
authors: LK
authors: Funderburk
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005515:Food Labeling; D005522:Food Services; D058870:Food, Organic; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D058749:Military Facilities; D008889:Military Personnel; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D004041:Dietary Fats
keywords: Dietary fat; Nutrition labeling