Nut consumption is associated with better nutrient intakes: results from the 2008/09 New Zealand Adult Nutrition Survey.
A limited number of studies have examined associations between nut consumption and nutrient intakes or diet quality. None has investigated these associations in the Southern Hemisphere. The purpose of this study was to examine associations between nut consumption and nutrient intakes among adult New Zealanders. Data from the 24-h recalls of 4721 participants from the cross-sectional 2008/09 New Zealand Adult Nutrition Survey (2008/09 NZANS) were used to determine whole nut intake and total nut intake from all sources as well as nutrient intakes. Regression models, both unadjusted and adjusted for potential confounders, were used to estimate differences in nutrient intakes between those consuming and those not consuming nuts. From adjusted models, compared with non-whole nut consumers, whole nut consumers had higher intakes of energy and percentage of energy from total fat, MUFA and PUFA, whereas percentage of energy from SFA and carbohydrate was lower (all P≤0·025). After the additional adjustment for energy intake, whole nut consumers had higher intakes of dietary fibre, vitamin E, folate, Cu, Mg, K, P and Zn (all P≤0·044), whereas cholesterol and vitamin B12 intakes were significantly lower (both P≤0·013). Total nut consumption was associated with similar nutrient profiles as observed in whole nut consumers, albeit less pronounced. Nut consumption was associated with better nutrient profiles, especially a lower intake of SFA and higher intakes of unsaturated fats and a number of vitamins and minerals that could collectively reduce the risk for chronic disease, in particular for CVD.
1Department of Human Nutrition,University of Otago,PO Box 56,Dunedin 9054,New Zealand.
Rachel C
RC
Brown
2Clinical Nutrition Research Centre,Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences,A*STAR,14 Medical Drive,#07-02,Singapore 117599,Singapore.
Siew Ling
SL
Tey
3Department of Preventive and Social Medicine,University of Otago,PO Box 56,Dunedin 9054,New Zealand.
Andrew R
AR
Gray
1Department of Human Nutrition,University of Otago,PO Box 56,Dunedin 9054,New Zealand.
Alex
A
Chisholm
1Department of Human Nutrition,University of Otago,PO Box 56,Dunedin 9054,New Zealand.
Claire
C
Smith
1Department of Human Nutrition,University of Otago,PO Box 56,Dunedin 9054,New Zealand.
Elizabeth
E
Fleming
1Department of Human Nutrition,University of Otago,PO Box 56,Dunedin 9054,New Zealand.
Winsome
W
Parnell
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet / Q000592:standards*; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002149:Energy Intake; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018977:Micronutrients / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D009754:Nuts; D055815:Young Adult
D004041:Dietary Fats; D018977:Micronutrients
%TE percentage of total energy; 2008/09 NZANS 2008/09 New Zealand Adult Nutrition Survey; CVD; NHANES National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; Nut intake; Nutrient intakes; Population surveys