title: Knowledge of Recommended Calorie Intake and Influence of Calories on Food Selection Among Canadians.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine knowledge of recommended daily calorie intake, use of calorie information, and sociodemographic correlates between knowledge and use.
  
  
  METHODS
  Population-based, random digit-dialed phone surveys.
  
  
  METHODS
  Canadian adults (n = 1,543) surveyed between October and December, 2012.
  
  
  METHODS
  Knowledge of recommended calorie intake and use of calorie information when purchasing food.
  
  
  METHODS
  Regression models, adjusting for sociodemographics and diet-related measures.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall, 24% of participants correctly stated their recommended daily calorie intake; the majority (63%) underestimated it, whereas few (4%) overestimated it. Females, younger participants, those with a higher income and more education, and those who consumed fruits and vegetables at least 5 times daily were significantly more likely to state recommended intake correctly. Most respondents (82%) reported considering calories when selecting foods. Respondents considered calories more often if they were female, had a higher income and more education, perceived themselves to be overweight, were actively trying to control their weight, reported a healthier diet, or consumed fruits and vegetables at least 5 times daily.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although most Canadians reported using calorie information to guide their food choices, few knew their daily recommended calorie intake. To promote healthy weights, policy initiatives, including education regarding daily calorie intake and changes to the Nutrition Facts table, may help consumers make better choices about food.
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Cassondra
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: McCrory
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Lana
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Vanderlee
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Christine M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: White
authors.affiliation: Propel Centre for Population Health Impact, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Jessica L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Reid
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address: dhammond@uwaterloo.ca.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hammond
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D004032:Diet; D002149:Energy Intake; D005260:Female; D005518:Food Preferences; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: diet; food habits; health behavior; nutrition; nutrition knowledge; overweight