title: Nut Consumption Among U.S. Youth, 2009-2012.
abstract: About one-third of U.S. youth consumed nuts on a given day in 2009–2012. Older youth were less likely to consume nuts than younger youth. More non-Hispanic white than non-Hispanic black or Hispanic youth consumed nuts. More youth living in households at or above 350% of the poverty level consumed nuts than youth in households below 130% poverty or at 130% up to 350% of the poverty level. Although previous guidance suggested that timing of the introduction of nuts into children’s diets may play a role in allergies, this guidance has recently been revised. There is a lack of evidence linking early introduction of nuts to development of allergy. This analysis did not include infants under the age of 1 year but did find that consumption of nuts was higher among younger children. More than one-third of nut consumption among youth (39.5%) occurs as a single-item food (i.e., not as an ingredient in other foods). Nuts are an alternate source of protein, especially for youth. Nuts are also high in mono- and polyunsaturated fats and fiber, and are a rich source of antioxidants such as selenium and vitamin E. Some nuts, especially walnuts and pumpkin seeds, are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
authors.forename: Samara Joy
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Nielsen
authors.forename: Kristen A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Herrick
authors.forename: Lara J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Akinbami
authors.forename: Cynthia L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Ogden
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D008297:Male; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D009754:Nuts; D044469:Racial Groups; D014481:United States; D055815:Young Adult