Fat, cholesterol, fiber and sodium intakes of US population: Evaluation of diets reported in 1987-88 Nationwide Food Consumption Survey

Objective: Food intake data from Nationwide Food Consumption Survey (NFCS) was used to evaluate intakes of fat, type of fat, cholesterol, dietary fiber and sodium of Americans classified by age. Survey design & setting: Data from the recent USDA's 1987-88 NFCS were used. NFCS was designed to be a self-weighting, multistage, stratified, area probability sample representative of individuals in the 48 conterminous states. 1987-88 NFCS response rate was 35%. Three-day food intake data were used to assess the nutrient intakes. Subjects: Dietary intakes of 9027 individuals (4180 men and 4847 women) were evaluated. Survey sample was divided into 11-14, 15-18, 19-24, 25-50 and >51 years age groups. Results: On average, Americans consumed more calories from total fat (36.5-38.1% of energy) and saturated fat (13.0-14.1% of energy) than recommended. Mean intakes for polyunsaturated fat (6.1-7.6% of energy) and monounsaturated fat met the recommendations (13.6-14.3% of energy). Total, saturated and monounsaturated fat intakes were significantly lower in the >51 years age group compared to younger age groups. Mean cholesterol intakes were higher in the 19-24 and 25-50 year age groups than recommended. Fiber intakes were similar across the age groups (12.3-13.4 mg/d). Sodium intakes were higher in the younger population compared to the older population. Conclusions: Although dietary patterns of Americans in relation to total fat and saturated fat intakes have changed toward a healthier diet, these changes did not meet recommendations. The US population continues to consume lower intakes of fiber and higher intakes of sodium.