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. 2000 Dec;173(6):378-83.
doi: 10.1136/ewjm.173.6.378.

US adolescent food intake trends from 1965 to 1996

C Cavadini  1 , A M Siega-Riz, B M Popkin
Affiliations

US adolescent food intake trends from 1965 to 1996

C Cavadini et al. West J Med. 2000 Dec.

Erratum in

  • West J Med 2001 Oct;175(4):235

Abstract

Objective: To examine adolescent food consumption trends in the United States with important chronic disease implications.

Methods: Analysis of dietary intake data from 4 nationally representative US Department of Agriculture surveys of persons aged 11 to 18 years (n = 12,498).

Results: From 1965 to 1996, a considerable shift occurred in the adolescent diet. Total energy intake decreased, as did the proportion of energy from total fat (39%-32%) and saturated fat (15%-12%). Concurrent increases occurred in the consumption of higher-fat potatoes and mixed dishes (pizza and macaroni and cheese). Lower-fat milks replaced higher-fat milks, but total milk consumption decreased by 36%. This decrease was accompanied by an increase in the consumption of soft drinks and noncitrus juices. An increase in high-fat potato consumption led to an increase in vegetable intake, but the number of servings for fruits and vegetables is still lower than the recommended 5 per day. Iron, folic acid, and calcium intakes continue to be below those recommended for girls.

Conclusions: These trends, far greater than for US adults, may compromise the health of the future US population.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Staples of the diet of American adolescents do not meet their nutritional needs © PRNewsFoto/Burger King
Figure 1
Figure 1
Trends in milk consumption, per capita grams, among US adolescents in the US Department of Agriculture surveys, 1965-1996.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Trends in consumption of grain-based mixed (BM) dishes, by per capita grams, among US adolescents in the US Department of Agriculture surveys, 1965-1996.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Trends in consumption of raw fruit and juices, by per capita grams, among US adolescents in the US Department of Agriculture surveys, 1965-1996.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Trends in vegetable consumption, by per capita grams, among US adolescents in the US Department of Agriculture surveys, 1965-1996.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Trends in beverage consumption, by per capita grams, among US adolescents in the US Department of Agriculture surveys, 1965-1996.
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