Nutritional assessment of a predominately African-American inner-city clinic population

Dietary changes are recommended as first-line treatment and prevention strategies of chronic diseases. The African-American diet in particular has been characterized as high in sodium and fat while lacking in fiber.

Using a 24-hour diet recall with a modified food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), we assessed the diet/nutritional status of patients attending 2 inner-city health centers in Milwaukee. Point-of-purchase data on food sales was collected for comparison.

Diets were high in fat (42.7% of total calories), saturated fat (14.6%), and sodium (nearly 150% of the daily recommended value), while lacking in dietary fiber (30% of the daily recommended value). Point-of-purchase data correlated with dietary intake.

The diets of the population surrounding these inner-city health centers were high in fat and sodium, but low in fiber. Programs are needed to address the unhealthy dietary practices within this population.