Pulse Intake Improves Nutrient Density among US Adult Consumers

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Public Health Nutrition
• Dietary Patterns

Background:

• Pulse consumption is a dietary component often associated with improved health outcomes.
• Understanding pulse intake trends and their nutritional impact is crucial for public health initiatives.
• Previous research has explored the benefits of pulses, but comprehensive analysis of US population data over time is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze 10-year trends in pulse intake among US adults.
• To compare nutrient profiles of pulse consumers versus non-consumers.
• To assess the impact of pulse consumption on overall diet quality in the US population.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2003-2014.
• Included US adults (≥19 years) with two days of dietary intake data.
• Defined pulse consumers as individuals reporting pulse intake on at least one of the two recorded days; analyzed energy-adjusted nutrient intakes.

Main Results:

• No significant 10-year trend in pulse intake was observed for the general US adult population.
• In 2013-2014, approximately 27% of adults consumed pulses, averaging 70.9 g/day.
• Pulse consumers consistently showed higher intakes of fiber, folate, and magnesium across all consumption levels.
• Higher intakes of potassium, zinc, iron, and choline, with lower fat intake, were noted in consumers with higher pulse consumption (≥69.4 g/day).

Conclusions:

• Pulse consumption in the US population did not show significant trends over the 2003-2014 period.
• Individuals who consume pulses tend to have a more nutrient-dense diet compared to non-consumers.
• Incorporating pulses into the diet may contribute to improved overall diet quality in the US population.