Alcohol consumption and nutrient density of diets in the Nationwide Food Consumption Survey

Alcoholic beverage data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Nationwide Food Consumption Survey (NFCS), 1977-78, were compared with apparent consumption data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). NFCS data indicate that only one-fifth of the alcohol estimated to be consumed by DHHS is reported at the household level. For those individuals consuming alcoholic beverages, energy levels were higher than for non-drinkers. Average daily nutrient intake for most nutrients was similar for drinkers and non-drinkers. The nutrient density of diets of drinkers was significantly lower than that of non-drinkers with respect to protein, fat, carbohydrate, calcium, iron, phosphorus, vitamin A, and thiamin.