Characterizing nutrient intakes of children by sociodemographic factors

Data from 1,392 children ages 1 to 10, who were participants in the U.S. Department of Agriculture 1987-88 Nationwide Food Consumption Survey, were examined to determine how their diets compared with current dietary recommendations and to identify those sociodemographic factors associated with the greatest risk for not meeting the recommendations. Vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, calcium, iron, and zinc were the nutrients most often consumed below recommended levels. Percentage of calories from fat and saturated fat and mean sodium intakes were above recommended levels for the majority of the children. Of the total sample, 81 percent met guidelines for cholesterol intakes. Multiple correlation regression analysis was used to determine the effect of the following factors on the children's nutrient intakes: geographic region, degree of urbanization, race, household size and income, age, education, and employment status of the male and female head of household. Age and sex of the child were entered as control variables. Level of urbanization affected the most nutrient intake variables, followed by race. Living in a rural area and being black were significant predictors for higher intakes of total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Mean annual household income had no significant effect on any of the diet quality measures. Many of the children in the sample, however, participated in Federal food and nutrition programs that provided additional resources for food.