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Comparative Study
. 2013 Aug;8(4):307-24.
doi: 10.1111/j.2047-6310.2013.00156.x. Epub 2013 Apr 2.

Trends in intakes and sources of solid fats and added sugars among U.S. children and adolescents: 1994-2010

M M Slining  1 , B M Popkin
Affiliations
Comparative Study

Trends in intakes and sources of solid fats and added sugars among U.S. children and adolescents: 1994-2010

M M Slining et al. Pediatr Obes. 2013 Aug.

Abstract

Background: There are increasing global concerns about improving the dietary intakes of children and adolescents. In the United States (U.S.), the focus is on reducing energy from foods and beverages that provide empty calories from solid fats and added sugars (SoFAS).

Objective: We examine trends in intakes and sources of solid fat and added sugars among U.S. 2-18 year olds from 1994 to 2010.

Methods: Data from five nationally representative surveys, the Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals Surveys (1994-1996) and the What We Eat In America, National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2003-2004, 2005-2006, 2007-2008 and 2009-2010) were used to examine key food sources and energy from solid fats and added sugars. Sample sizes ranged from 2594 to 8259 per survey period, for a total of 17 268 observations across the five surveys. Food files were linked over time to create comparable food groups and nutrient values. Differences were examined by age, race/ethnicity and family income.

Results: Daily intake of energy from SoFAS among U.S. 2-18 year olds decreased from 1994 to 2010, with declines primarily detected in the recent time periods. Solid fats accounted for a greater proportion of total energy intake than did added sugars.

Conclusions: Although the consumption of solid fats and added sugars among children and adolescents in the U.S. decreased between 1994-1998 and 2009-2010, mean intakes continue to exceed recommended limits.

Keywords: Adolescent; United States; child; dietary intake.

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Conflict of interest statement

None of the authors have conflict of interests of any type with respect to this manuscript.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
List of food and beverage groupings
Figure 2
Figure 2
Major sources of solid fats and added sugars among children and adolescents in the United States (2-18 years) from 1994-2010a a Data sources: Data from the Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII) of 1994-1998 (n=8,259), What We Eat in America (WWEIA) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2004 (n=3,435), WWEIA, NHANES 2005-2006 (n=3,652), WWEIA, NHANES 2007-2008 (n=2,594), WWEIA, NHANES 2009-2010 (n=2,763).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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