ARS | Publication request: MyPyramid food intake pattern modeling for the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee

Submitted to: Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: September 1, 2006
Publication Date: November 1, 2006
Citation: Britten, P., Lyon, J., Weaver, C.M., Kris-Etherton, P.M., Nicklas, T.A., Weber, J.A., Davis, C.A. 2006. MyPyramid food intake pattern modeling for the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior. 38:S143-S152.

Interpretive Summary: Food intake pattern modeling can be a useful tool for researchers to access possible impacts of recommended changes in food selection for various groups of people. Modeling exercise can show the overall impact on nutrient adequacy and energy intake of proposed food intakes. This work shows that food patterns can be implemented to achieve current dietary recommendations. Professionals can help individuals implement the food-based recommendations within calorie needs by using or adapting the food intake patterns for personal needs and preferences.

Technical Abstract: Modeling analyses using the MyPyramid intake patterns were conducted in collaboration with the 2005 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee in response to their research questions and to determine likely effects of possible recommendations on overall dietary adequacy. Scenarios modeled included the feasibility of using the food patterns for lacto-ovo-vegetarian diets, of varying fat levels within the patterns, and of increasing dietary flexibility through food group substitutions. Food pattern modeling was a useful tool to identify possible impacts on diet quality of potential Dietary Guidelines recommendations. Modeling analyses can help researchers explore the overall effect of specific dietary recommendations on intake patterns.