ARS | Publication request: Nutritional contribution of lean beef in diets of children (9-13 Years): National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999-2004

Submitted to: Journal of Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: December 1, 2008
Publication Date: April 1, 2009
Citation: Zanovec, M., O'Neil, C.E., Nicklas, T.A., Keast, D.R. 2009. Nutritional Contribution of Lean Beef in Diets of Children (9-13 Years): National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999-2004 [abstract]. FASEB J. 23:LB470.

Technical Abstract: NHANES, 1999-2004, 24-hr dietary recalls were used to examine the contribution of Lean Beef (LB) to total nutrient intake in diets of children 9-13 years (n=3,273), and determine dietary intake differences between LB consumers and non-consumers. LB was defined by MyPyramid Equivalents Database as beef contributing <9.28g fat per 100g. The nutrient intakes from LB in foods were calculated using the Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies (FNDDS). Children were classified by tertiles of LB intake. Sample-weighted means were determined using SUDAAN. Consumption of LB contributed 3.3% to total energy, 3.9% to total fat, 3.0% to saturated fatty acids, and 12.7% to cholesterol intake. LB consumption provided a large percentage of protein (14%), vitamin B12 (21%), and zinc (19%). LB was also an important food source of other nutrients, e.g., niacin (9%), riboflavin (4%), vitamin B6 (9%), iron (6%), phosphorus (6%), potassium (6%), and magnesium (4%). LB provided <1% of total sodium intake. LB contributed positively to diets of consumers, e.g., total dietary intakes of protein, vitamins B6 & B12, zinc, iron, and potassium were higher (p<0.01), compared to non-consumers for the top tertile of LB intake (mean 4.7 oz/d). Consumption of LB contributes significantly to intake of protein and key nutrients in diets of children.