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Title: NUTRIENT INTAKES OF FOOD INSUFFICIENT ADULTS WHO USE FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS IN THE SOUTHERN REGION OF THE UNITED STATES

Author
item Connell, Carol
item Yadrick, Kathy
item HINTON, A - UNIV SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI
item SU, L - LSU MED CENTER

Submitted to: Journal Of The American Dietetic Association
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/4/2001
Publication Date: 9/1/2001
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine differences in nutrient intakes between food sufficient (FS) and food insufficient (FI) adults and to assess the impact of participation in food/nutrition assistance programs (FNAP) on the nutrient intakes of those reporting FI. Adults who resided in the southern region of the US and who participated in NHANES III were selected for this study (n=7197). Data were weighted and ANOVA, adjusted for confounding factors, was used to detect differences in mean nutrient intakes between FS (n=6741) and FI (n=456) adults. FI adults had a higher percentage of calories (kcal) from carbohydrate, but lower of fiber, vitamin A, carotene, folate, magnesium, and potassium compared to FS adults (p<.05). 58% of those reporting FI were not participating in any FNAP. Lower intakes of total kcal, total fat, saturated fat and polyunsaturated fat were found among those participating in only one FNAP (n=138) compared to those not participating (p<.05), but no differences were found between those participating in one program and two programs (n=51) or between two programs and no program. There was a positive relationship between FI and percent kcal from carbohydrate, while a negative relationship existed between FI and percent kcal from fat, saturated fat, and monounsaturated fat, as well as total fat, saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, vitamin A, riboflavin, folate, and potassium (p<.05). FNAP participation was positively associated with increased intakes of percent kcal from protein and sodium among the FI adults (p<.05). More research is needed to understand the relationships among FNAP participation, food insecurity and nutrient intakes. Funded SRDC/MSU.