Impact of eating frequency by adolescents on food intake and meeting MyPyramid recommendations

Authors: Sebastian, Rhonda; Cleveland, Linda; Goldman, Joseph; Moshfegh, Alanna

Submitted to: Experimental Biology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/1/2007
Publication Date: 4/1/2007
Citation: Sebastian, R.S., Cleveland, L.E., Goldman, J.D., Moshfegh, A.J. 2007. Impact of eating frequency by adolescents on food intake and meeting MyPyramid recommendations [absract]. The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB)Journal. 21(5):A710

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of adolescents’ eating frequency on their intake of food groups and likelihood of meeting recommendations outlined in USDA’s MyPyramid food guidance system. Adolescents 12-19 years old (n=4,357) who completed one 24-hour dietary recall in What We Eat in America, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2001-2004 were classified into five categories based on the number of discrete eating occasions reported. Intakes were converted to MyPyramid portions using the MyPyramid Equivalents Database for USDA Food Codes, 1994-2002, Version 1.0. Intake of energy, discretionary calories, and the five basic MyPyramid food groups increased as the number of eating occasions increased (p<.001). In regression analyses adjusted for energy, increased eating frequency resulted in an increase in intake from the fruit group and a decrease in intake from the meat/beans group. The percent of adolescents who met their MyPyramid recommendations was low at all eating frequency levels; however, those who ate more frequently were more likely to meet their fruit and dairy intake recommendations, but less likely to meet their vegetable and meat/beans recommendations. Eating more frequently affects intake of food groups differently, and it does not assure overall improvement in meeting food guidance recommendations.