(P14-024-23) Changes in Intake of Nutrients of Public Health Concern From 2003–2018 Among US Adults and Their Effects on Nutrient Adequacy: National Health & Nutrition Examination Survey

Objectives: To examine trends in contribution of foods and beverages (F+B) and of foods, beverages and dietary supplements (F+B+DS) on mean intake of nutrients of public health concern and to determine if changes in intake over time affected the percent of adults meeting nutrient requirements.

Methods: This cross-sectional study used food intake data from NHANES 2003-2018 (n = 39,925, ages 19+) to determine usual mean intakes for fiber, vitamin D, calcium (Ca) and potassium (K). Changes in intakes from F+B and from F+B+DS, by sex, were compared in a time-trend analysis of 2-y cycles with beta providing the unit of change. The changes in mean intake on percent of males and females below the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) or above the Adequate Intake (AI) were determined. Significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: In males, from 2003-2018, mean intake of fiber from F+B significantly increased from 17.4 ± 0.34 to 18.4 ± 0.4 g; beta = 0.19 ± 0.06. A greater % of males had intakes >AI in 2018 vs. 2003 (1.85 ± 0.33 vs. 4.18 ± 0.83; beta = 0.44 ± 0.1). Usual mean intake of vitamin D from F+B+DS significantly increased from 8.07 ± 0.3 to 20.82 ± 2.03 ug; beta = 1.84 ± 0.19, resulting in a significant decrease in %< EAR from 70.29 ± 1.96 to 65.21 ± 2.01; beta = -1.07 ± 0.28. For females, usual mean intake of fiber from F+B significantly increased from 13.6 ± 0.4 to 15.3 ± 0.5g; beta = 0.27 ± 0.06, resulting in a greater % of females with intakes >AI in 2018 vs. 2003 (6.04 ± 0.99 vs. 10.81 ± 1.54; beta = 0.95 ± 0.26). Mean intake of vitamin D from F+B+DS significantly increased from 7.68 ± 0.36 to 24.04 ± 1.83 ug; beta = 2.66 ± 0.22 resulting in a significant decrease in %< EAR (67.66 ± 1.69 to 58.69 ± 2.2; beta = -1.49 ± 0.28). Ca from F+B increased from 755 ± 14 to 848 ± 18 mg; beta = 7.53 ± 2.7; this increase had no effect on the %< EAR among females.

Conclusions: Over time, the mean intake of fiber from F+B and vitamin D from F+B+DS meant a greater % of adults met requirements. But intake was still low amongst adults. Significant increases in intake of Ca and decreases in K did not affect the % meeting requirements. Efforts to improve intake of all nutrients of public health concern are needed.

Funding Sources: Supported by Defense Health Program and USAMRDC; views expressed do not reflect official policy of the Dept of Army, DoD, or US Government.