MyPyramid Food Intake Pattern Modeling for the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee

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.