Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior
Volume 38, Issue 6, Supplement , Pages S78-S92, November 2006

Development of Food Intake Patterns for the MyPyramid Food Guidance System

  • Patricia Britten, PhD

      Affiliations

    • USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, Alexandria, VA
    • Corresponding Author InformationAddress for correspondence: Patricia Britten, PhD, USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 1034, Alexandria, VA 22302; Phone: (703) 305-7600; Fax: (703) 305-3300
  • ,
  • Kristin Marcoe, MBA, RD

      Affiliations

    • USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, Alexandria, VA
  • ,
  • Sedigheh Yamini, PhD, RD

      Affiliations

    • FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, formerly with USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, Alexandria, VA
  • ,
  • Carole Davis, MS, RD

      Affiliations

    • USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, Alexandria, VA

Abstract 

Objective

The purpose of this research was to design food intake patterns based on typical American food selections that would meet Dietary Guidelines and Dietary Reference Intake recommendations.

Design

Analytic process to identify appropriate amounts from each food group that together will meet nutritional goals for various age/gender groups.

Variables Measured

Projected intake of energy, 9 vitamins, 8 minerals, 8 macronutrients, and dietary fiber in each food intake pattern.

Analysis

Iterative comparison of nutrients in each food intake pattern to Dietary Reference Intakes and Dietary Guidelines recommendations set as goals for that pattern.

Results

Food intake patterns were established that met almost all nutrient goals within estimated energy needs. Intakes of vitamin E at all energy levels, potassium at lower energy levels, and sodium at higher energy levels did not meet goals.

Conclusions and Implications

The food intake patterns provide a foundation of food choices that will meet nutritional recommendations. They form the scientific basis for the MyPyramid Food Guidance System and can also be used as a starting point for developing other educational programs or materials.

Key Words: MyPyramid, food guides, food intake patterns, dietary guidance

 

 All of the figures in this article have also been compiled into an online slideshow. See www.JNEB.org, under supplementary material for this article.

PII: S1499-4046(06)00562-8

doi:10.1016/j.jneb.2006.08.007

Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior
Volume 38, Issue 6, Supplement , Pages S78-S92, November 2006