Development of Food Intake Patterns for the MyPyramid Food Guidance System
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.
1USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, Alexandria, VA
2FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, formerly with USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, Alexandria, VA
Address 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
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.
ABSTRACT