Beyond 5‐A‐Day: The relationship of fruit and vegetable consumption with nutrient intake adequacy among Mexican Americans

Abstract

To assess whether fruit and vegetable (F/V) intake is associated with adequate nutrient intake in 65 healthy Mexican Americans (22 M/43 F, age=37.3±9.7 y; BMI=28.6±5.3 kg/m2) dietary data were gathered using the Southwestern Food Frequency Questionnaire. Mean energy (E) intake was 2254±1075 kcal with 31±4% and 17±2% of E from fat and protein, respectively. Mean F/V intake (combined) was 5±3 servings/d. Participants who consumed at least 5 daily servings of F/V (n=26; 38%) consumed significantly more F/V (8.1±2.1 vs. 3.0±1.1; p<0.001) than those who did not meet daily recommended intake (DRI). They also consumed more fiber (2.1±0.8 g, p<0.01), vitamin A (1928±598 IU, p<0.01), and potassium (181±78 mg, p<0.05) per 1000 kcal. However, 65% and 31% of participants meeting F/V intake did not meet the DRI for fiber and vitamin A, respectively, and only 27% had adequate potassium intake. Moreover, 15%, 50%, 96%, and 35% of participants in this subgroup did not meet the DRIs of vitamins C, D and E, and calcium, respectively. In addition, 54% and 58% of respondents exceeded the DRI of saturated fat (10% E) and cholesterol (300 mg), respectively, and 81% exceeded the recommended upper limit for sodium (2300 mg). These data suggest that despite a purported adequate F/V intake among Mexican Americans, nutrient intake adequacy may be compromised by consumption of foods with low nutrient density. Funded by Arizona State University.