Ready to Eat Cereal (Rtec) Consumption Positively Affects Total Daily Nutrient Intakes in Hispanic Children and Adolescents.

Abstract

To examine the impact of breakfast meal pattern on nutrient intake status of Hispanic children and adolescents (N=3220), we compared breakfast skippers (S), RTEC and other breakfast consumers using 24 hour recall data from the 1999–2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Our data indicated that RTEC breakfast consumers had significantly (p<0.05) higher mean daily intakes of dietary fiber and 11 vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, folic acid, niacin, iron and zinc, as compared to breakfast skippers. Among the groups compared, RTEC consumers showed the highest intake levels of short fall nutrients (calcium, magnesium, potassium, and fiber), while reporting the lowest % energy intake from total fat in all age groups. Daily intakes of vitamins B12, C, E, and % energy intake from saturated fat were not different among the groups. Breakfast consumers in general reported higher energy intakes than skippers. These data suggest that RTE cereals can be important sources of these key nutrients in Hispanic children and adolescents.