Sugar consumption and preference among Mexican, Chinese, and Nigerian immigrants to Texas

Abstract

This pilot study investigated the relationship between sugar consumption/ preference and the length of residence in the U.S. among certain immigrant groups. The study sample consisted of 213 volunteers from community organizations and church groups, of Nigerian (45%), Mexican (31%), and Chinese (24%) descent. Data were collected on demographics, sugar consumption/preference (24-hour dietary recall), and oral health status. The age of respondents varied from 18 to 93 years with a mean age of 37.0 ± 11.7 years. The mean length of residence was 9.2 ± 7.2 years, and the mean sugar consumption was 122.4 ± 114.6 g/day. Immigrants from Mexico and Nigeria reported consuming more servings of sweets per day than the Chinese (p= .006); Mexican immigrants had the highest level of sugar preference (p= .001). No significant differences were observed between the length of residence and either sugar consumption or sugar preference. Greater availability of sugar and sweet snacks does not always result in increased sugar consumption or sugar preference.

A Comparison of Dietary Patterns and Factors Influencing Food Choice among Ethnic Groups Living in One Locality: A Systematic Review

“…Six studies examined mean daily energy intake, but not all reported standardising intakes to body weight or recommended intakes, thus making them difficult to compare and interpret [ 33 , 39 , 43 , 45 , 46 , 47 ] ( Table 2 ). Many ethnic groups in the US and Oceania consumed well in excess of their protein requirements [ 39 , 41 , 43 , 46 ]; however, the Kamba ethnic group in Kenya had significantly lower mean daily protein intakes than any other group (male: 49.60 g/day, female: 38.50 g/day) [ 47 ].…”

“…Asian groups in Oceania also had significantly lower total fat intakes than White, Pacific and Maori groups [ 39 , 41 ]. Carbohydrate intake was lowest among Asian groups compared to other groups in Australia, New Zealand and the US [ 39 , 41 , 45 ]. Minimal differences in carbohydrate intake between American White and Black groups were noted [ 43 , 46 ].…”

“…Minimal differences in carbohydrate intake between American White and Black groups were noted [ 43 , 46 ]. Considering the type of carbohydrate, Asian groups in New Zealand and the US had significantly lower sucrose intakes than other groups assessed (e.g., Chinese: 62.2 g/day vs. Nigerian: 147.6 g/day and Mexican: 130.1 g/day) [ 41 , 45 ], and the Arab group in Tunisia had significantly higher sucrose intakes than the Berbe group (33 g/day vs. 23 g/day) [ 33 ]. In the US, less than 5% of White and Black males met total sugar recommendations [ 43 ].…”

“…In the US, less than 5% of White and Black males met total sugar recommendations [ 43 ]. Black groups in the US had higher daily mean intakes of dietary fibre than Asian groups, but lower than Hispanic and White groups, with 2.1% of Blacks meeting recommendations [ 41 , 43 , 45 ]. Bread and cereals contributed most to fibre intakes (18–22%), however, beans were also an important fibre source for the Latino group [ 44 ].…”

Dietary Characteristics and Influencing Factors on Chinese Immigrants in Canada and the United States: A Scoping Review

“…Five (5/51, 9.8%) studies reported varying daily carbohydrate consumption and inadequate fibre consumption among Chinese immigrants in Canada and the United States [ 20 , 32 , 34 , 54 , 62 ]. Three studies reported carbohydrates making up over 50% of total energy intake, [ 62 ] with daily intake ranging from 185 to 258 g per day [ 34 , 54 , 62 ]. Three studies reported fibre consumption of 12–14 g per day [ 20 , 34 , 54 ].…”