(12-11-11) Dietary Energy Density Is Associated with Body Weight Status and Vegetable Intake in U.S. Children.

Vernarelli JA, Mitchell DC, Hartman TJ, Rolls BJ.
Source
Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University,
University Park, PA.
Abstract
The objective was to determine the relationship between dietary energy density
(ED; kcal/g) and measured weight status in children. The present study used
data from a nationally representative sample of 2442 children between 2 and 8 y
old who participated in the 2001-2004 NHANES. Survey measures included 24-h
dietary recall data, measurement of MyPyramid servings of various food groups,
and anthropometry. The relationship among dietary ED, body weight status as
calculated using the 2000 CDC growth charts, and food intake was evaluated
using quartiles of ED. Additionally, other dietary characteristics associated
with ED among children are described. Specific survey procedures were used in
the analysis to account for sample weights, unequal selection probability, and
the clustered design of the NHANES sample. In this sample, dietary ED was
positively associated with body weight status in U.S. children aged 2-8 y.
Obese children had a higher dietary ED than lean children (2.08 ? 0.03 vs. 1.93
? 0.05; P = 0.02). Diets high in ED were also found to be associated with
greater intakes of energy and added sugars, more energy from fat; and
significantly lower intake of fruits and vegetables. Interventions that lower
dietary ED by means of increasing fruit and vegetable intake and decreasing fat
consumption may be an effective strategy for reducing childhood obesity.

Source: Nutr. 2011 Nov 2. [Epub ahead of print]

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