Prevalence of Inadequacy and Food Sources of Shortfall Nutrients in Latin Americans: ELANS Study

Abstract

Learning Outcome Understand the prevalence of inadequacy of shortfall nutrients and its food sources in adults living in eight Latin-American countries. Research outcome Like in the USA, there is increased consumption of overconsumed nutrients in Latin American countries. This can lead to inadequate intake of shortfall nutrients, including vitamin A, D, C, and E, dietary folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and fiber. Thus, the objectives of this study were to examine the prevalence of inadequacy and identify food sources of shortfall nutrients in eight Latin American countries. Methods Data were obtained from ELANS, a multi-country, population-based study with 9,218 adolescents and adults. Dietary intake was collected using two 24hRecalls from participants living in urban areas of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. Foods items were classified using the adapted version of the NHANES “What We Eat in America” system. Prevalence of inadequacy was estimated using the Institute of Medicine recommendations. Analysis: Descriptive statistics were calculated to identify the prevalence of inadequacy and food sources. Results Prevalence of inadequacy was above 50% for most of the nutrients, with the exception of vitamin C having a prevalence of inadequacy of 39%. Milk, cheese, seafood, bread, and fruit juices/drinks were among the top 5 sources for each of the 10 shortfall nutrients examined. Conclusions Many food categories were top contributors to more than one dietary component examined. Understanding the nutrient intake and food sources can help inform dietary guidance and intervention approaches in Latin American countries and other high-income countries, such as the USA that has a large community of Latin Americans and Hispanic population.