Nutrient inadequacy in obese and non-obese youth.

PURPOSE: In this study, the Dietary Reference Intake standards were used to evaluate the prevalence of inadequate intakes of micronutrients in obese and non-obese youth.

METHODS

Dietary intake was analyzed with a dietary history taken by a registered dietitian. The obese group (n=156) had a body mass index (BMI) above the 95th percentile for age and sex. The non-obese group (n=90) was between the tenth and 85th BMI percentiles.

RESULTS

In the obese subjects, the prevalence of inadequate intakes was 81% for vitamin E and 27% for magnesium; the proportions with intakes below the Adequate Intakes (AIs) for calcium and vitamin D were 55% and 46%, respectively. The obese children consumed 124% of estimated need for energy, 32% of which came from fat. The non-obese had a similar prevalence of inadequate intakes (vitamin E, 93%; magnesium, 29%; calcium, 51%; vitamin D, 44%). They consumed 107% of estimated need for energy, and 31% of energy came from fat. For both groups, all other nutrient intakes were adequate.

CONCLUSIONS

Even though children may consume an excess of energy, they may not be meeting all of their micronutrient needs.