Secular trends in dietary intakes and cardiovascular risk factors of 10-y-old children: The Bogalusa Heart Study (1973–1988)

Dietary intakes of 10-y-old children were examined in six cross-sectional surveys to observe secular trends in energy, macronutrient, cholesterol, sodium, and fatty acid intakes. Total energy intake remained unchanged from 1973 to 1988; however, when expressed as energy/kg body wt, intake decreased from 275.1 kJ (65.5 kcal) in 1973 to 254.9 kJ (60.7 kcal) in 1988 because children's weight increased. Linear trends over this time period were also noted for total fat (negative), saturated fatty acid (negative), polyunsaturated fatty acid (positive), dietary cholesterol (negative), and sodium intake (positive). There was a significant increase in percent energy from protein and carbohydrate and a significant decrease in percent energy from fat, primarily saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. An apparent increase over time is noted in the percent of children meeting dietary recommendations for total fat, saturated fatty acid, and cholesterol. Yet, few children meet the prudent diet recommendations.