Nutrient intakes among selected North American populations in the Lipid Research Clinics Prevalence Study: composition of energy intake

Mean energy intake and its components are presented for 4,568 white adults, 20–59 years, who participated in a population survey at nine North American Lipid Research Clinics (LRC). Nutrient intake was evaluated by a 24-hour dietary recall. Mean energy intakes ranged from 3200 kcal at age 20 to 2400 kcal at age 59 for men (2150–1650 for women). Protein intake, about 15% of energy intake, exceeded 1 g/kg body weight at all ages. Carbohydrate intake was about 40–45% of kcal, starch provided 14–20%, and estimated sucrose intake provided about 6–14%. Sex- and age-related differences varied for each macronutrient. Mean alcohol intake, for those reporting alcohol consumption, contributed 6–18% of energy for women, and 8–15% for men. Comparisons are made with data from the Health and Nutrition Examination Survey I and from the USDA Nationwide Food Consumption Survey, with the Recommended Dietary Allowances, and with the Dietary Goals.