Energy and nutrient consumption in adults: analysis of the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey 2006.

OBJECTIVE

To describe energy and nutrient intake in adults.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The 2006 Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey is a nationally representative cross-sectional household survey. A food frequency questionnaire was administered (n= 16 494 adults). Mean percent of adequacy (PA) and inadequacy (PA < 50%) of total energy and macro- and micro-nutrient intake was calculated for all subjects and by sociodemographic characteristics.

RESULTS

Significant differences in PA and inadequate macro- and micro-nutrient intakes were found among sex, region, rural/urban area, and socioeconomic status tertile. PA < 50% was higher than 20% for vitamin A (26.2%), fat (24.8%), fiber (23.6%), folic acid (23.5%), vitamin C (21.3%) and calcium (21%). Obese subjects reported a lower energy intake than normal weight subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

A significant proportion of the population was at risk of excessive carbohydrate and fat intake. Across the country there are significant sociodemographic differences in macro- and micro-nutrient intake and a myriad of micro-nutrient inadequacies continue to persist in Mexico.