Consistency of nutrient consumption patterns in the United States.

With data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's nutrient densities of diets of 7,810 individuals more than 4 years old were evaluated by use of the Index of Nutritional Quality (INQ) and standard dietary allowances per 1,000 kcal. With the exception of vitamins A and C, the nutritional quality of food consumed by various sex-age groups was remarkably consistent, despite wide variations in total calories consumed. The average concentrations of calcium, iron, magnesium, and vitamin B6 were not sufficient to meet recommended allowances. The reasonableness of recommended standards and the utility of the nutrient density concept for improving food habits of the population are discussed in view of these new data.