Nutritional quality of a high carbohydrate diet as consumed by children: The Bogalusa Heart Study.

To study the nutritional adequacy of a high carbohydrate diet as consumed by children in a 24-h period, a sample of 568 10-y-old children was stratified into four levels of carbohydrate intake: < 45% of total energy (kJ), 45%-50% energy, 50%-55% energy, and >55% energy. Composition of the diet for those consuming >55% energy from carbohydrates was adequate in total energy, with 29% energy from fat, 11 % energy from saturated fatty acid, an average of 88 mg dietary cholesterol/4200 kJ and less than 10% energy from sucrose. Increased carbohydrate intake was attributed to an increased consumption of total sugars, starch and fiber. The percentage of children meeting two thirds or more of the Recommended Dietary Allowances for niacin and zinc was lower in the high carbohydrate intake group than in any of the low carbohydrate intake groups. Children with a high carbohydrate intake consumed more fruits, breads, grains, milk, desserts, candy and non-dairy beverages than those with a lower carbohydrate intake who consumed more meats. To meet current dietary recommendations for increased carbohydrate intake when meal patterns are designed, it is necessary to incorporate adequate amounts of foods from all of the food groups to maximize nutritional quality.