Evaluation of vitamin and mineral intakes and impact of snack foods on Spanish adults

The daily vitamin and mineral intake of 345 Spanish people (137 men, 208 women) aged 19 to 40 years was assessed from 7 nonconsecutive daily dietary records to compare the adequacy of the intake with the Spanish recommended dietary allowances and nutritional objectives and to assess the effect of snacking on micronutrient intake. Eating events were classified as meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and snacks (morning, late-afternoon, between-hours, and supper). Data below the Spanish recommended dietary allowance values were observed for folic acid; vitamins A, D, and E; zinc (both sexes); calcium; iron; and selenium (women). Snacks had lower average micronutrient densities than meals, which was marked in men. Significant differences were observed among the quality of snacks, with the morning snack having the highest micronutrient density. As the relative contribution of snacks to the total daily energy increases, the dietary density and the daily intake decrease for most vitamins and minerals.