Total Usual Intake of Shortfall Nutrients Varies With Poverty Among US Adults

ObjectiveTo examine shortfall nutrient intakes (ie, calcium, folate, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, D, and E) by poverty-to-income ratio (PIR).DesignNational Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2012, a nationally representative, cross-sectional survey.ParticipantsUS adults with complete data on poverty status and diet were included (n = 4,524).AnalysisThe National Cancer Institute method was used to estimate total usual micronutrient intakes from foods, beverages, medications, and dietary supplements reported on 2 24-hour dietary recalls using measurement error correction.Main Outcome MeasuresCalcium, folate, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, D, and E across 3 PIR categories: <130%, 130% to 350%, and ≥350%.ResultsMean intakes of folate, vitamin C, and vitamin D were significantly greater in men, and magnesium in women, across all PIR categories. Except for calcium in men and vitamin C in women, the highest PIR category had significantly higher mean total usual intakes of all remaining shortfall micronutrients. Importantly, men and women in the highest PIR category (≥350%) were significantly less likely to have intakes below the Estimated Average Requirement across all micronutrients compared with those in the lower PIR categories.Conclusions and ImplicationsEven with dietary supplements, large proportions of US adults have micronutrient intakes below the Estimated Average Requirement. Adults at the highest adjusted income have higher micronutrient intakes and lower risk of inadequacy than those with lower incomes.