Barriers to calcium intake in African–American women

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine dietary intake of calcium, intake of food components known to inhibit calcium bioavailability, demographic factors related to calcium intake, and the knowledge needs and barriers related to calcium consumption among low-income African–American women in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Methods: Ninety subjects were interviewed at local grocery stores. Calcium intake was determined using a 24-h recall. In addition, a survey was administered to the subjects to determine knowledge needs and barriers towards calcium consumption. Results: Subjects’ mean dietary calcium intake was below the recommended dietary allowance (RDA), with 80% of the subjects having a calcium intake below 75% of the RDA. In addition, intakes of protein and sodium were above the recommended amounts. The general knowledge of the subjects concerning the role of calcium in osteoporosis was high, but this did not have an effect on the consumption of products containing calcium. The most important barriers to dairy product intake were perceived negative taste, perceived association with digestion problems and the perception that they already had adequate intake. Conclusion: Inadequate calcium intake in African–American women is affected by many factors including their lack of awareness of actual consumption. Nutrition education programmes need to address these factors.     

Focus groups: their role in developing calcium-related education materials

Because attitudes concerning a topic can diminish the effectiveness of educational materials, previously identified attitudes concerning calcium intake were explored through focus group interviews during the developmental stages of calcium education materials. Although four focus groups of six to seven participants were planned, each of the four groups consisted of two to six women. All focus groups followed the same format, lasting for 60–90 min; questions progressed from the general to more specific. The focus groups revealed several attitudinal barriers toward dietary behavioural change, including lack of prior interest in the topic and lack of time. Attitudes about dairy calcium included the belief that dairy foods were high in fat and should be avoided, and the belief that dairy foods would cause stomach upsets. Also, neither younger nor older women felt that osteoporosis was a problem their age group needed to address. Readability scales were not necessarily predictive of preference. This study shows that focus group interviews make a valuable contribution to planning and evaluating nutrition education materials.     

巴彦淖尔市城区产褥期妇女膳食状况调查

目的:调查分析巴彦淖尔市城区产褥期妇女的膳食状况。方法:采用随机整群抽样方式,抽取巴彦淖尔市城区1周岁以内儿童的母亲共482名作为研究对象,采用自行设计的产褥期调查问卷进行逐一入户问卷调查。结果:共回收有效问卷468份。468名产褥期妇女以顺产为主(57.5%);饮食主要由妈妈提供(63.5%);鱼虾禽畜肉油脂类摄入过多,蔬菜水果奶制品类摄入过少;蛋白质、胆固醇摄入过多(分别为理想摄入量的118.3%、441.3%),维生素C、膳食纤维摄入过少(分别为目标值的16.6%、27.0%);摄入奶制品在产妇年龄和营养保健知识来源中有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:巴彦淖尔市城区产褥期妇女膳食结构不合理,动物性食物摄入过多,植物性食物摄入过少,部分营养素摄入不足,应适当调整膳食结构,以保证产褥期妇女的营养均衡。     

Shortfall in the consumption of dairy foods in Australian children's diets: Addressing health implications and practical approaches

Aim: This paper provides an overview of the consumption of dairy foods by Australian children and their contribution to nutrient intake, diet quality and optimal health. Practical approaches to meet the recommended intake of dairy foods are also presented. Methods: A computerised search was conducted of English language papers on PubMed. Additional papers were identified by searching references in relevant papers and book chapters. Results: A high proportion of Australian children do not meet the dietary requirements for calcium or the recommended intake of dairy foods. The consumption of dairy foods is critical for meeting calcium requirements while providing significant amounts of other nutrients. Studies demonstrate that dairy food consumption is important for growth, building peak bone mass and prevention of osteoporosis and bone fracture. While there is evidence that dairy food consumption may play a role in other diseases, that is, obesity and hypertension, there are limited studies in children. Various barriers may limit intake thus effective behavioural interventions need to be developed. Conclusions: Diets including recommended amounts of dairy foods can help maximize peak bone mass, minimize bone loss and promote overall health. Dieticians are integral in educating children and their parents and caregivers who are key in encouraging children to consume recommended amounts of dairy foods.     

Dietary calcium intake in lactose maldigesting intolerant and tolerant African-American women

BACKGROUND: The relationship between lactose maldigestion, lactose intolerance, and calcium intake in premenopausal African American women is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To determine how intolerance of lactose and dairy products affects intake of calcium in lactose maldigesting premenopausal African American women. DESIGN: Dietary intake of calcium was assessed in 50 premenopausal lactose maldigesting African American women as determined by the breath hydrogen test. Twenty-six women were lactose intolerant and 24 were lactose tolerant by self-reports. RESULTS: The average intake of calcium in lactose maldigesting and intolerant women was significantly lower than in lactose tolerant women (388 +/- 150 mg/day vs. 763 +/- 333 mg/day, p < 0.0001, t test). Neither group reached the newly established Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) for calcium (1,000 mg/day). Major source of dietary calcium in lactose tolerant women were milk and dairy products (45%), and mixed foods containing calcium from non-dairy sources (30%). In lactose intolerant women, 46% of calcium was from mixed foods and only 12% was from milk and dairy products. Lactose intolerant women had higher body mass index (BMI) than lactose tolerant women (p = 0.008, t test), and calcium intake was negatively associated with BMI (R2 = 0.470). CONCLUSIONS: In African American premenopausal women, lactose tolerance facilitates the dietary intake of calcium when compared with their lactose intolerant counterparts. Low calcium intake is associated with higher BMI.     

Diet quality is related to eating competence in cross-sectional sample of low-income females surveyed in Pennsylvania

Women participants of two federally administered nutrition education programs (n=149, 56% white, 64% food secure, 86% 18-50 years of age,) completed telephone interviews that included three 24-hour dietary recalls and the Satter Eating Competence Inventory. Eating competence is delineated by an Inventory score≥32. Competent eaters had significantly greater intakes of fiber, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, most B-vitamins, magnesium, iron, zinc, potassium and a higher Healthy Eating Index. Two dietary patterns defined as Prudent and Western were observed. The Prudent pattern was correlated with eating competence and characterized by more healthful foods such as fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products. The Western pattern, characterized by foods higher in fat, salt, and sugar, was not related to eating competence. Findings suggest that dietary guidance using an eating competence approach for low-income women is compatible with goals to improve dietary quality and eating patterns.     

First Quantification of Calcium Intake from Calcium-Dense Dairy Products in Dutch Fracture Patients (The Delft Cohort Study)

Recommendations for daily calcium intake from dairy products are variable and based on local consensus. To investigate whether patients with a recent fracture complied with these recommendations, we quantified the daily dairy calcium intake including milk, milk drinks, pudding, yoghurt, and cheese in a Dutch cohort of fracture patients and compared outcomes with recent data of a healthy U.S. cohort (80% Caucasians). An observational study analyzed dairy calcium intakes of 1526 female and 372 male Dutch fracture patients older than 50. On average, participants reported three dairy servings per day, independently of age, gender or population density. Median calcium intake from dairy was 790 mg/day in females and males. Based on dairy products alone, 11.3% of women and 14.2% of men complied with Dutch recommendations for calcium intake (adults ≤ 70 years: 1100 mg/day and >70 years: 1200 mg/day). After including 450 mg calcium from basic nutrition, compliance raised to 60.5% and 59.1%, respectively, compared to 53.2% in the U.S. cohort. Daily dairy calcium intake is not associated with femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) T-scores or WHO Fracture Assessment Tool (FRAX) risk scores for major fracture or hip fracture. However, when sub analyzing the male cohort, these associations were weakly negative. The prevalence of maternal hip fracture was a factor for current fracture risks, both in women and men. While daily dairy calcium intake of Dutch fracture patients was well below the recommended dietary intake, it was comparable to intakes in a healthy U.S. cohort. This questions recommendations for adding more additional dairy products to preserve adult skeletal health, particularly when sufficient additional calcium is derived from adequate non-dairy nutrition.     

Girls' calcium intake is associated with bone mineral content during middle childhood

We examined longitudinally the association between calcium intake and total body bone mineral content (TBBMC) in 151 non-Hispanic white girls. Intakes of dairy, energy, and calcium were assessed using three 24-h dietary recalls in girls at ages 5, 7, 9, and 11 y. We assessed their total-body bone mineral content with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at ages 9 and 11 y. Dairy foods comprised the major contributor (70%) to calcium intake over the 6-y period; 28% of calcium came from other foods, and 2% from supplements. By age 9 and 11 y, the majority of girls did not meet calcium recommendations. Higher calcium intake at ages 7 and 9 y was associated with higher TBBMC at age 11 y. Calcium intake at age 9 y was also positively associated with TBBMC gained from age 9 to 11 y. Calcium intake at age 11 y was not correlated with TBBMC at the same age. Relations between calcium intake and TBBMC did not differ for total calcium and for calcium from dairy sources, likely reflecting the fact that dairy products were the major source of calcium in this sample. Results from the present study provide new longitudinal evidence that calcium intake, especially calcium from dairy foods, can have a favorable effect on girls' TBBMC during middle childhood.     

Trends in nutrient and dietary intake among adults and the elderly: from NAHSIT 1993-1996 to 2005-2008

The aim of this study was to investigate trends in nutrients and sources of dietary intake for Taiwanese people from the Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (NAHSIT) 1993-1996 to 2005-2008. Twenty-four hour dietary recall data were obtained from the 2005-2008 NAHSIT. The results showed that intake of cereals and grains, and dietary fiber has decreased, whereas intake of carbohydrate rich convenience foods has increased. As a result, 10-20 g of dietary fat is now obtained from carbohydrate rich foods. A greater proportion of Taiwanese are choosing low-fat meat products, however, excessive intake of meat by men and women aged 19 to 64 years is resulting in excessive intakes of protein, cholesterol and saturated fat. Men and women aged 19 to 30 years had insufficient intakes of fruit and vegetables. Consumption of fruit, dairy/products, and nuts was low in all age groups. We recommend strengthening public nutrition education and changing diet related environment to improve dietary quality and food group distributions. Issues of concern include excessive intakes of energy and the soybean/fish/meat/eggs food group in all subjects, high amount of processed foods and refined-carbohydrate rich foods in men aged 19 to 64 years and women aged 19-30 years, as well as intakes below the DRI for a variety of nutrients in elderly persons.     

Effects of home-visit nutrition education on nutritional status improvement of an urban community-dwelling elderly women in Korea

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects on home-visit nutrition education by a dietitian on nutritional status improvement of an urban community-dwelling elderly women in Korea. METHODS: In the baseline survey, information on general characteristics, health-related characteristics, anthropometric measurements, biochemical measurements, nutritional knowledge. nutritional attitude, dietary habits, and food and nutrient intakes of 183 elderly people were obtained. The intervention group received weekly home-visit nutrition education over 4 months. RESULTS: After home-visiting nutrition education, nutritional knowledge, nutritional attitude and dietary habit were increased significantly by 1.8, 2.1 and 6.9 in the intervention group (P<0.01), respectively, who also appeared to consume more cereals and their products, legumes and their products, vegetables, seasonings, milk and dairy products than the control group. It was found that the nutrient intake increased significantly regarding energy, protein, calcium, iron, phosphorus, thiamin and riboflavin (P<0.05). The MAR (mean nutrient adequacy ratio) increased by 0.22 during the period of the study in the intervention group, and 0.09 in the control group, the difference being statistically significant (P<0.01). Differences between in mean change of anthropometric and biochemical indices between the intervention and control groups were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that home-visit nutrition education by a dietitian is effective for improvement of the nutritional status of elderly women in an urban community. In conclusion, home-visit nutrition education should be recommended for nutritional status improvement and health promotion in the community elderly.     

Intake of nutrients and food sources of nutrients among the Khasi tribal women of India

OBJECTIVES: Dietary intake patterns and socioeconomic variables are well-known indicators for assessing the nutrition status of a society. The Khasi society is matrilineal, and women play an important role in the tribal community, especially with respect to family nutrition. We investigated the existing food habits, beliefs, and trends contributing to the nutrition and health of these women. METHODS: Nutrient intakes and food sources were studied in 650 Khasi tribal women older than 18 y. Personal interviews using the questionnaire method, 24-h dietary recall method, and food-frequency method were used to elicit information. Respondents were allocated to a low-income group (LIG) or high-income group (HIG). Within these groups, subjects were further classified as non-pregnant and non-lactating (NPNL), pregnant (P), or lactating (L). The dietary pattern was based on rice and cereals (392.48 +/- 13.81 g/d), flesh foods (21.51 +/- 8.63 g/d), green leafy vegetables (110.37 +/- 3.32 g/d), fruits (20.3 +/- 2.10 g/d), and roots and tubers (54.43 +/- 2.92 g/d). RESULTS: Consumption of energy, protein, iron, and vitamin C were adequate except in L women in whom energy levels were significantly lower than the recommended daily allowance in the LIG (2187 +/- 111.12 g/d), protein levels in the LIG (60.85 +/- 4.48 g/d) and the HIG (66.96 +/- 2.99 g/d), iron levels in the LIG (13.64 +/- 1.63), and vitamin C levels in the LIG (66.55 +/- 6.55). Iron intake also was significantly lower in P women in the LIG (17.41 +/- 2.59 mg/d) and the HIG (23.23 +/- 7.47 mg/d). Consumption of pulses (18.49 +/- 7.41 g/d), dairy products (11.89 +/- 0.48 g/d), other vegetables (4.81 +/- 1.74 g/d), and fats and oils (10.52 +/- 4.71) were significantly below the recommended daily allowance, leading to low consumption of fat, calcium, and carotene in all physiologic states and income groups: calcium in all groups except HIG NPNL women (397.74 +/- 53.62 mg/d); carotene in LIG NPNL (1484.05 +/- 179.01 mg/d) and HIG NPNL (1641.35 +/- 227.86 micrograms/d) women, and LIG L (847.04 +/- 174.72 micrograms/d) and HIG L (1321.89 +/- 673.26 micrograms/d) women. CONCLUSIONS: We suggested dietary modifications to make up the dietary deficits of calcium, fat, and carotene, particularly during pregnancy and lactation, and incorporating nutrition education into the community development programs.     

Effect of a nutrition education program on the diet of homemakers of low-income families. Food group and nutrient intakes

The dietary intake of 600 low-income women in 29 countries in Georgia was measured every two months from June to December 1980, using 24 hour dietary recalls for data collection. Three counties constituted a control group, while the remainder were involved in one of two educational versions of an established nutrition education program. During this six month period, the cost of living increased by 7%. In response to the increase in food costs, the control group showed a decrease in their intake of meat and a resultant decreased intake of protein and iron. Over this six months, their average intake of iron and vitamin C was 39% and 66% of the RDA, respectively. The two groups receiving nutrition education had initial food and nutrient intakes quite similar to those seen in the control group, but maintained their meat intake and significantly increased their intake of certain other foods and key nutrients.     

Nutrient contributions of dairy foods in the United States, Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals, 1994-1996, 1998

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to quantify the impact of dairy foods on nutrient intakes in the United States. SUBJECTS: Data were from 17959 respondents to the 1994-1996, 1998 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII).Statistical analyses Nutrient intakes were quantified by quartile of dairy food intake. Also, dairy intakes were compared in people who met vs did not meet intake recommendations for select nutrients. Finally, the direct contribution of dairy foods/ingredients to calcium and lipid intakes was determined. SAS and SUDAAN software were used. Data were weighted. Energy intake was a covariable in regression models. RESULTS: Intake of all micronutrients examined, except vitamin C, was higher with increasing quartile of total dairy and milk intake, controlling for energy intake. Calcium was the only micronutrient positively associated with cheese intake. Fat intake either did not differ or was lower among people in quartile 2, 3, or 4 vs quartile 1 of total dairy and milk intake, whereas fat was higher as quartile of cheese intake increased. Dietary cholesterol was lower as intakes of any of the dairy categories increased; the opposite was true for saturated fat. Dairy foods/ingredients directly contributed an average of 51% of dietary calcium, 19% of total fat, 32% of saturated fat, and 22% of cholesterol. CONCLUSIONS: Total dairy and milk intakes were associated with higher micronutrient intakes without adverse impact on fat or dietary cholesterol. Results reinforce the strong nutritional profile of dairy-rich diets, although results with saturated fat and with cheese suggest that it would be useful to modify product composition and/or eating patterns to optimize nutritional contributions of dairy products.     

温州市居民膳食结构及食物消费量调查分析

目的 掌握温州市居民膳食结构与食物消费量数据,为开展营养教育及营养改善工作提供科学数据。方法 采用多阶段分层随机抽样方法,对1 689户居民5 287人进行食物消费量调查。采用非连续3 d 24 h回顾法为基础,3 d称重法为补充收集居民食物消费量数据。结果 温州市居民平均每标准人日谷薯类摄入量394.8 g,蔬菜类273.4 g,水果类180.0 g,畜禽肉类71.7 g,水产品类78.4 g,蛋类35.5 g,大豆及坚果类29.8 g。城区除水果摄入量和城乡无统计学差异外,其余种类食物摄入量均大于城乡,且差异有统计学意义。水产品超过中国居民膳食指南推荐量要求,谷薯类、畜禽肉类、大豆及坚果类达到推荐量要求,蔬菜类、水果类、蛋类未达到推荐量要求。结论 温州市居民膳食结构及食物消费基本合理,但非主食类植物性食物摄入量未达到推荐量,应加强营养知识的健康教育,提倡合理膳食和健康的生活方式。     

Food sources of calcium in a sample of African-American an Euro-American collegiate athletes

Adequate calcium intake is integral to bone health as well as for optimal athletic performance. This study was conducted to investigate: (a) food sources of calcium in a sample of collegiate athletes, (b) gender and/or ethnic differences in food sources of calcium, and (c) whether athletes that derive less of their calcium intake from dairy sources increase their calcium intake from supplements or other food sources. Participants were African-American and Euro-American NCAA Division 1-A athletes. Eighty-five men and 59 women participated. Calcium intake for the previous 7-day period was assessed with a brief calcium screen. Men consumed significantly more calcium than women (1,354 vs. 898 mg/day), with female cross-country runners exhibiting the lowest average intake (605 mg/day). Both men and women obtained the majority of their calcium from dairy products and mixed dishes, while men consumed significantly more calcium-fortified foods. Several gender and ethnic interactions for calcium intake from food groups were found. Mean total dairy calcium intake was found to vary according to total calcium intake in men, and supplemental calcium was not used to augment low dairy intakes of calcium in any group. While African-Americans and Euro-Americans athletes were consuming similar levels of calcium, the female athletes in the sample did not get adequate amounts.     

Evaluation of a nutrition education program for head start parents

This study investigated the effects of a parent education program on the nutrition-related behavior of Head Start parents and the dietary intake of their preschool children. Six New York City and five Maryland Head Start centers were assigned to either the treatment (nutrition education) or control group. Treatment group mothers received 13 weekly nutrition newsletters and were encouraged to attend four nutrition workshops addressing child nutrition, meal planning, food preparation, and food shopping. A total of 89 mothers in the treatment group and 82 mothers in the control group completed pre- and post-program interviews examining their children's food consumption and their nutrition-related behaviors. One to two months after the nutrition education program, Maryland treatment group parents reported that their children were consuming a significantly more diverse and high quality diet, and were consuming significantly more servings of selected nutritious foods than were children in the control group. There were no significant differences in the food consumption of New York treatment and control group children following the program. Treatment group parents from both Maryland and New York reported making more positive changes in their meal planning, food shopping, food preparation, and cooking practices than did their control group counterparts. Findings indicate that nutrition education programs can have a positive effect on Head Start parents' nutrition-related behaviors and can lead to improvements in the diets of children who have been eating fewer than the recommended number of servings of nutritious foods.     

Reducing exposure to dioxins and related compounds through foods in the next generation

Dioxins and related compounds are undesirable and unintended contaminants in the food supply, and dietary intake is the major route of exposure. Reducing dietary exposure to dioxins among the most vulnerable segments of the population (i.e., pregnant women, infants, and young girls) is an effective strategy for reducing body burdens in future generations. Exposure to dioxins through foods can be minimized by selecting lower-fat versions of meats, poultry, and dairy products. Consuming all foods, including fatty fish, in recommended amounts is congruent with the goal of reducing dioxin intake exposure and maintaining good health.     

Factors influencing milk and milk product consumption in young and elderly women with low calcium intakes

The aim of this research was to investigate factors influencing milk and milk product consumption in young and elderly women consuming less than two-thirds of the RDA for calcium. Semi-structured, open-ended interviews were conducted with 71 women over 70 years and 22 women aged 19–23 years. Questions addressed changes in milk and milk product intake, and reasons for changes; perceptions of the likely effects of an increased intake of milk or milk products on health; reasons for low consumption of milk or milk products; and willingness to increase intake of various calcium-rich foods. The elderly low-calcium consumers were identified from a nutrition and health study of all people over 70 years residing in one New Zealand town. The young women were low-calcium consumers identified from a university class of nutrition students. Older women were most likely to perceive that increasing their milk or milk product intake would have either no effect on their health or adverse effects on conditions such as diabetes, high blood cholesterol or blood pressure, and heart problems. Although young women were more likely to perceive potential health benefits from consuming more milk (and to a lesser extent milk products), an increase in body weight was the reason given by all those who believed an increased intake would be bad for them. Some 13–18% of women had been advised by doctors to eliminate milk or milk products from their diet, usually for inappropriate reasons. For both age groups, dislike was the most important reason for not consuming more milk; however health concerns were the primary reason for not consuming more of the other dairy products. There is need to actively counter misconceptions amongst both women (particularly elderly women) and doctors, concerning adverse effects of milk or milk products on health conditions. For young women, emphasis is needed that weight control does not require the exclusion of milk or milk products from the diet. Programs are required to increase awareness of the wide range of low-fat milks and milk products now available, and of the potential benefits of these for bone health.     

Learner-centered nutrition education improves folate intake and food-related behaviors in nonpregnant, low-income women of childbearing age

BACKGROUND: Recent studies suggest low-income women of childbearing age may be at risk of suboptimal folate intake. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of learner-centered nutrition education on folate intake and food-related behaviors among nonpregnant, low-income women of childbearing age, compared to education unrelated to nutrition. DESIGN: Participants were randomly assigned by recruitment site to receive either the nutrition lesson or a control lesson about resource management. PARTICIPANTS: Nonpregnant, low-income (< or =185% federal poverty level) women of childbearing age (18 to 45 years, n=155) from five California counties. MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLES: Changes in folate intake and other food-related behaviors. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Analysis of covariance, adjusting for baseline responses and potential confounders. RESULTS: Adjusting for baseline, participants who received the nutrition education had greater increases in folate intake and use of the Nutrition Facts label than the control group. Change in intake of specific folate-rich foods differed by ethnicity. Participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children who received the nutrition education increased folate intake but had no significant changes in other food-related behaviors. Food stamp recipients who received the nutrition education had no significant changes in folate intake but did increase the frequency of eating more than one kind of vegetable each day, compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the use of learner-centered approaches to nutrition education for low-income audiences, compared to education unrelated to nutrition. Future work is needed to compare learner-centered techniques to traditional pedagogical nutrition education, and to determine whether observed changes from this study persist over the long term.     

Individual and family correlates of calcium-rich food intake among parents of early adolescent children

Background

Most adults do not meet calcium intake recommendations. Little is known about how individual and family factors, including parenting practices that influence early adolescents' intake of calcium-rich foods, affect calcium intake of parents. This information could inform the development of effective nutrition education programs.

Objective

To identify individual and family factors associated with intake of calcium-rich foods among parents of early adolescents (aged 10 to 13 years).

Design

A cross-sectional survey was used with 14 scales to assess attitudes/preferences and parenting practices regarding calcium-rich foods and a calcium-specific food frequency questionnaire (2006-2007).

Participants/setting

A convenience sample of self-reporting non-Hispanic white, Hispanic, and Asian (n=661) parents was recruited in nine states. Parents were the primary meal planner/preparer and completed questionnaires in homes or community settings.

Main outcome measures

Predictors of calcium intake from three food groupings—all food sources, dairy foods, and milk.

Statistical analyses performed

Multivariate regression analyses identified demographic, attitude/preference, and behavioral factors associated with calcium intake.

Results

Most respondents were women (∼90%) and 38% had a college degree. Education was positively associated with calcium intake from all three food groupings, whereas having an Asian spouse compared to a non-Hispanic white spouse was negatively associated with calcium intake only from all food sources and from dairy foods. Expectations for and encouragement of healthy beverage intake for early adolescents were positively associated with calcium intake from dairy foods and milk, respectively. Parental concern regarding adequacy of intake was negatively associated, whereas perception of health benefits from calcium-rich foods was positively associated with calcium intake from all food sources and from dairy foods. Between 20% and 32% of the variance in calcium intake from all food groupings was explained in these models.

Conclusions

Individual factors and positive parenting practices may be important considerations for nutrition education programs targeted to parents.