J Acad Nutr Diet. 2020 Dec;120(12):2032-2038.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jand.2020.07.027.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Food group and nutrient priorities for Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Food Package IV for children aged 2 to 4 years were described in the 2017 review of the WIC Food Package. Research has evaluated priority nutrient intake, but priority food group intake remains unknown.
OBJECTIVES: To compare mean intake of priority food groups/subgroups of WIC children to WIC-eligible nonparticipants and higher income children. Further, we hoped to assess differences in percent contribution of food subgroups to total food group intake by WIC participation status and income.
DESIGN: Cross-sectional study conducted using data from the 2011-14 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: One thousand forty-seven children aged 2 to 4 years.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mean intake reported in cup equivalents and ounce equivalents. We also looked at mean percent that food subgroups contributed to total intake within a food group. Analyses were performed for high and low priority food groups/subgroups: high = seafood, total vegetables, dark green vegetables, red/orange vegetables, whole grains, and nuts/seeds/soy; low = total starchy vegetables, other vegetables, legumes computed as vegetables, total dairy, and total protein foods.
STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Multivariable linear regression analysis was used evaluate the relationship between income/WIC participation and mean intake/percent food subgroups contributed to total food group intake.
RESULTS: Among low-income WIC-eligible children, participation in WIC was associated with greater mean intake of red/orange vegetables (0.18 ± 0.03 vs 0.01 ± 0.06 c equivalents; P < 0.05) and legumes (0.07 ± 0.01 vs 0.01 ± 0.02 c equivalents; P < 0.01). No differences in mean intake were observed between WIC children and higher income children. Grain intake of WIC children was composed of a higher percentage of whole grains (19.1% ± 1.6% vs 13.2% ± 1.5%; P < 0.01) compared with higher income children. The percent vegetable subgroups contributed to total vegetable intake varied by income; no differences were observed for dairy or protein subgroups.
CONCLUSIONS: Among low-income children, participation in WIC was associated with greater intake of certain vegetables. Participation in WIC may also help close the diet quality gap between low-income and higher income children for priority foods targeted by the WIC food package. Future research should explore socioeconomic disparities in intake of nutrient-poor foods.
PMID:33222884 | DOI:10.1016/j.jand.2020.07.027
