Development of food intake patterns for the MyPyramid Food Guidance System

Objective: The purpose of this research was to design food intake patterns based on typical American food selections that would meet Dietary Guidelines and Dietary Reference Intake recommendations. Design: Analytic process to identify appropriate amounts from each food group that together will meet nutritional goals for various age/gender groups. Variables Measured: Projected intake of energy, 9 vitamins, 8 minerals, 8 macronutrients, and dietary fiber in each food intake pattern. Analysis: Iterative comparison of nutrients in each food intake pattern to Dietary Reference Intakes and Dietary Guidelines recommendations set as goals for that pattern. Results: Food intake patterns were established that met almost all nutrient goals within estimated energy needs. Intakes of vitamin E at all energy levels, potassium at lower energy levels, and sodium at higher energy levels did not meet goals. Conclusions and implications: The food intake patterns provide a foundation of food choices that will meet nutritional recommendations. They form the scientific basis for the MyPyramid Food Guidance System and can also be used as a starting point for developing other educational programs or materials.