Regional differences in food and nutrient intakes of college women from the United States: Oregon and Oklahoma

Diets of 83 American college women from Oregon and 116 from Oklahoma were compared for total energy and nutrient content, nutrient density, and food sources of nutrients. The Oregon women consumed diets closer to current dietary recommendations for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and iron deficiency anemia than did the Oklahoma women. They ate significantly more energy, protein, carbohydrate, fiber and all micronutrients calculated but not any more fat than the Oklahoma women. The Oregon women's diets were more nutrient dense in calcium, riboflavin, vitamin B12 and vitamin A due to their consumption of twice as much milk as the Oklahoma women. All nutrient differences were attributable to greater consumption of only three food categories by the Oregon women: milk; legumes, breads and cereals; and fruits and vegetables.

Key words:

• Diet
• Nutrient Intake
• Regional Food Intake
• Women College Students
• Nutrient Density
• Milk Intake