Consumption of Sugar-and Fat-Modified Foods Among Rural Older Adults

Abstract

This study examines the levels of and factors associated with consumption of sugar-and fat-reduced foods in sample of rural, ethnically diverse older adults. Data were collected from 122 older adults, including demographic and health characteristics and six 24-hour recalls over 16-month period. About one-quarter of sweetened foods were modified, while intake of fat-modified foods ranged from 4.4 to 76.1%. Few differences in intake of modified foods were observed by gender and ethnic groups. Diabetes status was associated with higher use of sugar-modified foods. This study shows high level of acceptance of sugar-and fat-modified foods among rural older adults across variety of demographic and health characteristics.

Key Words:

• Nutrition
• elderly
• African Americans
• Native Americans
• dietary modification
• low socioeconomic status
• dietary modification