Evaluation of the USDA's food guide pyramid using college students' dietary intake data

The purpose of this study was to validate Food Guide Pyramid as a quantitative tool for evaluation of dietary intake of college students. One-day food intake records of 2,489 subjects were evaluated for nutritional adequacy by a Mean Adequacy Ratio based on 6 nutrients (MAR-6: calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamins A, C, and B6) with a cutoff score of 75, as well as the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for fat and sugar. Food group intake was evaluated for food scores by 2 systems: 1) at least 1 serving from each of the 5 food groups in the Food Guide Pyramid and 2) minimum number of servings from each food group. Although 70% of students obtained a MAR-6 >75, only 34% of the students consumed > 1 serving from each food group and 12% of students consumed the minimum number of servings of Food Guide Pyramid. Less than 1% of diets were nutritionally adequate by the MAR-6 score, by the recommended servings of Food Guide Pyramid, and by the guidelines for fat and sugar. The minimum number of servings of the Food Guide Pyramid provides a nutritionally adequate diet based on MAR-6 score > 75 but does not insure minimal fat and sugar intake.