Prevalence of nutrient adequacy for US infants and toddlers, NHANES 2003–2006

Few studies have examined the prevalence of nutrient adequacy (PNA) among US infant and toddlers. This study assessed the PNA for vitamins A, C, E, B‐12, and folate, calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc in infants and toddlers and fiber in toddlers. NHANES 2003–2006 data were analyzed using the National Cancer Institute statistical method for usual nutrient intake distributions from food. The usual nutrient intakes were compared to the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) or Adequate Intake (AI) for formula‐fed infants 7 – 12 mo (n=316); and toddlers 1 – 3 years (n=1507) to determine the PNA. Approximately 63, 78, and 55% of infants had intakes above the AI for vitamins A, C, and E, respectively, and had an average probability of having inadequate iron intake of 18%. Infant intakes were above the AIs for other nutrients. Only 6 and 1% of toddlers had potassium and fiber intakes above the AI and 17% had intakes of vitamin E above the EAR. More than 98% of toddlers had adequate intakes for all other nutrients. Results suggest that most infants have adequate nutrient intakes with the exception of iron, and toddlers meet most nutrient requirements with the exception of potassium, fiber, and vitamin E. Evaluation of PNA from food and supplements in these populations is warranted. Furthermore, examination of food sources for infants and toddlers may inform choices for improving intakes of inadequate nutrients.