Trend in calories consumed in the US diet over the last decade: Analysis of What We Eat In America (WWEIA)/National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001–2010

WWEIA data and the food groupings within were used to assess energy intake and sources of energy in the diets of those 2+ years of age (N=42,151) over the last decade. Regression analyses were conducted to determine a p‐for trend across the five NHANES data releases (2001–2010). Covariate adjusted energy intake was 2132 ± 9 kcal/d and major contributors of energy (mean ± SE, kcal/d) in the diet across the decade were Grains (749 ± 6); Meat, Poultry, Fish and Mixtures (390 ± 4); Sugars, Sweets and Beverages (337 ± 4), and Milk and Milk Products (246 ± 2). Energy intake decreased across the five NHANES releases and there was a significant (p<0.0001) p‐for trend of −25 kcal/d per 2 yr cycle release (−44 in those 2–19 yrs and −17 in those 20+ yrs). The largest decrease was from Sugars, Sweets and Beverages (−15 kcal/d per release, p<0.0001). Smaller decreases (kcal/d per release) in Fats, Oils and Salad Dressings (−3; p<0.0001) and Vegetables (−3; p<0.05) were also seen. One of the largest decreases (p<0.0001) in calories was in Soft Drinks (Carbonated) of −13 kcal/d per release (−15 in those 2–19 yrs and −12 in those 20+ yrs). There were smaller decreases (p<0.01) in Cakes, Cookies, Pies, Pastries (−4 kcal/d per release), Milks and Milk Drinks (−3 kcal/d per release), Sugars and Sweets (−2 kcal/d per release), Cereals, Not Cooked (−2 kcal/d per release) and Salad Dressings (−2 kcal/d per release). Support: USDA and American Beverage Association.