Seasonality in women’s dietary intake: preliminary results from the Life in all Seasons study (1022.5)

Objective: Seasonal variation in foods consumed may bias estimates of long‐term food and nutrient intake in observational studies. We present dietary results from the first cohort of subjects in a year‐long study of predictors of change in body composition. Methods: Longitudinal design; 27 women ages 40‐60 y completed online diet recalls approximately every 10 days (N=972) using the Automated Self‐administered 24‐hour Recall system. Reported intakes were compared to Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) recommendations and seasonal differences tested by mixed model analysis of variance. Results: Mean energy intake was not significantly different from estimated requirements ( P = 0.23). Compared to Dietary Reference Intakes, recommendations, intakes of fiber, vitamin E, potassium, and vitamin D were inadequate and did not differ by season. Over the year, women reported consuming 63 ± 3% of the DGA recommended number of servings for vegetables, fruits (73 ± 10%); whole grains (36 ± 4%), seafood (54 ± 9%) and dairy (63 ± 5%). Grain intake was significantly higher in the fall compared to spring and summer ( P <0.05) and intake of “other” vegetables was higher in summer than winter ( P <0.05). Conclusions: Nutrient intake did not vary seasonally in this sample of women. Intakes of key nutrients and nutrient‐rich food groups of public health significance were suboptimal. Grant Funding Source : Supported by USDA‐ARS 5450‐51000‐049‐00D