Nutrient intake of low-income homemakers in the Alabama Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program

The major purpose of this study was to determine the level of the nutrient intake of low-income homemakers participating in Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) in Alabama. More specifically, the investigator wanted to determine the level of intake over time after nutrition lessons were taught as well as the association of socio-demographic variables with nutrient intake.;Three hundred and fifty-one homemakers enrolled in EFNEP during 1985-87 were included in this study. A two-part questionnaire was administered to homemakers. Part I of the questionnaire elicited socio-demographic data, and Part II gathered 24-hour food recall data. A 24-hour food recall was taken before lessons were taught to obtain baseline data. Then recalls were taken approximately every six months thereafter.;The research questions revealed the following results: in each of the eight nutrients studied, Nutrient Adequacy Ratios (NARs) were equal to or greater than 67% or two-thirds of the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for six nutrients: vitamin A, vitamin C, phosphorus, thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin. The NARs for calcium and iron generally were below the RDAs when the entire population was studied.;The 15-18 year olds did not meet two-thirds of the RDA for several of the nutrients studied. The 19-24 year olds showed continued and steady improvement up to the fourth recall. The 25-50 year olds showed little gain from participation in the program. Individuals in the age group of 51 and over were the only ones to meet two-thirds of the RDA for iron, and showed continuous improvement in their nutrient intake up to the fourth food recall.;At the time of the first 24-hour food recall, approximately 47% carbohydrate, 36% fat, and 17% protein contributed to the total kilocalories. These values did not meet the recommended dietary goals for Americans.