Nutrition News Alerts
Low Energy Density = High Diet Quality
According to researchers, U.S. adults who consume low-energy-density diets (fewer calories per gram of food) have lower overall calorie intakes and higher diet quality compared to those who consume higher-energy-density diets.
The researchers looked at the food intakes of 7,500 adults participating in the 1994-1996 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals and classified the individuals into low, medium or high-energy-density diets. Men and women with low-energy-density diets consumed approximately 425 and 250 fewer calories a day, respectively, compared to those with high-energy-density diets.
Those with lower-energy-density diets also tended to consume more fruits and vegetables, lowfat dairy foods and lean protein, and had more favorable nutrient intakes (less fat, more vitamins A, B-6, C, folate, iron, calcium and potassium) than their high-energy-density counterparts.
The authors noted that consuming a low-energy-density diet is consistent in many ways with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the recommended Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan, which encourage intake of fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy foods.
Lowering energy-density with increased fruit, vegetable and lowfat dairy, grain, and lean protein intake may be an effective way to reduce overall calorie intake while improving diet quality.
Ledikwe JH, et al. Low energy-density diets are associated with high diet quality in adults in the United States. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 2006; 106: 1172-1180.
Scientific synopsis provided by Barbara Baron, MS, RD, CDN, American Dairy Association & Dairy Council, Inc.