(P21-34-26) Food and Supplement Sources of Micronutrients Among U.S. Youths Aged 2–19 Years: NHANES 2021–2023

Objectives: Information on the dietary sources of essential micronutrients can help guide public health strategies to address deficiencies or excess. This study aimed to identify food and supplement sources of selected micronutrients among U.S. youths aged 2–19 years using nationally representative dietary data from 2021–2023. We focused on 12 essential nutrients: vitamin A, B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6, B9 (folate), B12, D, and minerals including iron, zinc, potassium, and calcium.

Methods: We analyzed single dietary recall data from 2,547 participants aged 2–19 years in NHANES 2021–2023 with complete dietary, supplement, and sample weight data. Foods were classified using modified What We Eat in America categories, and dietary supplements were treated as a separate source. Total micronutrient intake and population-level percentage contributions from each food group as well as supplements was calculated and accounting for the complex survey design. Additional analyses were stratified by age and selected sociodemographic characteristics to examine contribution patterns across subgroups.

Results: Mixed dishes were the leading contributors for several micronutrients, providing 30–40% of iron, niacin, folate, thiamin, zinc, and potassium intake. Milk and milk drinks provided 32–34% of vitamin D and 29–31% of calcium intake among children aged 2–5 years, compared with 15–24% among adolescents. Fruits contributed 14–16% of potassium intake among younger children but < 11% among adolescents. Other grains and sweet, snacks, and sugars each contributed 10% or more of iron, niacin, thiamin, and folate intake. Dietary supplements contributed ≥20% of folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin D intake among supplement users but < 10% of most other nutrients at the overall population level.

Conclusions: Mixed dishes, dairy foods, and grains are major contributors to micronutrient intake among U.S. youths, with notable age-related differences in contribution patterns. These findings support age-specific, food-based strategies to improve micronutrient adequacy.

Funding Sources: USDA CA-D-NTR-2391-H