Comparison of Prevalence of Inadequate Nutrient Intake Based on Body Weight Status of Adults in the United States: An Analysis of NHANES 2001–2008

Objective: To compare micronutrient intake status of those overweight and those obese with normal weight adults.Methods: Using total nutrient intake (from foods and supplements) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001–2008, we determined usual intakes for micronutrients using the National Cancer Institute methodology in adults (n = 18,177). Only subjects with reliable dietary records were included and pregnant and lactating females were excluded. Subjects were categorized by body weight status as either normal weight (body mass index [BMI] < 25), overweight (BMI ≥ 25 to < 30), or obese (BMI ≥ 30).Results: A substantial proportion of the adult population (over 40%) had inadequate intakes of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, calcium, and magnesium. Compared to normal weight adults, obese adults had about 5% to 12% lower (p < 0.05) intakes of micronutrients and higher (p < 0.01) prevalence of nutrient inadequacy.Conclusion: We conclude that obese adults compared to normal weight adults have lower micronutrient intake and higher prevalence of micronutrient inadequacy.