Trends in nutrient intakes and chronic health conditions among Mexican-American adults, a 25-year profile: United States, 1982-2006.

OBJECTIVE To provide estimates of selected nutrient intakes and chronic health conditions among Mexican-American adults aged 20-74 years in the United States, from 1982 through 2006. METHODS Data on Mexican-American adults come from the following surveys: the Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (HHANES, 1982-1984 (n = 3,935)); the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III, 1988-1994 (n = 4,641)); and NHANES 1999-2006 (n = 4,084). Prevalence estimates were calculated and trend analyses were conducted for each nutrient intake and health condition in the study. Statistical significance of differences between common estimates from each survey period was evaluated using two-sided t-tests (p < 0.05). RESULTS Between 1982-1984 and 1999-2006, the percent kilocalories from total fat, saturated fat, and protein intake among Mexican-American adults decreased, while carbohydrate and mean total energy intake increased. During this same time period, the prevalence of obesity and diabetes among Mexican-American adults increased, the prevalence of dental caries decreased, and the prevalence of high blood pressure remained stable. The overall prevalence of high total serum cholesterol among this group did not differ significantly from 1988-1994 to 1999-2006. CONCLUSION Monitoring trends in diet and health conditions among Mexican-American adults can inform the development of targeted prevention efforts to improve the health of this rapidly increasing population.