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Nutrient Intakes Linked to Better Health Outcomes Are Associated with Higher Diet Costs in the US

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  • Anju Aggarwal
  • Pablo Monsivais
  • Adam Drewnowski

Abstract

Purpose: Degrees of nutrient intake and food groups have been linked to differential chronic disease risk. However, intakes of specific nutrients may also be associated with differential diet costs and unobserved differences in socioeconomic status (SES). The present study examined degrees of nutrient intake, for every key nutrient in the diet, in relation to diet cost and SES. Methods: Socio-demographic data for a stratified random sample of adult respondents in the Seattle Obesity Study were obtained through telephone survey. Dietary intakes were assessed using food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) (n = 1,266). Following standard procedures, nutrient intakes were energy-adjusted using the residual method and converted into quintiles. Diet cost for each respondent was estimated using Seattle supermarket retail prices for 384 FFQ component foods. Results: Higher intakes of dietary fiber, vitamins A, C, D, E, and B12, beta carotene, folate, iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium were associated with higher diet costs. The cost gradient was most pronounced for vitamin C, beta carotene, potassium, and magnesium. Higher intakes of saturated fats, trans fats and added sugars were associated with lower diet costs. Lower cost lower quality diets were more likely to be consumed by lower SES. Conclusion: Nutrients commonly associated with a lower risk of chronic disease were associated with higher diet costs. By contrast, nutrients associated with higher disease risk were associated with lower diet costs. The cost variable may help somewhat explain why lower income groups fail to comply with dietary guidelines and have highest rates of diet related chronic disease.

Suggested Citation

  • Anju Aggarwal & Pablo Monsivais & Adam Drewnowski, 2012. "Nutrient Intakes Linked to Better Health Outcomes Are Associated with Higher Diet Costs in the US," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 7(5), pages 1-9, May.
  • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0037533
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0037533
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Carlson, Andrea & Lino, Mark & Juan, WenYen & Marcoe, Kristin & Bente, Lisa & Hiza, Hazel A. B. & Guenther, Patricia M. & Leibtag, Ephraim S., 2008. "Development of the CNPP Prices Database," CNPP Reports 45851, United States Department of Agriculture, Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion.
    2. Drewnowski, A. & Darmon, N. & Briend, A., 2004. "Replacing fats and sweets with vegetables and fruits - A question of cost," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 94(9), pages 1555-1559.
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    1. May A Beydoun & Marie T Fanelli-Kuczmarski & Jennifer Poti & Allyssa Allen & Hind A Beydoun & Michele K Evans & Alan B Zonderman, 2018. "Longitudinal change in the diet's monetary value is associated with its change in quality and micronutrient adequacy among urban adults," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(10), pages 1-21, October.
    2. Carlson, Andrea & Dong, Diansheng & Lino, Mark, 2014. "Association between Total Diet Cost and Diet Quality Is Limited," Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Western Agricultural Economics Association, vol. 39(1), pages 1-22, April.
    3. Justine Hastings & Ryan Kessler & Jesse M. Shapiro, 2021. "The Effect of SNAP on the Composition of Purchased Foods: Evidence and Implications," American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, American Economic Association, vol. 13(3), pages 277-315, August.
    4. Rafael Moreira Claro & Vargas Hernandez & Joel Alberto & Satoru Shimokawa & Euna Han & Sharada Keats & Steve Wiggins, 2015. "The Rising Cost of a Healthy Diet – Changing Relative prices of Foods in High- Income and Emerging Economies," Working Papers id:7250, eSocialSciences.
    5. Jo, Young, 2017. "The Differences in Characteristics Among Households With and Without Obese Children: Findings From USDA’s FoodAPS," Economic Information Bulletin 263089, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
    6. May A Beydoun & Marie T Fanelli-Kuczmarski & Allyssa Allen & Hind A Beydoun & Barry M Popkin & Michele K Evans & Alan B Zonderman, 2015. "Monetary Value of Diet Is Associated with Dietary Quality and Nutrient Adequacy among Urban Adults, Differentially by Sex, Race and Poverty Status," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(11), pages 1-21, November.
    7. Rachel M. Scrivano & Jill J. Juris & Shannon E. Jarrott & Jennifer M. Lobb, 2022. "Extending the Together, We Inspire Smart Eating Curriculum to Intergenerational Nutrition Education: A Pilot Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-14, July.
    8. Cheong Siew Man & Ruhaya Salleh & Mohamad Hasnan Ahmad & Azli Baharudin & Poh Bee Koon & Tahir Aris, 2020. "Dietary Patterns and Associated Factors Among Adolescents in Malaysia: Findings from Adolescent Nutrition Survey 2017," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-12, May.

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