Adequate Nutrients Within Calorie Needs

Many people consume more calories than they need without meeting recommended intakes for a number of nutrients. This circumstance means that most people need to choose meals and snacks that are high in nutrients but low to moderate in energy content; that is, meeting nutrient recommendations must go hand in hand with keeping calories under control. Doing so offers important benefits - normal growth and development of children, health promotion for people of all ages, and reduction of risk for a number of chronic diseases that are major public health problems.

Based on dietary intake data or evidence of public health problems, intake levels of the following nutrients may be of concern for:

• Adults: calcium, potassium, fiber, magnesium, and vitamins A (as carotenoids), C, and E,
• Children and adolescents: calcium, potassium, fiber, magnesium, and vitamin E,
• Specific population groups (see below): vitamin B₁₂, iron, folic acid, and vitamins E and D.

At the same time, in general, Americans consume too many calories and too much saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, added sugars, and salt.