Consumption of breakfast cereal is associated with positive health outcomes: evidence from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Growth and Health Study.

The purpose of this study was to examine 3 possible explanations for the documented association between cereal consumption and positive health outcomes. The study design was a descriptive, longitudinal study known as the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Growth Health Study. Data from annual 3-day food records were analyzed to answer study questions.

The relationship of breakfast and cereal consumption to nutrient intake and body mass index: the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Growth and Health Study.

Objective: To describe changes in breakfast and cereal consumption of girls between ages 9 and 19 years, and to examine the association of breakfast and cereal intake with body mass index (BMI) and consumption of nutrients.

Design: Data from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Growth and Health Study, a longitudinal biracial observational cohort study with annual 3-day food records.

Subjects/setting: The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Growth and Health Study recruited 2,379 girls (1,166 white and 1,213 black), ages 9 and 10 years at baseline, from locations in the Berkeley, CA; Cincinnati, OH; and Washington, DC, areas.

Ready-to-eat cereal consumption: its relationship with BMI and nutrient intake of children aged 4 to 12 years.

Objective: To examine the relationship between ready-to-eat cereal consumption habits and body mass index of a sample of children aged 4 to 12 years.

Design: Fourteen-day self-reported food diary records were obtained from a sample of 2,000 American households from February 1998 through February 1999. Height and weight of the family members were also self-reported.

Nutrition Monitoring Application in the Food Industry.

Nutrition scientists in the food industry use nutrition monitoring data in a variety of ways that include developing nutrition communications for consumers and health professionals, guiding product development and reformulation, and applying research applications. Continuous nutrition monitoring is essential to influence positively the nutrient content of the food supply and meet the changing nutrition needs of the population. This article reviews food industry application of nutrient intake information and provides specific examples of use.