The Standard American Diet, with its excess added sugars, saturated fat, and processed foods, is generally not the most well-rounded eating pattern. Data suggests adults and children in the United States eat far fewer fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy products than recommended, and exceed the recommended intake of solid fat and added sugar.1
While each of us has varying nutrient needs depending on gender, age, health status, activity, and a host of other factors, current data suggests despite these variables. Most Americans are not meeting their recommended nutrient intakes.
Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are broad food groups, each of which contains unique nutrients. For example, dairy products are known for their calcium and vitamin D content, whole grains are rich in B vitamins, and produce is a good source of vitamin C and other antioxidants.
Nutrient deficiencies are likely to develop when recommended servings of these foods are not met and are replaced with less nutritious options. A single nutrient deficiency may not seem like a big deal, but not getting enough of an individual nutrient can significantly impact the body and even lead to other nutrient deficiencies and diseases.
