Grain Foods Contribute Important Nutrients To American Diet

Though grain-based foods account for only 15 percent of the calories in the American diet, they are nutrient-dense, delivering more than 20 percent of three so-called shortfall nutrients: dietary fiber, folate, and iron. Shortfall nutrients are those that cause serious public health problems when they are under-consumed. The study also found that foods like bread, rolls, tortillas, and ready-to-eat cereals deliver more than ten percent of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin A in the U.S. diet. The findings of the study were based on CDC data collected from more than 10,000 dietary surveys collected from adults over the age of 19. The study was funded by the Grain Foods Foundation.  [Image Credit: ©   Grain Foods Foundation]