Vitamin A and ascorbic acid nutriture and snacking patterns of female adolescents

A cross-sectional nutritional survey of 198 adolescent females in Guilford County, North Carolina, was conducted to assess vitamin A and ascorbic acid nutritional status and to investigate and describe snacking patterns. Subjects included black and white girls, ages 12, 14, and 16 years. Data collected included measurement of serum levels of vitamin A and beta-carotene, dietary analysis of meals and snacks from 24-hour food recalls, investigation of snacking patterns from a dietary history interview, and frequency intakes and preferences for 56 food items high in vitamin A and ascorbic acid. Mean dietary intakes for vitamin A (5995 IU) and ascorbic acid (155 mg) exceeded the RDA, but ascorbic acid intake was marginal for 21 percent of the subjects and vitamin A intake was marginal for 12 percent. Twelve-year-old girls had better nutritional status for vitamin A than did older girls. White girls consumed more ascorbic acid than did blacks. Vitamin supplements contributed significantly to nutrient intake