Association of Pork (All Pork, Fresh Pork and Processed Pork) Consumption with Nutrient Intakes and Adequacy in US Children (Age 2-18 Years) and Adults (Age 19+ Years): NHANES 2011-2018 Analysis.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Cross-sectional analysis of population survey data (NHANES).
PubMed 37242176 · doi:10.3390/nu15102293
What was done
Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2018 were analyzed to assess intakes of all pork, fresh pork, and processed pork among US children (aged 2–18 years) and adults (aged 19+ years). Usual nutrient intake was estimated using 24-hour dietary recalls and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) method to compare nutrient intake levels and the proportions of individuals meeting dietary recommendations (below the Estimated Average Requirement or above the Adequate Intake) between pork consumers and non-consumers.
What was found
Among children, 52% consumed all pork (mean 47 g/day), 15% fresh pork (mean 60 g/day), and 45% processed pork (mean 38 g/day). Among adults, 59% consumed all pork (mean 61 g/day), 20% fresh pork (mean 77 g/day), and 49% processed pork (mean 48 g/day). In consumers across all pork categories, intakes of copper, potassium, selenium, sodium, zinc, thiamine, niacin, vitamin B6, and choline were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in non-consumers. A significantly higher proportion of consumers met recommendations for copper, potassium, zinc, thiamin, and choline (p < 0.05).
Why it matters
This study provides national surveillance data linking pork consumption to higher intakes of several essential micronutrients, though it also reflects increased sodium intake.
Limits
The abstract does not state the total sample size (n). The analysis is cross-sectional and relies on self-reported 24-hour dietary recalls, which are subject to recall bias, and cannot establish causal relationships between pork consumption and nutritional health.
Cited by
- supports Pork contains higher concentrations of vitamin B1 (thiamine) than other meats.