Analysis of the Difference in Nutrient Intake Status by Household Income and Education Level

This study analyzed the nutritional status of 5,100 adults (age ≥19) divided into groups by household income and education level. The nutrient intake amount (NIA) and density (ND) of 25 nutrients and ratios of nutrient intake (%DRI) and subjects taking less (<DRI) than the dietary reference intake for Koreans for 16 nutrients having estimated average requirement or adequate intake were estimated. The NIA of all examined nutrients, except unsaturated fatty acid (FA), retinol, and thiamin, increased as the household income increased. ND of macronutrients, phosphorus, iron, potassium, riboflavin, folic acid, vitamin C, and water also increased, except for carbohydrates, which showed a decrease with an increase in income. The %DRI of all nutrients except thiamin also increased, and <DRI decreased for all nutrients except for energy, protein, iron, and thiamin with household income. NIA was the highest in >college group for all nutrients, except carbohydrates, and vitamin C had the highest NIA in the middle school group. The ND of macronutrients except carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FA), all minerals, vitamin A, retinol, riboflavin, and niacin increased as the education level increased. The % DRI of all nutrients except energy, carbohydrates, iron, thiamin, and vitamin C was the highest in >college group and <DRI for protein, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin C was the lowest in >college group. The results of this study showed the presence of malnutrition in groups having low household incomes and education levels, implying that more effort is necessary to improve their nutrition status. Thses results can be used to develop policy and educational programs for these groups.