Impact of commercial eating on nutrient adequacy

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of eating away from home (at commercial establishments) on nutrient adequacy by examining frequency of eating away from home, the nutritional value of foods eaten both away and at home, and the nutritional adequacy of the daily diets of individuals. Data from 3,500 individuals, 15 years of age or older, interviewed in the fall quarter of the 1977-78 Nationwide Food Consumption Survey were used. Results indicate that although the nutrient density of food eaten away from home was lower than that of food eaten at home, the persons studied did not eat out frequently enough to influence the adequacy of their diets significantly. The low nutrient density of food eaten away from home does suggest, however, that individuals could be putting themselves at risk of some nutrient inadequacies (particularly of calcium and vitamins A, B-6, and C) or of caloric excess if they substantially increase their frequency of eating away from home. Teenagers and senior citizens seem most vulnerable to potential nutritional inadequacies.