Dietary intakes of essential nutrients among Mexican-Americans and Anglo-Americans: the San Antonio Heart Study.

Dietary intakes of essential nutrients were measured as part of a population-based investigation of diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors in Mexican-Americans and Anglo-Americans in San Antonio, Texas. Twenty-four hour dietary recalls were conducted on 2134 individuals residing in three socioeconomically distinct neighborhoods: low-income, middle-income, and upper-income. Mean intakes of calcium, vitamin A and vitamin C were significantly lower among Mexican-Americans than among Anglos. Intake of vitamin C was most affected by socioeconomic status. Females of both ethnic groups consumed less than their RDA for calcium and iron. Intakes of B vitamins, phosphorus, and potassium were adequate, with few ethnic or socioeconomic differences.