Dietary Profiles of First-Generation South Asian Indian Adolescents in the United States

Background: This study aimed to describe the dietary profile and health characteristics of first-generation South Asian Indian (SAI) adolescents in the United States because SAIs have a high prevalence of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and dietary risk factors for those diseases begin in youth. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to examine age, gender, usual dietary intake, body composition, blood pressure, blood glucose, and length of residency among 56 first-generation, urban SAI adolescents. Results: Intake of saturated fat exceeded recommendations for all participants, and potassium, magnesium, calcium, vitamin D, and fiber intakes were insufficient in nearly all. Sodium intake exceeded recommendations for most males. Cholesterol intake and sweets consumption was lower among those who lived in the U.S. longer. There were no associations of dietary patterns with health characteristics. Discussion: Dietary patterns that may increase future disease risk included high saturated fats and low potassium, magnesium, calcium, vitamin D, and fiber.