Nutrient Intake Improves With Peanut Consumption

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Nutrient Intake Improves With Peanut Consumption

There is concern that consumption of peanuts or other nuts may increase the risk of weight gain, because of their relatively high fat content. However, a large body of evidence also associates nut consumption with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).

Using data reported in the Continuing Survey of Food Intake by Individuals and Diet and Health Knowledge Survey (CSFII/DHKS) from 1994-1996, researchers used food codes to sort respondents by "use" or "nonuse" of peanuts. Data were based on a national sample of 14,262 individuals (men, women and children) who completed two-day food intake records. Differences between peanuts users/nonusers were analyzed relative to energy and nutrient intake, health eating index (HEI) scores, and body mass index (BMI). Peanut consumption included peanuts, peanut products, peanut butter, peanuts as part of a sweet snack, peanuts as part of a savory snack, and peanuts or peanut oil as ingredients in a meal.

Respondents tended to have generally good diets, with HEI scores of individuals consuming peanuts being significantly higher than for non-consumers. Results demonstrated improved diet quality of peanuts users, indicated by higher intake of micronutrients vitamin A, vitamin E, folate, calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron, as well as dietary fiber, and lower intake of saturated fat and cholesterol. Energy intake was significantly higher for peanut users compared with nonusers; however, BMI was lower in users compared with nonusers for all population groups.

"In summary, the results of the present study have shown that peanuts and peanut products enhance the nutrient profile of the diet," note the authors. "Moreover, inclusion of this energy dense food can be done in a manner that does not result in weight gain provided that energy intake does not exceed energy expended over time. ... Encouraging the use of peanuts and peanut butter, both popular and familiar foods, gives additional options that may promote adherence to a healthy diet that reduces risk of chronic disease."

Griel AE, Eissenstat B, Juturu V, et al. Improved diet quality with peanut consumption. Journal of the American College of Nutrition 2004;23(6): 660-68.