(LB03-14-25) Scoping Review to Inform Measures of Nutrition Security: Evaluating the Link of Diet Quality to Food Security Status in the U.S.

Objectives: Understanding how different levels of food security relate to specific food groups and nutrient shortfalls is critical to inform a measure of nutrition security that captures dietary aspects for optimal health and well-being among the entire U.S. population. This scoping review aimed to summarize and evaluate the evidence on the relationship between food security, dietary quality and nutrient adequacy in the U.S. population.

Methods: Searches were conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, EMBASE and CAB abstracts. Primary studies that assessed the association between food security and dietary/nutrient outcomes, used English-language in the U.S., presented quantitative data, included participants without diagnosed diseases, in “free-living” situations, and not carried-out during the COVID-19 pandemic were included with no publication date restrictions. Covidence was used for screening where decisions were recorded for titles, abstracts and full text against the inclusion criteria by two independent reviewers. Disagreements between two reviewers were solved through discussion and consultation with a third independent reviewer. Study demographics, the measurement tool for food security exposure, dietary and nutrient outcomes and their differences were summarized. The extent to which food-secure and food-insecure groups met dietary adequacy was synthesized.

Results: A total of 750 articles were screened and 76 selected for inclusion. Food-secure individuals exhibit higher dietary quality markers and greater nutrient intake compared to those experiencing food insecurity, yet poor diet and nutrient adequacy was a hallmark of both groups. Age and sex influenced differences, with children, older adults and women of reproductive age at higher risk for inadequate nutrient intakes.

Conclusions: Food security plays a crucial role in diet quality and nutrient adequacy in an overall poor dietary context, with food-secure individuals benefiting from a more balanced and nutrient-rich diet. However, the impact of food insecurity varies by age and sex. To address these disparities, nutrition security measurements should account for age- and sex-specific vulnerabilities to ensure targeted interventions that promote equitable access to nutritious foods.

Funding Sources: Office of Research and the College of Health and Human Sciences at Purdue University.