Date Approved
7-9-2015
Date Posted
1-13-2016
Degree Type
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department or School
Health Sciences
Committee Member
Judi Brooks, Ph.D., R.D., Chair
Committee Member
Alice Jo Rainville, Ph.D., R.D., C.H.E., S.N.S., F.A.N.D.
Abstract
Calcium, vitamin D, fiber, and potassium are widely underconsumed in the U.S. This study analyzes nutrition information from quick service restaurants to determine the fast-food industry⁰́₉s contribution of these nutrients to the American diet. The menu offerings of top-grossing quick-service restaurants in each of seven categories, McDonald's℗ʼ (burger), Subway℗ʼ (sandwich), Taco Bell℗ʼ (Mexican), Pizza Hut℗ʼ (pizza), Chick-fil-A℗ʼ (chicken), Panda Express℗ʼ (Asian), and Long John Silver's℗ʼ (seafood), were analyzed for calcium, vitamin D, fiber, potassium, and calories. The highest mean values of key nutrients were found at Pizza Hut (256.4 mg calcium), McDonald⁰́₉s (0.509 mcg vitamin D), Taco Bell (4.4 g fiber, foods only), and Chick-fil-A (375.5 mg potassium). Significant differences among restaurants were found for all nutrients at a p-value of < 0.01 for calcium, fiber and potassium, and < 0.05 for vitamin D. McDonald⁰́₉s and Subway provided the most nutrient-dense menu items with 303 and 238 items, respectively.
Recommended Citation
Pearson, Meghan, "Sources of calcium, vitamin D, fiber, and potassium in American fast food" (2015). Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations. 619.
https://commons.emich.edu/theses/619