Instant noodles are widely consumed in Asian countries. The Korean population consumed the largest quantity of instant noodles in the world in 2008. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between instant noodles and nutritional status in Koreans. The objective of this study was to examine the association between instant noodle consumption and food and nutrient intake in Korean adults. We used dietary data of 6,440 subjects aged 20 years and older who participated in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III. The average age of the instant noodle consumers (INC) was 36.2 and that of the non-instant noodle consumers (non-INC) was 44.9; men consumed more instant noodles than women (P < 0.001). With the exception of cereals and grain products, legumes, seaweeds, eggs, and milk and dairy products, INC consumed significantly fewer potatoes and starches, sugars, seeds and nuts, vegetables, mushrooms, fruits, seasonings, beverages, meats, fishes, and oils and fats compared with those in the non-INC group. The INC group showed significantly higher nutrient intake of energy, fat, sodium, thiamine, and riboflavin; however, the INC group showed a significantly lower intake of protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, vitamin A, niacin, and vitamin C compared with those in the non-INC group. This study revealed that consuming instant noodles may lead to excessive intake of energy, fats, and sodium but may also cause increased intake of thiamine and riboflavin. Therefore, nutritional education helping adults to choose a balanced meal while consuming instant noodles should be implemented. Additionally, instant noodle manufacturers should consider nutritional aspects when developing new products.

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Instant noodle is one of the most popular foods in Korea. The objective of this study was to examine the association of instant noodle consumption and food and nutrient intake among children and teenagers in Korea. We used dietary data from 24-h recall of 1,748 subjects aged 7-19 years who participated in the 2005 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Those who consumed instant noodle once or more during the survey period were categorized as "instant noodle consumer (INC)" and were compared for food and nutrient intakes with the others (non-INC). The average age of the INC was 13.4 and that of the non-INC was 12.4; girls consumed more instant noodles than boys (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in BMI between the two groups. With the exception of grains, as compared to the non-INC, the INC consumed significantly less amounts of potatoes, vegetables, mush-rooms, fruits, spices, seafood, and milk and dairy products. With respect to nutrient intakes, the INC-group showed significantly higher nutrient intakes of energy, fat, carbohydrate, sodium, thiamine, and riboflavin; however, as compared to the non-INC-group, the INC-group showed significantly less intakes of calcium, niacin, and vitamin C. The overall result suggests that consuming instant noodles may lead to excessive intake of fat and sodium, but it may cause an increased intake of thiamine and riboflavin. Therefore, nutrition education that helps children and teenagers choose a balanced meal while consuming instant noodle should be carried out. In addition, manufactures of instant noodles should consider nutritional aspects in product development processes. (Korean J Nutr 2009; 42(8): 723 ~ 731)

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With increasing intake of dietary supplements (DS) including health functional foods (FF) among children and a recent rescission of restrictions in shape/form of FF, children's excessive vitamins/minerals (V/M) intake became a matter of concern in Korea. A nationwide survey was conducted to estimate children's V/M intake from various dietary sources employing 3 representative samples of children for summer & fall of 2008 and spring of 2009 by stratified multistage sampling of 120 survey sites/season based on the 2005 census population. About 30 households from each survey site were screened for residing children of 0–19 years and @ 1,700 households remained as eligible sample per season. Trained dietitians visited households to perform face‐to‐face interview to children regarding DS and OTC V/M products consumption during 1 month prior to interview. Name & type of product, quantity & frequency of use, compliance with recommended dose, etc. were questioned. Out of 5,328 children responded, 19% reported 1 or more DS consumption. Consumption rate was higher in boys (20.1% vs. 17.8%) and youngsters (21.0% compared to 14.3% in adolescents). Although only a minor portion of children showed V/M intake higher than UL, most of them were 0–6 years. Because current maximum levels of V/M in DS were set for adults, using separate doses or directions for children is recommended. Supported by a grant 09082KFDA999 from KFDA in 2008–9.