Sandwiches eaters have a higher energy intake

Sandwiches account for one-fifth of the body's total sodium absorbtion, new research on the dietary intake of US adults shows.

People who ate sandwiches had significantly higher energy intake than those who did not, it found.

Those who consumed a sandwich on the survey day took in, on average, around 300 kilo-calories more than those who did not report eating a sandwich.

Sandwich reporters also had higher total sodium intake, averaging around 600 milli-grams per day higher than non-sandwich reporters.

"The unanticipated finding that sandwich consumption is associated with higher overall intake of energy underscores the importance of making healthy choices of sandwich ingredients," said study co-author Cecilia Wilkinson Enns from the US Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service.

"Many sandwiches, such as burgers and franks, and common sandwich components, such as yeast breads, cheese, and cured meats, are among the top contributors not only to sodium but also to energy in the diets of adult Americans," Enns added.

By closely analysing data from the federal nationwide dietary intake survey known as "What We Eat in America NHANES 2009-2010", the researchers found that on any given day 49 percent of US adults eat at least one sandwich.

The study appeared in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.