Dietary Patterns with Increased Bean Consumption are Associated with Greater Overall and Shortfall Nutrient Intakes, Lower Added Sugar, and Improved Diet Quality in Adults

Background: Limited evidence is available that focuses on beans within American dietary patterns and health. The purpose of this study was to identify commonly consumed bean dietary patterns in adults and compare intakes of shortfall nutrients and diet quality, compared to adults whose typical dietary pattern did not include beans. Methods The analyses used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2001–2018. Cluster analysis was used to identify bean patterns of consumption, while the USDA food coding system defined daily beans consumed. Five bean dietary patterns of consumption were identified, of which four patterns included both canned bean and dry beans, while one pattern was comprised of no bean consumption. Bean consumption was defined as those consuming kidney beans, black beans, chickpeas, and pinto beans. Results Adults consuming bean patterns 1, 2, 3 and 4 had significantly higher diet quality scores compared to the no-bean pattern (61.2 ± 0.5, 58.9 ± 0.5, 55.2 ± 0.4 and 56.5 ± 0.8 vs 48.8 ± 0.2 p’s < 0.0001). Bean consumers also had significantly higher intakes of several shortfall nutrients (choline, alpha-linolenic acid, folate, iron, magnesium and vitamin E relative to no bean consumption. Similarly, intake of dietary fiber, potassium and calcium, all nutrients of public health concern were significantly elevated in bean patterns compared to no-beans. Conclusions Dietary patterns that are rich in beans are associated with significantly higher diet quality scores and greater intake of shortfall nutrients, including nutrients of public health concern. Dietary guidance should consider the health benefits associated with the promotion of increased canned and dry bean consumption in dietary patterns.