A Probit Latent Variable Model of Nutrition Information and Dietary Fiber Intake

Nutrition information and intake data for a sample of U.S. household meal planners are used to estimate the effects of fiber-specific information on dietary fiber intake. The information variables are measured using survey questions on fiber content of foods, attitude toward consuming fiber-rich foods, and awareness of fiber-health links. The evidence confirms the influence of nutrition information on fiber intake. Household income, meal planner age, smoking status, vegetarian status, race, and ethnicity are major determinants of both information and intake. Education exerts a sizable intake effect by enhancing the information level. Direct and indirect effects of exogenous variables are reported. Copyright 1996, Oxford University Press.