The proportion of persons with healthful eating patterns showed little progress towards Healthy People 2010 targets regarding consumption of which nutrient?

The correct answer focuses on iron as the nutrient for which the Healthy People 2010 targets did not see significant progress regarding healthful eating patterns. The goal of Healthy People 2010 was to increase the proportion of individuals consuming recommended amounts of essential nutrients, and data indicated that achieving adequate iron intake remained a challenge for many populations, especially among certain demographics such as women and children who are at a higher risk of deficiency.

Iron is crucial for various bodily functions, including the formation of hemoglobin and overall energy metabolism. Low iron intake can lead to deficiencies and associated health problems such as anemia. Despite public health efforts, many individuals did not meet the recommended dietary allowances for iron due to various factors, including dietary choices, education about nutrition, and socioeconomic barriers that can limit access to iron-rich foods.

The other nutrients listed, like calcium and vitamin D, while also important for health, were the focus of other public health initiatives and saw varying degrees of success in meeting the consumption targets set by Healthy People 2010. For instance, calcium intake was part of broader campaigns to improve bone health, and vitamin D was receiving attention for its role in improving overall health. Thiamin, while essential, typically does not present the same level of concern in epidemi