Comparison of dietary assessment methods in nutritional epidemiology: weighed records v. 24 h recalls, food-frequency questionnaires and estimated-diet records.
Women (n 160) aged 50 to 65 years were asked to weigh their food for 4 d on four occasions over the period of 1 year, using the PETRA (Portable Electronic Tape Recorded Automatic) scales. Throughout the year, they were asked to complete seven other dietary assessment methods: a simple 24 h recall, a structured 24 h recall with portion size assessments using photographs, two food-frequency questionnaires, a 7 d estimated record or open-ended food diary, a structured food-frequency (menu) record, and a structured food-frequency (menu) record with portion sizes assessed using photographs. Comparisons between the average of the 16 d weighed records and the first presentation of each method indicated that food-frequency questionnaires were not appreciably better at placing individuals in the distribution of habitual diet than 24 h recalls, due partly to inaccuracies in the estimation of frequency of food consumption. With a 7 d estimated record or open-ended food diary, however, individual values of nutrients were most closely associated with those obtained from 16 d weighed records, and there were no significant differences in average food or nutrient intakes.
Bingham
S A
SA
MRC Dunn Clinical Nutrition Centre, Cambridge.
Gill
C
C
Welch
A
A
Day
K
K
Cassidy
A
A
Khaw
K T
KT
Sneyd
M J
MJ
Key
T J
TJ
Roe
L
L
Day
N E
NE
D015930:Diet Records; D004046:Dietetics / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011939:Mental Recall; D008875:Middle Aged; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires