ABSTRACT
Measurement of nutrient intake is probably the most widely used indirect indicator of nutritional status. It is used routinely in national nutrition surveys, epidemiologic or clinical studies, and various federal and state health and nutrition program evaluations. Assessing dietary status includes taking into account the types and amounts of foods consumed and the intake of the nutrients and other components contained in foods. When the food consumption data are combined with information on the nutrient composition of food, the intake of particular nutrients and other food components can be estimated. Various methods for collecting food consumption data are available. However, no single best method exists. For example, food consumption data can be obtained by observing all the food and drink consumed by the individual for a specific period of time or by asking the individual to record or recall their intake. Neither option is ideal in that being observed can affect an individual’s intake, and recording and recalling intake can be erroneous because these methods rely on memory, reliability and cognitive level of the consumer. It has been reported that a person who is attempting to lose weight may tend to report smaller portions that were actually eaten (Johansson et al. 1998). Despite these disadvantages, properly collected and analyzed dietary intake data have considerable value. For example, using dietary analysis has allowed us to assess adequacy of dietary
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to monitor trends in food and nutrient consumption, to study the relationship between diet and health, to establish food and nutrition regulations, and to evaluate success and cost-effectiveness of nutrition and riskreduction programs. The commonly used methods described below are the best tools available for evaluating dietary intake to predict nutrient deficiencies and excesses. Once this information on intake has been collected, the nutrient content of the foods consumed can be estimated using computer software or food composition tables.
