Comparison of dietary assessment methods in nutritional epidemiology: weighed records v. 24 h recalls, food-frequency questionnaires and estimated-diet records

• Published in: British journal of nutrition 1994-10, Vol.72 (4), p.619-643
• Main Authors: Bingham, S. A., Gill, C., Welch, A., Day, K., Cassidy, A., Khaw, K. T., Sneyd, M. J., Key, T. J. A., Roe, L., Day, N. E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Comparison of methods of dietary assessment; Diet Records; Dietary assessment methods; Dietetics - methods; Female; Humans; Mental Recall; Middle Aged; Nutrition Surveys; Nutritional epidemiology; Surveys and Questionnaires; Weighed intake
• ISSN: 0007-1145; 1475-2662
• DOI: 10.1079/BJN19940064

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.