Question

Dietary methods of assessment include looking at past or current intakes of nutrients from food by individuals or a group to determine their nutritional status. There are several methods used to do this. List four of them with explanation.

Answer 1

The methods that are adopted are:

1) observed food consumption

This is an effective as well as accurate method which requires the weight of the food to be calculated. Since it is expensive and time consuming, this method is not used extensively.

2) food diary

Also called as food journal/record. As the name suggests, the food consumed is recorded and noted down regularly at the time of consumption. This is a reliable method. Only disadvantage is that, it is difficult to maintain.

3) 24 hr recall

Similar to food diary, but here a trained expert asks the subject to recall all the type of food whether solid or liquid which is consumed in the last 24hours. Advantage is that this method is quick and an easy one, but it all depends on the memory of the subject it may not be accurate.

4) food frequency questionnaire

Here the subject will have to choose the food from the list consumed per day, week and month. It is much better and precise than 24hr recall method , and also a cheap method.