Dietary Assessment Flashcards

Which dietary assessment method is considered the gold standard for estimating usual dietary intake over time?

Answer: Weighed food record

Weighed food records are considered the gold standard because they capture actual intake without relying on memory.

A patient reports eating 'a handful of almonds' as a snack. Which tool would BEST help convert this to grams?

Answer: Food model aids or portion estimation tools

Portion estimation tools such as food models, measuring cups, and hand-size guides help translate vague descriptions into measurable quantities.

The Multiple Pass Method (MPM) used in the NHANES study involves how many passes?

Answer: 5

The USDA's Automated Multiple Pass Method uses 5 steps to capture a complete and accurate 24-hour dietary recall.

Which type of assessment error occurs when a respondent systematically under-reports intake due to social desirability?

Answer: Systematic bias

Systematic bias occurs when reporting errors are consistent in one direction, such as under-reporting high-calorie or stigmatized foods.

When calculating nutrient intake from a food diary, which database is most commonly used in clinical practice in the United States?

Answer: USDA FoodData Central

USDA FoodData Central is the primary nutrient database used in the US for clinical and research dietary analysis.

A client's 3-day food record shows an average energy intake of 1,200 kcal/day, but their weight is stable. What phenomenon does this BEST illustrate?

Answer: Energy intake underreporting

Stable weight despite reportedly low energy intake is a classic sign of underreporting, particularly common in overweight individuals.

Which nutrient is MOST difficult to assess accurately using a standard food frequency questionnaire?

Answer: Vitamin D

Vitamin D is difficult to capture via FFQ because its primary source is sunlight synthesis, which is not a food, and food sources are few and variable.