scholarly journals Assessment of the accuracy of nutrient calculations of five popular nutrition tracking applications

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (8) ◽  
pp. 1495-1502 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carly Griffiths ◽  
Lisa Harnack ◽  
Mark A Pereira

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the accuracy of nutrient intake calculations from leading nutrition tracking applications (apps).DesignNutrient intake estimates from thirty 24 h dietary recalls collected using Nutrition Data System for Research (NDSR) were compared with intake calculations from these recalls entered by the researcher into five free nutrition tracking apps. Apps were selected from the Apple App Store based on consumer popularity from the list of free ‘Health and Fitness’ apps classified as a nutrition tracking apps.SubjectsDietary recall data collected from thirty lower-income adults.ResultsCorrelations between nutrient intake calculations from NDSR and the nutrition tracking apps ranged from 0·73 to 0·96 for energy and macronutrients. Correlations for the other nutrients examined (Na, total sugars, fibre, cholesterol, saturated fat) ranged from 0·57 to 0·93. For each app, one or more mean nutrient intake calculations were significantly lower than those from NDSR. These differences included total protein (P=0·03), total fat (P=0·005), Na (P=0·02) and cholesterol (P=0·005) for MyFitnessPal; dietary fibre (P=0·04) for Fitbit; total protein (P=0·0004), total fat (P=0·008), Na (P=0·002), sugars (P=0·007), cholesterol (P=0·0006) and saturated fat (P=0·005) for Lose It!; Na (P=0·03) and dietary fibre (P=0·005) for MyPlate; and total fat (P=0·03) for Lifesum.ConclusionsFindings suggest that nutrient calculations from leading nutrition tracking apps tend to be lower than those from NDSR, a dietary analysis software developed for research purposes. Further research is needed to evaluate the validity of the apps when foods consumed are entered by consumers.

1999 ◽  
Vol 81 (S1) ◽  
pp. S113-S117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wulf Becker

The Nordic and Swedish Nutrition Recommendations emphasize the balance between macronutrients in the diet. The amount of saturated and total fat should be limited to c. 10 %energy and 30 %energy, respectively, and the amount of total carbohydrates should be 55–60 %energy. Data from the first Swedish national dietary survey in 1989 show that the average diet is too high in fat, especially saturated fat (36–37 %energy and 16 %energy, respectively) while the content of total carbohydrates and dietary fibre is too low. However, parts of the population consume a diet that meets the recommendation for a particular macronutrient. A comparison of subjects with a low or high intake of total fat and saturated fat, dietary fibre or fruit and vegetables show some common trends with respect to the characteristics of a dietary pattern equal or close to the recommendations, e.g. more frequent consumption of fruit and vegetables and a lower consumption of some fat-rich foods, such as spreads, cheese and sausages.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 489
Author(s):  
Emilie Croisier ◽  
Jaimee Hughes ◽  
Stephanie Duncombe ◽  
Sara Grafenauer

Breakfast cereal improves overall diet quality yet is under constant scrutiny with assertions that the category has not improved over time. This study aimed to comprehensively analyse the category of breakfast cereals, the nutritional values, and health claims across eight distinct sub-categories at four time points (2013, 2015, 2018, and 2020). An audit of products from four major supermarkets in metropolitan Sydney (Aldi, Coles, IGA, and Woolworths) collected ingredient lists, nutrition information, claims and Health Star Rating (HSR) for biscuits and bites; brans; bubbles, puffs, and flakes; granola and clusters; hot cereal flavoured; hot cereal plain; muesli; breakfast biscuits. The median (IQR) were calculated for energy, protein, fat, saturated fat, carbohydrate, sugars, dietary fibre, and sodium for comparisons over time points by nutrient. Data from 2013 was compared with 2020 (by sub-category and then for a sub-section of common products available at each time point). Product numbers between 2013 (n = 283) and 2020 (n = 543) almost doubled, led by granola and clusters. Whole grain cereals ≥ 8 g/serve made up 67% of products (↑114%). While there were positive changes in nutrient composition over time within the full data set, the most notable changes were in the nutrition composition of cereals marketed as the same product in both years (n = 134); with decreases in mean carbohydrate (2%), sugar (10%) and sodium (16%) (p < 0.000), while protein and total fat increased significantly (p = 0.036; p = 0.021). Claims regarding Dietary Fibre and Whole Grain doubled since 2013. Analysis of sub-categories of breakfast cereal assisted in identifying some changes over time, but products common to both timeframes provided a clearer analysis of change within the breakfast category, following introduction of HSR. Whole grain products were lower in the two target nutrients, sodium and sugars, and well-chosen products represent a better choice within this category.


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yong Zhu ◽  
Jessica Smith ◽  
Neha Jain ◽  
Vipra Vanage ◽  
Mitesh Sharma ◽  
...  

AbstractIntroduction: The present study was conducted to examine yogurt consumption patterns and investigate associations between yogurt consumption and nutrient intake using data from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) rolling programme in the United Kingdom.Materials and Methods: Children aged 1.5–18 years old (N = 2564) and adults aged 19 years or older (N = 2705) from the NDNS 2012/13–2015/16 were included in the study. The average of four-day food diary data was used for analysis. Yogurt included all food items from the yogurt, fromage frais and dairy dessert food group, excluding dairy dessert products. Participants were classified as yogurt eaters if they reported consumption of yogurt at least once during the four days. Percentage contribution of yogurt to daily intake of nutrients in yogurt eaters was calculated. Multiple linear regression analyses for surveys were used to compare differences in energy and nutrient intake between yogurt eaters and non-eaters, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. Energy intake was also adjusted for in nutrient data analysis.Results: The prevalence of yogurt consumption was 53% in children and 39% in adults. The daily intake of yogurt was 105 g and 132 g, respectively. Yogurt is an important source of calcium and riboflavin in children and adults, as well as vitamin D in children, accounting for over 15% of daily intake of these nutrients. Compared to non-eaters, yogurt eaters had significantly higher energy intake in both children and adults; they also had significantly higher intake of protein, fiber, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, folate, riboflavin, thiamin, and vitamin C, as well as significantly lower intake of sodium. Child yogurt eaters also had significantly higher intake of vitamin A and vitamin B12, and lower intake of total fat, whereas adult yogurt eaters had significantly higher intake of carbohydrate, iron, zinc, vitamin D and vitamin E, compared to non-eaters. Both yogurt eaters in children and adults had higher intake of total sugar; nonetheless, non-milk extrinsic sugar intake did not differ by yogurt consumption status in children, and it was significantly lower in adult yogurt eaters. Saturated fat intake did not differ by yogurt consumption status in children and adults.Discussion: Yogurt is an important dietary source of several nutrients in the United Kingdom. Its consumption was positively associated with intake of total energy and many nutrients to encourage, but not positively associated with intake of sodium, total fat, saturated fat, and non-milk extrinsic sugar in both children and adults.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hebah A. Kutbi

Abstract Dietary surveillance is necessary to determine community needs for nutrition interventions. Yet, the nutrient intake of Saudi children has not been previously investigated. The objective of the present study is to evaluate dietary data of Saudi children and investigate gender differences in nutrient intake. In this cross-sectional study, dietary data of 424 Saudi children (6–12 years of age) were collected using telephone-administered single 24-h dietary recall. Three 24-h dietary recalls were collected from a subsample of 168 children (39⋅6 %) and compared with the Dietary Recommended Intakes (DRIs). Nutrient intakes and proportions of children meeting the DRI requirements were similar and did not vary by children's gender. Over two-thirds of the children had an adequate usual intake of vitamin B12, and over half had adequate intakes (AIs) of vitamin C and phosphorus. On the other hand, our data indicated that low proportions of children consumed adequate usual intakes of magnesium and vitamin E. Over half of the children in our sample met the AI for sodium and vitamin D. Only small proportions of children met the AI for calcium, potassium and fibre. Cholesterol and saturated fat intake exceeded the limits of 300 mg and 10 % of total energy intake by 13⋅7 % (n 23) and 80⋅4 % (n 135) of the sample, respectively. Suboptimal intake of several micronutrients was observed among children, suggesting an urgent need to identify barriers to high-quality diet and to develop evidence-based interventions to promote optimal dietary efficacy for children in Saudi Arabia.


2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (12) ◽  
pp. 2641-2649 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiffany M Powell-Wiley ◽  
Paige E Miller ◽  
Priscilla Agyemang ◽  
Tanya Agurs-Collins ◽  
Jill Reedy

AbstractObjectiveThe Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) dietary pattern has been shown to reduce cardiometabolic risk. Little is understood about the relationship between objective diet quality and perceived diet quality (PDQ), a potential psychosocial barrier to appropriate dietary intake. We compared PDQ and diet quality measured by a nutrient-based DASH index score in the USA.DesignCross-sectional study. Participants in the 2005–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) rated diet quality on a 5-point Likert scale and PDQ scores were generated (low, medium, high). A single 24 h dietary recall was used to estimate DASH index scores (range 0–9 points) by assigning 0, 0·5 or 1 point (optimal) for nine target nutrients: total fat, saturated fat, protein, cholesterol, fibre, Ca, Mg, K and Na.SettingNationally representative sample of the US population.SubjectsAdults aged ≥19 years in 2005–2006 NHANES (n 4419).ResultsParticipants with high PDQ (33 %) had higher DASH index scores (mean 3·0 (sd 0·07)) than those with low PDQ (mean 2·5 (sd 0·06), P < 0·001), but average scores did not align with targets for intermediate or optimal DASH accordance. Adults with high PDQ reported higher total fat, saturated fat and Na intakes compared with optimal DASH nutrient goals. Differences between those with high v. low PDQ were similar for Whites and Blacks, but there was no difference between PDQ groups for Mexican Americans.ConclusionsAmong Whites and Blacks, but not Mexican Americans, high PDQ may be associated with higher diet quality, but not necessarily a diet meeting DASH nutrient goals. This disconnect between PDQ and actual diet quality may serve as a target in obesity prevention.


2010 ◽  
Vol 26 (11) ◽  
pp. 2177-2187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sinara Laurini Rossato ◽  
Maria Teresa Anselmo Olinto ◽  
Ruth Liane Henn ◽  
Luiz Antonio dos Anjos ◽  
Ana Weigert Bressan ◽  
...  

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of seasonality on nutrient intake in healthy adults from the southernmost metropolitan area of Brazil. The dietary intake (24-hour dietary recall on six different days) in a sample of 162 adults (114 women), aged 20 to 69, was obtained during the year 2007. The nutrient intake was averaged for each season and adjusted for energy intake using the residual method. The effect of season on energy, macro and micro-nutrient intake was investigated based on the Generalized Estimate Equations (GEE) model. There were statistically significant differences between seasons for carbohydrate and total fat intake after controlling for gender, age, education, and interactions. In summer carbohydrate intake was higher than other seasons while the total fat intake was lower. These findings highlight the importance of considering seasonal variations not only for evaluating dietary intake but also nutrition and public health policy recommendations, particularly in adult populations living in temperate regions.


Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1085 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sisse Fagt ◽  
Jeppe Matthiessen ◽  
Camilla Thyregod ◽  
Karsten Kørup ◽  
Anja Biltoft-Jensen

Breakfast is considered by many to be the most important meal of the day. This study examined the intake of nutrients and foods at breakfast among Danes and the relation to the overall dietary quality. Data were derived from the Danish National Survey on Diet and Physical Activity 2011–2013, a cross-sectional national food consumption study. A total of 3680 participants aged 6–75 years were included in the analyses of breakfast consumption. The Nutrient Rich Food Index 9.3 method was used to examine the overall dietary quality of the diet. The intake of nutrients and foods at breakfast were compared across dietary quality score tertiles by ANCOVA adjusted for energy and socio economic status. Breakfast was eaten frequently by children and adults and contributed with 18–20% of total energy intake. Breakfast was relatively high in dietary fibre, B vitamins, calcium and magnesium and low in added sugar, total fat, sodium, vitamin A and D. A decrease in the intake of added sugar, total fat and saturated fat and an increase in the intake of dietary fibre and most micronutrients were seen across tertiles of dietary quality scores. Commonly consumed foods provided at breakfast in Denmark included bread, breakfast cereals and dairy products as well as water, coffee and juice, while intakes of fruits, vegetables, cakes and soft drinks were low.


2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 544-554 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Fitzgerald ◽  
Lynn Buckley ◽  
Ivan J Perry ◽  
Fiona Geaney

Abstract A paucity of evidence exists regarding the impact of workplace dietary interventions on employees’ off-duty dietary intakes. This study assessed the impact of workplace dietary interventions that included nutrition education and environmental dietary modification both alone and in combination on employees’ dietary intakes inside (on-duty) and outside (off-duty) of work. A pre–post study on employees’ on and off-duty dietary intakes was undertaken. Data were obtained from a complex workplace dietary intervention study (Food Choice at Work Trial). Four manufacturing workplaces were allocated to: Control (n = 111), nutrition education (n = 226), environmental dietary modification (n = 113) and nutrition education and environmental dietary modification combined (n = 400) (2013–14). Seven- to nine-month follow-up data were obtained for 517 employees (61% response) [Control (n = 67), Education (n = 107), Environment (n = 71) and Combined (n = 272)]. Dietary intakes were measured using 24-h dietary recalls. Differences between on and off-duty mean dietary intakes were compared and regression analyses adjusted for potential confounders. Significant reductions in on-duty intakes of total fat (−14.2 g/day, p = 0.000), saturated fat (−7 g/day, p = 0.000), salt (−1.4 g/day, p = 0.000) and total sugars (−8.9 g/day, p = 0.003) were observed in the Combined and in the Environment [total fat (−11.4 g/d, p = 0.017) and saturated fat (−8.8 g/day, p = 0.000)]. In the Combined, significant changes were also observed in off-duty intakes of total fat (−10.0 g/day, p = 0.001), saturated fat (−4.2 g/day, p = 0.001), salt (−0.7 g/day, p = 0.020) and total sugars (−8.1 g/day, p = 0.020). Food service can have a positive impact in our everyday environments, including inside and outside of work. Dietary interventions combining nutrition education and environmental dietary modification can improve employees’ on and off-duty dietary intakes.


1999 ◽  
Vol 81 (S1) ◽  
pp. S71-S76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna Moschandreas ◽  
Anthony Kafatos

The present study aimed to estimate current nutrient intake levels and food group consumption patterns in Greece using cut-off levels derived from the results of dietary recall interviews with 470 Cretan adults. It was found that the present-day Greek diet contains, in the main, adequate levels of fibre. In comparison with the traditional diet, however, the levels of saturated fat in the diet have greatly increased, particularly in younger adults. An association was found between low fruit and vegetable and low fibre intake and a fat intake that was mainly in the form of saturated fat, this being particularly evident in female subjects. Given the wide availability of olive oil, fish, fresh fruit and vegetables in Greece, the development of national dietary guidelines would be of great potential benefit, particularly to the younger generations.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1115-1115
Author(s):  
Yong Zhu ◽  
Neha Jain ◽  
James Normington ◽  
Jean-Michel Michno ◽  
Nort Holschuh ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Ready-to-eat cereal (RTEC) has been associated with improved intake of under-consumed nutrients. This study was conducted to examine consumption of RTEC and its association with nutrient intake and nutrition adequacy in the United States using the most recent nationally representative data. Methods Data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2018 was used. Participants were classified as RTEC eaters or non-eaters depending on whether RETC was reported in their day-1 dietary recall. Total daily nutrient intake was compared by RTEC consumption status using ANOVA for survey data. Percentages below Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) for selected vitamins and minerals that are usually fortified in RTEC products were calculated using the National Cancer Institute method as estimate of usual intake. Data were analyzed in children (2–17 y, N = 2135), adults 18–64 y (N = 3675), and older adults (65 y or older, N = 1221) separately. Results Among children, 34% reported RTEC consumption. The percentage of RTEC consumers was 14% in adults 18–64y and 22% in adults 65y or older. Consumption of RTEC was associated with significantly higher intake of carbohydrate, dietary fiber, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin D (all P &lt; 0.05), but not with intake of protein, saturated fat, and vitamin E, in all three groups examined. Children who consumed RTEC also had a significantly lower intake of sodium (2735 mg vs 2929 mg, P = 0.02) and total fat (70 g vs 76 g, P = 0.005) than non-eaters, whereas energy intake was significantly higher in RTEC eaters than non-eaters in adults 18–64y (2390 kcal vs 2171 kcal, P = 0.03) and older adults (2081 kcal vs 1921 kcal, P = 0.03). Percentages below EAR for vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, zinc, iron were lower in RTEC eaters than non-eaters in all age groups examined. Conclusions We found that consumption of RTEC was associated with higher intake of nutrients to encourage and RTEC consumers were more likely to meet nutrient recommendations compared to RTEC non-consumers. Funding Sources The study was supported by Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition, General Mills, Inc.


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