scholarly journals Accuracy of Nutrient Calculations Using the Consumer-Focused Online App MyFitnessPal: Validation Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte Evenepoel ◽  
Egbert Clevers ◽  
Lise Deroover ◽  
Wendy Van Loo ◽  
Christophe Matthys ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Total Energy ◽  
Energy Intake ◽  
Nutrient Intake ◽  
Food Composition ◽  
Total Energy Intake ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Dietary Analysis ◽  
Limit Values ◽  
T1 And T2 ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND Digital food registration via online platforms that are coupled to large food databases obviates the need for manual processing of dietary data. The reliability of such platforms depends on the quality of the associated food database. OBJECTIVE In this study, we validate the database of MyFitnessPal versus the Belgian food composition database, Nubel. METHODS After carefully given instructions, 50 participants used MyFitnessPal to each complete a 4-day dietary record 2 times (T1 and T2), with 1 month in between T1 and T2. Nutrient intake values were calculated either manually, using the food composition database Nubel, or automatically, using the database coupled to MyFitnessPal. First, nutrient values from T1 were used as a training set to develop an algorithm that defined upper limit values for energy intake, carbohydrates, fat, protein, fiber, sugar, cholesterol, and sodium. These limits were applied to the MyFitnessPal dataset extracted at T2 to remove extremely high and likely erroneous values. Original and cleaned T2 values were correlated with the Nubel calculated values. Bias was estimated using Bland-Altman plots. Finally, we simulated the impact of using MyFitnessPal for nutrient analysis instead of Nubel on the power of a study design that correlates nutrient intake to a chosen outcome variable. RESULTS Per food portion, the following upper limits were defined: 1500 kilocalories for total energy intake, 95 grams (g) for carbohydrates, 92 g for fat, 52 g for protein, 22 g for fiber, 70 g for sugar, 600 mg for cholesterol, and 3600 mg for sodium. Cleaning the dataset extracted at T2 resulted in a 2.8% rejection. Cleaned MyFitnessPal values demonstrated strong correlations with Nubel for energy intake (r=0.96), carbohydrates (r=0.90), fat (r=0.90), protein (r=0.90), fiber (r=0.80), and sugar (r=0.79), but weak correlations for cholesterol (ρ=0.51) and sodium (ρ=0.53); all <i>P</i> values were ≤.001. No bias was found between both methods, except for a fixed bias for fiber and a proportional bias for cholesterol. A 5-10% power loss should be taken into account when correlating energy intake and macronutrients obtained with MyFitnessPal to an outcome variable, compared to Nubel. CONCLUSIONS Dietary analysis with MyFitnessPal is accurate and efficient for total energy intake, macronutrients, sugar, and fiber, but not for cholesterol and sodium.

scholarly journals Accuracy of Nutrient Calculations Using the Consumer-Focused Online App MyFitnessPal: Validation Study

10.2196/18237 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (10) ◽  
pp. e18237
Author(s):  
Charlotte Evenepoel ◽  
Egbert Clevers ◽  
Lise Deroover ◽  
Wendy Van Loo ◽  
Christophe Matthys ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Total Energy ◽  
Energy Intake ◽  
Nutrient Intake ◽  
Food Composition ◽  
Total Energy Intake ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Dietary Analysis ◽  
Limit Values ◽  
T1 And T2 ◽  
The Impact

Background Digital food registration via online platforms that are coupled to large food databases obviates the need for manual processing of dietary data. The reliability of such platforms depends on the quality of the associated food database. Objective In this study, we validate the database of MyFitnessPal versus the Belgian food composition database, Nubel. Methods After carefully given instructions, 50 participants used MyFitnessPal to each complete a 4-day dietary record 2 times (T1 and T2), with 1 month in between T1 and T2. Nutrient intake values were calculated either manually, using the food composition database Nubel, or automatically, using the database coupled to MyFitnessPal. First, nutrient values from T1 were used as a training set to develop an algorithm that defined upper limit values for energy intake, carbohydrates, fat, protein, fiber, sugar, cholesterol, and sodium. These limits were applied to the MyFitnessPal dataset extracted at T2 to remove extremely high and likely erroneous values. Original and cleaned T2 values were correlated with the Nubel calculated values. Bias was estimated using Bland-Altman plots. Finally, we simulated the impact of using MyFitnessPal for nutrient analysis instead of Nubel on the power of a study design that correlates nutrient intake to a chosen outcome variable. Results Per food portion, the following upper limits were defined: 1500 kilocalories for total energy intake, 95 grams (g) for carbohydrates, 92 g for fat, 52 g for protein, 22 g for fiber, 70 g for sugar, 600 mg for cholesterol, and 3600 mg for sodium. Cleaning the dataset extracted at T2 resulted in a 2.8% rejection. Cleaned MyFitnessPal values demonstrated strong correlations with Nubel for energy intake (r=0.96), carbohydrates (r=0.90), fat (r=0.90), protein (r=0.90), fiber (r=0.80), and sugar (r=0.79), but weak correlations for cholesterol (ρ=0.51) and sodium (ρ=0.53); all P values were ≤.001. No bias was found between both methods, except for a fixed bias for fiber and a proportional bias for cholesterol. A 5-10% power loss should be taken into account when correlating energy intake and macronutrients obtained with MyFitnessPal to an outcome variable, compared to Nubel. Conclusions Dietary analysis with MyFitnessPal is accurate and efficient for total energy intake, macronutrients, sugar, and fiber, but not for cholesterol and sodium.

scholarly journals Impact of Fortified Ultra-Processed Foods on Risk of Anemia: A New Perspective for Pediatric Nutrition

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 841-841
Author(s):  
Daniel Hoffman ◽  
Paula dos Leffa ◽  
Caroline Sangalli ◽  
Julia Valmórbida ◽  
André Dornelles ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Total Energy ◽  
Energy Intake ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Lower Risk ◽  
Total Energy Intake ◽  
Processed Foods ◽  
Double Burden ◽  
Poor Diet ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objectives Poor diet quality is a major risk factor for the development of anemia. An increased consumption of fortified ultra-processed food (UPF) among children presents a new contributor to micronutrient intake, one that could potentially improve anemia biomarkers despite having a concomitantly low diet quality. Our objective was to investigate the impact of fortified UPF consumption on the prevalence of anemia and diet quality among children from low-income families in Brazil. Methods A cross-sectional analyses from a randomized field trial of children at 3 years of age (n = 432) from Porto Alegre, Brazil. Capillary blood samples were taken to measure hemoglobin concentration (Hb) and used to determine anemia status. Dietary data was assessed using two multiple-pass 24-h recalls and the consumption of UPF was classified according to the NOVA system. Results UPF account for 42.6% of total energy intake. Children in the highest tertile of UPF consumption had significantly lower risk of anemia (Hb &lt; 110 g/L) compared to those in the lowest tertile (tertile 3 vs. tertile 1; OR 0.56 95% CI 0.39 to 0.82). Similarly, a 10% increase in the consumption of UPF was associated with a 22% lower risk of anemia (95% CI 0.64 to 0.94). Conversely, consumption of UPF was negatively associated with consumption of unprocessed/minimally processed foods. Finally, as the contribution of UPF to total energy intake increased, the intake of added sugars, total fats, and sodium increased, whereas the intake of proteins, fiber, and calcium decreased. Conclusions The consumption of fortified UPF was associated with a lower risk of anemia and a poor diet quality in children from a low-income community in Brazil. The co-existence of normal Hb with poor diet quality suggests the need for a more nuanced assessment of dietary patterns in low-income settings to best address this paradoxical situation as the prevalence of the double burden of disease continues to increase throughout the world. Funding Sources Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES).

scholarly journals The impact of restaurant consumption among US adults: effects on energy and nutrient intakes

2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (11) ◽  
pp. 2445-2452 ◽  
Author(s):  
Binh T Nguyen ◽  
Lisa M Powell
Keyword(s):  
Total Energy ◽  
Energy Intake ◽  
Fast Food ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Total Energy Intake ◽  
Net Energy ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Daily Total

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the effect of fast-food and full-service restaurant consumption on adults’ energy intake and dietary indicators.DesignIndividual-level fixed-effects regression model estimation based on two different days of dietary intake data was used.SettingParallel to the rising obesity epidemic in the USA, there has been a marked upward trend in total energy intake derived from food away from home.SubjectsThe full sample included 12 528 respondents aged 20–64 years who completed 24 h dietary recall interviews for both day 1 and day 2 in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003–2004, 2005–2006, 2007–2008 and 2009–2010.ResultsFast-food and full-service restaurant consumption, respectively, was associated with an increase in daily total energy intake of 813·75 kJ (194·49 kcal) and 858·04 kJ (205·21 kcal) and with higher intakes of saturated fat (3·48 g and 2·52 g) and Na (296·38 mg and 451·06 mg). Individual characteristics moderated the impacts of restaurant food consumption with adverse impacts on net energy intake being larger for black adults compared with their white and Hispanic counterparts and greater for middle-income v. high-income adults.ConclusionsAdults’ fast-food and full-service restaurant consumption was associated with higher daily total energy intake and poorer dietary indicators.

scholarly journals Log-ratio transformations for dietary compositions: numerical and conceptual questions

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Léa Corrêa Leite
Keyword(s):  
Total Energy ◽  
Energy Intake ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Compositional Data ◽  
Total Energy Intake ◽  
Italian Population ◽  
Substitution Models ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Log Ratio ◽  
Dietary Data

Abstract When evaluating the impact of macronutrient intakes on health outcomes, researchers in nutritional epidemiology are mostly interested in two types of information: the relative importance of the individual macronutrients and the absolute effect of total energy intake. However, the usual substitution models do not allow these separate effects to be disentangled. Dietary data are typical examples of compositional data, which convey relative information and are, therefore, meaningfully expressed in the form of ratios. Various formulations of log-ratios have been proposed as a means of analysing compositional data, and their interrelationships when they are used as predictors in regression models have been previously reported. This note describes the application of distinct log-ratio transformations to the composition of dietary macronutrients and discusses the interpretative implications of using them as explanatory variables in regression models together with a term for the total composition (total energy intake). It also provides examples that consider serum glucose levels as the health outcome and are based on data coming from an Italian population-based study. The log-ratio transformation of dietary data has both numerical and conceptual advantages, and overcomes the drawbacks of traditional substitution models.

scholarly journals Consumption of Free Sugar Predicts Nutrient Intake of Saudi Children

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Walaa Abdullah Mumena
Keyword(s):  
Total Energy ◽  
Energy Intake ◽  
Nutrient Intake ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Total Energy Intake ◽  
World Health ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Free Sugar ◽  
Sugar Intake

Data concerning the association between free sugar intake and nutrient intake in children in the Middle East are not available. This study aimed to explore the association between the consumption of free sugar and nutrient intake among Saudi children. A cross-sectional study included 424 Saudi children ages between 6 and 12 years old and their mothers. An online survey collected sociodemographic data from mothers. Trained data collector personal contacted mothers to arrange for a phone interview in order to collect 24-h dietary recall to assess the dietary intake of children. Only 0.90% of children consumed free sugar within the recent recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO) of &lt;5% of total energy intake, whereas 10.6% of children consumed free sugar &lt;10% of total energy intake. The percentage of free sugar intake was negatively associated with total energy intake. Multiple linear regression analysis of free sugar consumption and nutrient intake adjusted for children's age and sex indicated that a higher percentage of free sugar intake significantly predicted lower intake of saturated fat, fiber, sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. Excessive intake of free sugar predicted a lower intake of many essential nutrients. Interventions that aim to reduce the intake of free sugar are urgently needed in order to improve diet of growing children. Future research to explore top food sources of free sugar is needed to establish effective interventions that aim to limit free sugar intake among children.

scholarly journals The diet of individuals: a study of a randomly-chosen cross section of British adults in a Cambridgeshire village

1981 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheila Bingham ◽  
N. I. McNeil ◽  
J. H. Cummings
Keyword(s):  
Total Energy ◽  
Energy Intake ◽  
Food Choice ◽  
Nutrient Intake ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Total Energy Intake ◽  
Dietary Intakes ◽  
Main Determinants ◽  
Daily Intakes

1. The dietary intakes of sixty-three adults, randomly-selected from the electoral role of a large village near Cambridge, have been measured using the weighed-intake technique for 7 d.2. Mean (±sD) daily intakes (g) for men and women respectively were: energy (MJ) 10.0±2.4, 8.2±2.1; fat 104±27,90±21; protein 77±20,67± 16; carbohydrate 285±81,229±74; sucrose 91±47, 57±33.3. When interviewed at the end of the study 40% of subjects said they were watching their weight.4. Women ate less food over all than men, and proportionately less potato and bread, and used only one-third as much sugar in drinks, probably in an attempt to control their weight. Men took considerably more alcohol than the women. In the age-group 20–39 years alcohol provided 9% (1.0 MJ/d) of the total energy intake in the men.5. Wide variation in the intake of nutrients was observed amongst the individuals. For vitamin C and fibre intake this was partly explained by seasonal variation but for most nutrients total energy intake and food choice were the main determinants. The range. of intakes of nutrients such as fat was similar in these individuals to that seen amongst countries internationally. It is suggested that if differences in nutrient intake amongst the various populations of the world can be associated with disease risk, then the same interpretation should be possible in individuals.

scholarly journals Dietary and Weight Loss Benefits of a National Sugar-sweetened Beverage Health Warning Policy: A Microsimulation Analysis (OR28-02-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Grummon ◽  
Natalie Smith ◽  
Leah Frerichs ◽  
Lindsey Smith Taillie ◽  
Noel Brewer
Keyword(s):  
Total Energy ◽  
Energy Intake ◽  
The United States ◽  
Total Energy Intake ◽  
Dietary Behaviors ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
Health Warnings ◽  
Health Warning ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Objectives Overconsumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) is a major contributor to obesity in the United States. To reduce SSB consumption, five U.S. states have proposed requiring front-of-package health warnings on SSBs. Randomized trials indicate that SSB health warnings reduce SSB purchases, but uncertainty remains regarding how these reductions translate into population-level dietary and health outcomes. We aimed to quantify the effects of a national SSB health warning policy on U.S. adults’ dietary behaviors and weight outcomes. Methods We developed and validated a Monte Carlo microsimulation model of dietary behaviors and bodyweight using dietary and anthropometric data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Using estimates from existing literature, we simulated how an SSB health warning policy would affect SSB intake and, in turn, how changes in SSB intake would affect total energy intake. We then incorporated a validated model of weight change to translate changes in total energy intake into changes in weight over time. We used the model to simulate the impact of a national SSB health warning policy on SSB intake, total energy intake, body mass, and obesity among U.S. adults over a five-year period. Uncertainty analyses simulated scenarios when varying assumptions about three key model parameters: (1) the extent to which warnings would reduce SSB intake, (2) the degree of caloric compensation following a reduction in SSB intake, and (3) the extent to which warnings’ impact would increase or decrease over time. Results Implementing a national SSB health warning policy would reduce average SSB intake by 26.2 calories/day (95% uncertainty interval [UI] = −32.8, −19.4) and total energy intake by 32.4 calories/day (95% UI = −37.9, −26.7). These dietary changes would reduce average BMI by 0.6 kg/m2 (95% UI = −0.7, −0.5) and obesity prevalence by 2.1 percentage points (95% UI = −3.2pp, −0.9pp). BMI reductions would be largest among adults who are Black or Hispanic, have low educational attainment, or have low income. Obesity reductions persist when assuming warning efficacy decreases over time and when using conservative estimates of warning impact or caloric compensation. Conclusions Implementing a national SSB health warning policy could reduce SSB consumption, average BMI, and obesity among U.S. adults. Funding Sources National Institutes of Health. Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs

scholarly journals Effects of Varying Avocado Intake on Energy and Nutrient Intake of Hispanic Families: A Cluster Randomized Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 815-815
Author(s):  
Ryan Bradley ◽  
Lorena Pacheco ◽  
Cheryl Anderson ◽  
Julie Denenberg ◽  
Greg Talavera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Total Energy ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Energy Intake ◽  
Nutrient Intake ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Total Energy Intake ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Macro And Micronutrients ◽  
Cluster Randomized ◽  
Energy And Nutrient Intake

Abstract Objectives Avocados are nutrient-dense and could be a favorable component of a healthy dietary pattern, yet there are limited data on the effects of avocado intake on nutritional status. To test if avocados impact energy intake, we examined the effects of two levels of avocado intake, plus a standard nutrition education intervention, on energy and nutrient intake in families of Hispanic Heritage. Methods Between April 2017 and June 2018, we conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial in families consisting of at least 3 members residing in the same home, at least 5 years of age, free of severe chronic disease, not on specific diets, and self-identified of Hispanic heritage. Seventy-two (n = 72) families were randomized to one of two groups: nutrition education with low avocado allotment (3 avocados/family/week) or nutrition education with high avocado allotment (14 avocados/family/week). Community health workers (i.e., Promotoras) led 12 bi-weekly in-home nutrition education sessions per family and delivered weekly avocado allotments. Dietary patterning, energy and nutrient intake were measured at baseline, and after 3- and 6-months. The primary outcome was change in a family's total energy intake after 6 months. Secondary outcome measures included differences in macro- and micronutrients between groups. Results Over the 6-month follow-up period, the mean difference in energy intake for the high versus low avocado intervention group was −1884 kcals/family/day (95% CI −3205 to −563 kcals, P &lt; 0.01). The high avocado intake group also had significant reductions in carbohydrate, animal and vegetable protein saturated and polyunsaturated fat calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron, and vitamin D intakes (P &lt; 0.05 for all). There were no significant changes in MUFA or dietary fiber intakes. Conclusions In families of Hispanic heritage, an intervention including nutrition education combined with 14 avocados/week, compared to 3 avocados per week, resulted in a significant reduction in calories and select macro- and micronutrients. This trial suggests interventions with specific plant foods, but without specific counseling on energy restriction, may lead to reductions in total energy intake. Future studies should investigate the effects of avocado intake in other populations. Funding Sources Hass Avocado Board.

scholarly journals Sources of excessive saturated fat, trans fat and sugar consumption in Brazil: an analysis of the first Brazilian nationwide individual dietary survey

2012 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 113-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosangela A Pereira ◽  
Kiyah J Duffey ◽  
Rosely Sichieri ◽  
Barry M Popkin
Keyword(s):  
Total Energy ◽  
Energy Intake ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Total Sugar ◽  
Total Energy Intake ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Added Sugars

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the patterns of consumption of foods high in solid fats and added sugars (SoFAS) in Brazil.DesignCross-sectional study; individual dietary intake survey. Food intake was assessed by means of two non-consecutive food records. Foods providing >9·1 % of energy from saturated fat, or >1·3 % of energy from trans fat, or >13 % of energy from added sugars per 100 g were classified as high in SoFAS.SettingBrazilian nationwide survey, 2008–2009.SubjectsIndividuals aged ≥10 years old.ResultsMean daily energy intake was 8037 kJ (1921 kcal), 52 % of energy came from SoFAS foods. Contribution of SoFAS foods to total energy intake was higher among women (52 %) and adolescents (54 %). Participants in rural areas (43 %) and in the lowest quartile of per capita family income (43 %) reported the smallest contribution of SoFAS foods to total energy intake. SoFAS foods were large contributors to total saturated fat (87 %), trans fat (89 %), added sugar (98 %) and total sugar (96 %) consumption. The SoFAS food groups that contributed most to total energy intake were meats and beverages. Top SoFAS foods contributing to saturated fat and trans fat intakes were meats and fats and oils. Most of the added and total sugar in the diet was supplied by SoFAS beverages and sweets and desserts.ConclusionsSoFAS foods play an important role in the Brazilian diet. The study identifies options for improving the Brazilian diet and reducing nutrition-related non-communicable chronic diseases, but also points out some limitations of the nutrient-based criteria.

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