Journal article
Recommendations for a trans-European dietary assessment method in children between 4 and 14 years
University of Oslo1
Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire de l'alimentation, de l'environnement et du travail2
National Institute of Public Health and the Environment3
Akademija Medicinskih Znanostl Hrvatske4
CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública5
Division of Nutrition, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark6
National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark7
Background/Objectives: The main objective of European Food Consumption Validation (EFCOVAL)-child Project is to define and evaluate a trans-European methodology for undertaking national representative dietary surveys among children in the age group of 4-14 years. In the process of identifying the best dietary assessment methodologies, experts were brought together at a workshop.
The paper presents the discussion of the best available method and the final recommendations for a trans-European dietary assessment method among 4- to 14-year-old children. Subjects/Methods: The starting point was to investigate whether the method (two non-consecutive 24-h dietary recalls (24-HDRs)) suggested for the adults in European Food Consumption Survey Method (EFCOSUM) would be usable for children in the age group between 4 and 14 years.
However, all available dietary assessment methods were included in the discussion to ensure that the final recommendation would be based on the best evidence. Six criteria were defined and used as additional guidance in the process. Results: The literature does not give a clear recommendation on the dietary assessment methods that are most suitable for children in the age group of 4-14 years.
Nevertheless, on the basis of the literature, the recommendations were separated for preschoolers (4-6 years) and schoolchildren (7-14 years). Conclusion: For preschoolers, two non-consecutive days of a structured food record are recommended, using a (for children adapted) picture booklet and household measures for portion-size estimation.
For schoolchildren, repeated 24-HDRs are recommended, using a picture booklet and household measures for portion-size estimation. In addition, the child should bring a booklet to register what is eaten out of home. One parent should assist the schoolchild at the 24-HDR interview, and therefore face-to-face interviews are required.
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2011) 65, S58-S64; doi:10.1038/ejcn.2011.88
| Language: | English |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Nature Publishing Group |
| Year: | 2011 |
| Pages: | 58-64 |
| ISSN: | 14765640 and 09543007 |
| Types: | Journal article |
| DOI: | 10.1038/ejcn.2011.88 |
| ORCIDs: | Trolle, Ellen |
