Convergent Validity of Resonance Raman Spectroscopy in Three to Five Year Old Children

Abstract

ObjectiveThis poster presents data on the utility and validity of the Resonance Raman Spectroscopy (RSS) device for carotenoid assessment in children. This is the first study to explore the use of the device in children less than 5 years.Design, Setting and ParticipantsRSS carotenoid values were obtained from 120 children in 12 Head Start classrooms. Parents completed a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) relative to 8 fruits and vegetables on a scale of 1 (Never) to 9 (2+ times/day) over the last month.Outcome Measures and AnalysisThe RSS carotenoid value was used to categorize children as above or below the national average (23,000). ANCOVA analyses adjusting for child age and ethnicity were used to examine differences between RSS categories on each FFQ item. Covariate-adjusted bivariate correlations between groups were computed.ResultsFor all FVs, children with above average RSS scores had higher FFQ scores. Differences between groups were significant or marginally significant for 5 of 7 FVs. Adjusted-bivariate correlations suggest a positive, linear relationship between RSS scores and FV consumption (range r =0.06 to r = 0.33).Conclusions and ImplicationsPrevious studies have shown a convergence between dietary questionnaires and plasma carotenoid levels in adults (e.g., Lai et al., 2014). This study builds on emerging evidence that RSS may be a valid tool for dietary assessment in young children (Aguilar et al., 2014). Due to the difficulty in findings reliable sources to report on child diet and the need to limit intrusive measurements, this device could provide an objective measure to the study of early child nutrition.FundingUSDA. ObjectiveThis poster presents data on the utility and validity of the Resonance Raman Spectroscopy (RSS) device for carotenoid assessment in children. This is the first study to explore the use of the device in children less than 5 years. This poster presents data on the utility and validity of the Resonance Raman Spectroscopy (RSS) device for carotenoid assessment in children. This is the first study to explore the use of the device in children less than 5 years. Design, Setting and ParticipantsRSS carotenoid values were obtained from 120 children in 12 Head Start classrooms. Parents completed a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) relative to 8 fruits and vegetables on a scale of 1 (Never) to 9 (2+ times/day) over the last month. RSS carotenoid values were obtained from 120 children in 12 Head Start classrooms. Parents completed a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) relative to 8 fruits and vegetables on a scale of 1 (Never) to 9 (2+ times/day) over the last month. Outcome Measures and AnalysisThe RSS carotenoid value was used to categorize children as above or below the national average (23,000). ANCOVA analyses adjusting for child age and ethnicity were used to examine differences between RSS categories on each FFQ item. Covariate-adjusted bivariate correlations between groups were computed. The RSS carotenoid value was used to categorize children as above or below the national average (23,000). ANCOVA analyses adjusting for child age and ethnicity were used to examine differences between RSS categories on each FFQ item. Covariate-adjusted bivariate correlations between groups were computed. ResultsFor all FVs, children with above average RSS scores had higher FFQ scores. Differences between groups were significant or marginally significant for 5 of 7 FVs. Adjusted-bivariate correlations suggest a positive, linear relationship between RSS scores and FV consumption (range r =0.06 to r = 0.33). For all FVs, children with above average RSS scores had higher FFQ scores. Differences between groups were significant or marginally significant for 5 of 7 FVs. Adjusted-bivariate correlations suggest a positive, linear relationship between RSS scores and FV consumption (range r =0.06 to r = 0.33). Conclusions and ImplicationsPrevious studies have shown a convergence between dietary questionnaires and plasma carotenoid levels in adults (e.g., Lai et al., 2014). This study builds on emerging evidence that RSS may be a valid tool for dietary assessment in young children (Aguilar et al., 2014). Due to the difficulty in findings reliable sources to report on child diet and the need to limit intrusive measurements, this device could provide an objective measure to the study of early child nutrition. Previous studies have shown a convergence between dietary questionnaires and plasma carotenoid levels in adults (e.g., Lai et al., 2014). This study builds on emerging evidence that RSS may be a valid tool for dietary assessment in young children (Aguilar et al., 2014). Due to the difficulty in findings reliable sources to report on child diet and the need to limit intrusive measurements, this device could provide an objective measure to the study of early child nutrition.