The Development of a Specialized Software Application to Facilitate the Design of Metabolic Diets

Abstract

LEARNING OUTCOME: To describe development of computer software to design diets for metabolic studies that utilize multiple data sources and strategies to facilitate the attainment of desired nutrient targets. Our center participated in two NIH-funded multi-center feeding trials: DELTA (Dietary Effects on Lipoproteins and Thrombogenic Activity) and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension). A specialized program was developed to design diets for both of these studies. This personal computer (PC) application was derived from the ETNV (Extended Table of Nutrient Values) Database, a large mainframe database previously used for the Bogalusa Heart Study (an NIH-funded study of cardiovascular disease in a non-transient population). Named after its benefactor, Dr. Margaret C. Moore, the MENu (Moore's Extended Nutrient) Database was developed to include multiple data sources from USDA and a user-defined foods database. The dataset (e.g., Handbook 8, USDA Survey Database, etc.) used in the design of menus is dependent on the required nutrient information. Consequently, it is essential that the user be familiar with the composition of each dataset before initiating the development of menus for metabolic studies. Critical issues include matching actual foods with database profiles, entering new foods correctly into the user defined database, determining what values may be missing within a dataset and imputing missing nutrient values to yield complete and accurate data. Advanced features of the MENu application include a recipe application with the ability to apply retention factors for vitamin loss due to cooking and losses or gains due to moisture and/or fat. Output from the MENu can be used to generate production sheets and nutrient spreadsheets for presentation of data summaries for developed diets. MENu aides in the completion of the critical issues listed. While the MENu Database is not available commercially at the present time, it is being tested in five research centers in the United States. Potential marketing avenues may be considered at a later date.