Weighed Food Record Research Articles

Validity and Reliability Study of a Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) for Measuring Calcium Intake in Young Adult Women

The semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) is one of the dietary assessment methods widely used in large scale epidemiological studies. However, its validity and reliability remain debatable because it does not directly measure the quantitative consumption of food. The aim of this study was aim to evaluate the validity and reliability of semi-quantitative FFQ for measuring calcium intake compared to the weighed food records as a reference method. This study comprises of 54 female with a mean age of 21 years, selected by simple random sampling. There was no statistical difference in the median between two methods based on the Wilcoxon signed rank test (P>0.05). The Pearson's corellation coefficient between the two methods was significantly correlated (r=0.42; P=0.001). The Bland-Altman analysis showed that the mean difference (95% limit of agreement) bertween the semi-quantitative FFQ and weighed food record was 38.7 mg/day (−719.52–797.03) and had 3.7% degree of misclassification. There was no significant difference between the median of the semi-quantitative FFQ completed twice (p<0.05) and correlation coefficient, as shown by Pearson (r=0, 74 (p<0.05). This study concluded that semi-quantitative FFQ was a valid and reliable tool to assess calcium intake in young adult female from different levels of economic background. This method can be used in epidemiological studies and is good enough to find the high-risk individual with a low calcium intake.

Validity of the EatWellQ8 online food frequency questionnaire against a 4-day weighed food record

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Summer training camp decrease food intake in adolescent rugby football players

Summary Sufficient and well-balanced nutrients promote optimal athletic performance. This study investigated appetite and food intake in adolescent rugby football players before and during a summer training camp. Eleven male national-level athletes who took part in a 6-day camp participated in this study. To calculate their physical activity level, participants wore heart-rate monitors during simulated rugby game training and accelerometers at other times. All participants took photographs of the food they ate during camp. The meals provided in the dormitory were recorded with the weighed-food record method. Before and after the camp, an ad libitum buffet test was carried out to assess appetite. Although there was no significant difference between total energy expenditure and total energy intake during the camp (15730 ± 1765 kJ·day−1 vs. 14838 ± 1708 kJ·day−1, respectively), the mean energy deficit was −892 ± 2,107 kJ·day−1 and 82% of participants had insufficient intake. Energy and carbohydrate intake in the buffet test were lower after camp than before (energy: 7122 ± 1385 kJ after vs. 8226 ± 1329 kJ before, P

Relative validity of a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire for Singaporean toddlers aged 15\u201336\xa0months

BackgroundThere is presently no simple tool for use in large epidemiological studies to understand the food and nutrient intakes of Asian toddlers. This study aimed to assess the relative validity of a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (sqFFQ) developed for multi-ethnic Singaporean toddlers aged 15–36 months.MethodsNinety-one parents completed the sqFFQ and a 2-day weighed food record as the reference method. Intake of energy and 25 nutrients were determined for each method and compared using Pearson correlations corrected for attenuation, Bland-Altman plots, and weighted kappa according to quartiles; sqFFQ calibration was performed using multivariable linear regression.ResultsDeattenuated correlations for energy and all nutrients were acceptable (r = ≥0.30, p < 0.001). The sqFFQ was highly reproducible, but significantly overestimated intake of energy and all nutrients except vitamin A. Bland-Altman plots showed wide limits of agreement for energy and all nutrients. Weighted kappa ranged from 0.12 (slight) to 0.53 (moderate). After calibration, deattenuated correlations improved for energy and 10/25 nutrients, with no change or a slight decline for the remainder, including one falling to r = 0.27. Limits of agreement narrowed for energy and all nutrients, and except for DHA, median intakes were not significantly different except for vitamin A, enabling population estimates of absolute intakes. Weighted kappa improved overall; energy and 16 nutrients now had moderate agreement (0.41–0.60), while 9 nutrients had fair agreement (0.21–0.40).ConclusionsThe Singaporean toddler semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire is suitable for ranking nutrient intakes of Singaporean toddlers in larger epidemiological studies. However, for population estimates of absolute nutrient intakes, it is recommended that a subsample within a cohort complete weighed food records for calibration purposes.Trial registrationThis study was registered retrospectively on clinicaltrials.gov on 3rd May 2017 (identifier code: NCT03138330).

Quantitative estimates of dietary intake in households of South Tarawa, Kiribati.

Malnutrition is a public health problem especially among the Pacific Small Island developing nations. This study assessed malnutrition with dietary intakes in households of South Tarawa, Kiribati, a West Pacific Island Nation State. A cross-sectional community-based study design was used. One hundred and sixty-one households were selected from Betio, Bikenibeu and Teaorereke towns using a systematic random sampling method. About 35% each of the households was selected from Bikenebue and Besio while 30.4% was selected from Teaoraeke. Family (including children) dietary surveys including 24- hour dietary recall were administered to assess adequacy of nutrient intakes and dietary diversity using Household Diet Diversity Scores. A 3-day weighed food record was collected on a sub-sample. Data were analysed using FoodWorks Pro 8 for nutrient intake and Statistical Product for Service Solution (SPSS) version 21 for descriptive statistics. Sixty-one percent of the subjects had the lowest dietary diversity, 36.3% had a medium dietary diversity and only 2.7% had the highest dietary diversity. Based on the weighed food record results (n=29), male subjects of all age groups had adequate intakes of riboflavin, niacin, vitamin C, magnesium, iron and zinc, but had high intakes of protein and sodium; and low intakes of potassium and calcium. Female subjects had adequate intakes of vitamin C, iron, magnesium and zinc, but had high intakes of protein and sodium; and low intakes of potassium and calcium. Across all groups, 61% of the adult Kiribati population studied showed low dietary diversity, and a high prevalence of multiple micronutrient deficiencies.

Development and evaluation of a food frequency questionnaire to assess nutrient intakes of adult women in New Zealand.

AimIn New Zealand, there are few adequate food frequency questionnaires for assessing dietary intake. This study aimed to develop and assess the relative validity of a multi‐nutrient, culturally appropriate, semi‐quantitative food frequency questionnaire for use in young adult New Zealand women (the New Zealand Women's Food Frequency Questionnaire (NZWFFQ)).MethodsWomen (n = 110) aged 16–45 years of Māori, Pacific or European ethnicity completed a NZWFFQ assessing dietary intake over the previous month, and a 4‐day weighed food record. Relative validity was evaluated by comparing nutrient intakes from the NZWFFQ with the food record using Spearman's rank correlation coefficients, cross‐classification, the weighted kappa statistic and Bland–Altman analysis.ResultsNutrient intake was higher from the NZWFFQ compared with the food record for all nutrients (range: 1%–64% difference) except alcohol (−16% difference). Energy‐adjusted correlations ranged from 0.23 to 0.67 (average 0.48). Correct classification into same and adjacent quartiles was over 70% for all nutrients except folate and vitamin D. Gross misclassification into opposite quartiles ranged from 1% (monounsaturated fat, magnesium, calcium) to 10% (iron). The weighted kappa showed poor agreement for vitamin D and folate, fair agreement for most nutrients, and moderate agreement for fibre, vitamin E, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus.ConclusionsThe NZWFFQ overestimated intake of nearly all nutrients. While not suitable for assessing absolute intake, the NZWFFQ is suitable for ranking individuals based on nutrient intake demonstrating reasonable relative validity for this purpose.

Validity and reproducibility of isothiocyanate intake assesses by food frequency questionnaire in the JPHC-next validation study: Comparison with 12-day weighed food records

Introduction Isothiocyanate (ITC) found in cruciferous vegetables are known for its chemopreventive properties that inhibits phase-I enzyme and activates phase-II enzymes. In epidemiologic studies, dietary ITC has been indicated in prevention of various types of cancer, such as lungs and bladder. Food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) is commonly used to assess ITC intake, which combines with laboratory data on the ITC content of specific cruciferous vegetables. Although availability of ITC depends on the contribution of plant myrosinase in the hydrolysis of glucosinolates, ITC content is measured on the basis of raw cruciferous vegetables in general. To our knowledge, no prospective studies have considered the effect of cooking. Using such databases could limit the study outcome of dietary ITC and disease relationships due to overestimation of ITC intake. Here, we aim to evaluate the validity of FFQ in the estimation of isothiocyanate using 12-day weighed food record (WFR) as the reference method by taking cooking methods into account. Methods Two hundred and forty participants (98 men and 142 women) aged 40–74 years from five areas in the JPHC-NEXT validation study were asked to respond to the 172-item FFQ and provide 12-day WFR as reference. Dietary ITC was calculated by combining the newly developed ITC database after consideration of popular cooking methods used in Japan. As we calculated the percentage of both raw and cooked cruciferous vegetable intake from WFR, cooked ITC intake was estimated from FFQ by weighing the average percentage of raw and cooked cruciferous vegetable on the ITC value. Spearman's correlation coefficients between estimates from FFQ and WFR were calculated and corrected for intra-individual variation of the WFR. Reproducibility of ITC intake was also assessed between 2 FFQs administered at an interval of 1-year. Results The mean intake of isothiocyanate according to FFQ was slightly lower than intake by WFR in men and higher in women. Percentage of difference of ITC were −3% for men and +19% in women. Deattenuated Spearman's correlation coefficient for ITC was 0.36 for men and 0.60 for women. Results were virtually unchanged when we applied the sex-unique percentage of raw and cooked cruciferous vegetable intake from WFR to derive correlation coefficients. Conclusions In conclusion, the validity of FFQ in estimating ITC was moderate. The reason for slightly poor correlation of ITC in men, is probably due to larger variance as a results of smaller sample size than in women. Additional confirmation may be warranted by using urinary isothiocyanate, which reflects the true intake of ITC.

Dietary Sodium and Other Nutrient Intakes among Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis in New Zealand.

This study describes baseline intakes of sodium and other nutrients in a multi-ethnic sample of hemodialysis patients in New Zealand participating in the SoLID Trial between May/2013 to May/2016. Baseline 3-day weighed food record collections were analyzed using Foodworks 8 Professional food composition database, supplemented by other sources of nutrient information. Intakes of dietary sodium and other nutrients were compared with relevant guidelines and clinical recommendations. Eighty-five participants completed a 3-day weighed food record. The mean (SD) sodium intake was 2502 (957) mg/day at and more than half of the participants exceeded recommended intake levels. Sodium intake was positively associated with energy intake. Only 5% of participants met the recommended calorie density; nine percent of participants ate the recommended minimum of 1.2 g/kg of protein per day; 68% of participants were consuming inadequate fiber at baseline. A high proportion of dialysis patients in SoLID Trial did not meet current renal-specific dietary recommendations. The data show excess sodium intake. It is also evident that there was poor adherence to dietary guidelines for a range of other nutrients. A total diet approach is needed to lower sodium intake and improve total diet quality among hemodialysis patients in New Zealand.

The impact of whey protein supplementation in older adults on nutrient intakes and satiety over an 11-week exercise intervention

AimThis study aimed to investigate nutritional factors which could counteract the benefits of whey protein (WP) supplementation in older adults whilst performing resistance training (RT). These included food group intakes, nutrient intakes and satiety ratings. This investigation was a sub-study of a larger trial investigating RT and WP supplementation among older adults. MethodsThirty-six older adults (mean ± SD: BMI 26.2 ± 3.6 kg/m2) consumed a WP beverage containing 30 g WP and 200 mL water three days/week across 11 weeks, immediately following 1-h of RT. A 3-day weighed food record was completed 4-weeks prior to the study, at baseline and at week 11, to examine overall food group and nutrient intakes. At weeks 1–3, 6–8 and 11, a visual analogue scale assessed satiety. ResultsAt week 11 compared to baseline, consumption of fruit (p = .039) decreased; milk and milk alternatives increased (p < .001); protein (p = .016) and percentage energy derived from protein (p = .016) increased. Additionally, participants felt hungrier (p = .033) and fullness increased (p = .022) at week 11. Overall, satiety was significantly greater in females than males (p = .014). ConclusionsIncreased milk consumption and dietary protein was an expected benefit of WP supplementation. However, a decline in fruit serves was noted. Future research should further examine longer-term effects of WP on nutritional status in the aging population.

Dietary flavonoid intake in older adults: how many days of dietary assessment are required and what is the impact of seasonality?

BackgroundWithin- and between-person variation in nutrient intake is well established, but little is known about variability in dietary flavonoid intake, including the effect of seasonality.MethodsWithin- and between-individual variability of flavonoid intake, and intake of flavonoid subclasses was examined in older adults (n = 79; mean age 70.1 y (range: 60y-80y)), using three separate 4-day weighed food records (WFR) collected approximately 4 months apart. The effects of seasonality were also examined. Mixed-effects linear regression models were used to estimate within- and between-individual variance components for flavonoids and subclasses. The number of days of dietary assessment required for a high level of hypothetical accuracy was calculated from variance ratios.ResultsWithin- and between-individual variability was high for flavonoid intake, and intake of flavonoid subclasses, with variance ratios > 1. It was calculated that six days of WFR data are required for total flavonoid intake, and between 6 and 10 days was required for flavonoid subclasses. There was no effect of seasonality for total flavonoid intake or intake of flavonoid subclasses, with the exception that flavan-3-ol and flavanone intakes which were relatively low in summer, and in summer and winter, respectively.ConclusionWhile the effects of seasonality on total flavonoid intake may be small, within- and between-individual variation associated with flavonoid intake assessment appears to be substantial across 12 days of WFR data in older adults. It is recommended that a minimum of 6 days of weighed food records are collected to minimise the impact of within- and between-individual variability on total flavonoid intake assessments in this population.

Evaluation of the precision and accuracy of a food registry survey with digital image support in real time

Introduction: food surveys are used to determine the consumption of food and nutrients at the population and/or individual level, although they underestimate the intake by 37% or more. The introduction of new technologies such as the digital image of the portion of consumption could help to reduce the estimation error for calories and certain macronutrients. Objective: to evaluate the precision and accuracy of the food record method supported with real-time digital imaging in the estimation of caloric intake and macronutrients in young adults, considering the weighed food record (WFR) as a reference method. Methods: lunch intake was evaluated previously submitted to a WFR of 58 subjects. Before and after the intake, each participant captured an image of their consumption portions and completed a food record. The nutritional status of the subjects was determined. The statistical analysis was performed with medians, Kruskal-Wallis, and concordance with Bland-Altman (p < 0.05). Results: the highest proportion of subjects presented normal nutritional status (72%) and 80% presented average cardiovascular risk. Significant differences were found between the three methods when estimating the intake for calories, proteins, lipids. The underestimation of calories and lipids decreases from 32% to 25.8% and lipids from 47% to 24.4% when using a digital image to support the estimation of intake. Conclusions: the food record complemented with digital image of the consumed portions presents better agreement with the reference method (WFR) in estimation of calories, proteins and lipids, improving the precision and accuracy of the method.

Association between dietary zinc intake and mortality among Chinese adults: findings from 10-year follow-up in the Jiangsu Nutrition Study

Population studies of the association between zinc intake and mortality yield inconsistent findings. Using data from Jiangsu Nutrition Study, we aimed to assess the association between zinc intake and mortality among Chinese adults. We prospectively studied 2832 adults aged 20years and older with a mean follow-up of 9.8years. At baseline, food intake was measured by 3-day weighed food record (WFR) between September and December in 2002. Death occurrence was assessed in 2012 during a household visit as well as by data linkage with the regional death registry. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CI were calculated using competing risks regression (CVD and cancer mortality) and Cox proportional hazards analysis (all-cause mortality). During 27,742 person-years of follow-up, there were 184 deaths [63 cancer deaths and 70 cardiovascular disease (CVD) deaths]. Dietary zinc to energy ratio was positively associated with cancer and all-cause mortality. Across quartiles of the zinc to energy ratio from low to high, the HR (95% CI) for all-cause mortality was 1.00, 1.80 (95% CI 1.10-2.95), 1.55 (95% CI 0.96-2.50), and 1.85 (95% CI 1.11-3.07), respectively. Comparing the extreme quartiles of the zinc to energy ratio, the HR for cancer mortality was 2.28 (95% CI 1.03-5.04). Zinc intake was positively related to all-cause mortality and cancer mortality.

Is Sweet Taste Perception Associated with Sweet Food Liking and Intake?

A range of psychophysical taste measurements are used to characterize an individual’s sweet taste perception and to assess links between taste perception and dietary intake. The aims of this study were to investigate the relationship between four different psychophysical measurements of sweet taste perception, and to explore which measures of sweet taste perception relate to sweet food intake. Forty-four women aged 20–40 years were recruited for the study. Four measures of sweet taste perception (detection and recognition thresholds, and sweet taste intensity and hedonic liking of suprathreshold concentrations) were assessed using glucose as the tastant. Dietary measurements included a four-day weighed food record, a sweet food-food frequency questionnaire and a sweet beverage liking questionnaire. Glucose detection and recognition thresholds showed no correlation with suprathreshold taste measurements or any dietary intake measurement. Importantly, sweet taste intensity correlated negatively with total energy and carbohydrate (starch, total sugar, fructose, glucose) intakes, frequency of sweet food intake and sweet beverage liking. Furthermore, sweet hedonic liking correlated positively with total energy and carbohydrate (total sugar, fructose, glucose) intakes. The present study shows a clear link between sweet taste intensity and hedonic liking with sweet food liking, and total energy, carbohydrate and sugar intake.

Association between dietary lead intake and 10-year mortality among Chinese adults.

Blood lead level is associated with increased risk of mortality, but dietary lead exposure and mortality, particularly with cancer, has not been studied in the general population. The objective of the study was to assess the association between lead intake and 10-year mortality among 2832 Chinese adults. Food intake was measured by 3-day weighed food record in 2002. We documented 184 deaths (63 cancer deaths and 70 cardiovascular disease (CVD) deaths) during 27,742 person-years of follow-up. Dietary lead intake was positively associated with cancer and all-cause mortality. Across quartiles of lead intake, hazard ratios (HRs) for cancer mortality were 1.00, 0.80 (0.33-1.92), 1.52 (0.65-3.56), and 3.00 (1.06-8.44) (p for trend 0.028). HRs for all-cause mortality were 1.00, 1.28 (0.83-1.98), 1.24 (0.78-1.97), and 2.24 (1.28-3.94) (p for trend 0.011). Each 30μg/day increase of lead intake was associated with 25% (95% CI 3-52%) increase of all-cause mortality. There was an interaction between lead intake and hypertension in relation to CVD mortality (p for interaction 0.003): HRs conferred by every 30μg/day of lead intake were 1.57 (0.98-2.52) and 1.06 (0.81-1.39) among those with or without hypertension. Dietary lead intake was positively related to cancer and all-cause mortality.

Hb level, iron intake and mortality in Chinese adults: a 10-year follow-up study.

Anaemia is prevalent in developing countries and is commonly Fe deficiency related. We aimed to assess the association between Fe status, Fe intake and mortality among Chinese adults. We prospectively studied 8291 adults aged 20-98 years with a mean follow-up of 9·9 years. All participants were measured for Hb at baseline in 2002. Food intake, measured by 3-d weighed food record (n 2832), and fasting serum ferritin were measured. We documented 491 deaths (including 192 CVD and 165 cancer deaths) during 81 527 person-years of follow-up. There was a U-shaped association between Hb levels and all-cause mortality. Compared with the second quartile of Hb (121 g/l), the first (105) and fourth quartile (144) had hazard ratios (HR) of 2·29 (95 % CI 1·51, 3·48) and 2·31 (95 % CI 1·46, 3·64) for all-cause mortality in women. In men, compared with third quartile of Hb (143 g/l), first (122) and fourth quartiles (154) had 61 and 65 % increased risk of all-cause mortality. Anaemia was associated with an increased risk of all-cause and CVD mortality in men but not in women after adjusting for potential confounders. Low and high Fe intake as percentage of Chinese recommended nutrient intake (RNI) were positively associated with all-cause mortality in women but not in men. In women, across quartiles of relative Fe intake, HR for all-cause mortality were 2·55 (95 % CI 0·99, 6·57), 1·00, 3·12 (95 % CI 1·35, 7·18) and 2·78 (95 % CI 1·02, 7·58). Both low and high Hb levels are related to increased risk of all-cause mortality. Both low and high intake of Fe as percentage of RNI was positively associated with mortality in women.

Validation of a Tablet Application for Assessing Dietary Intakes Compared with the Measured Food Intake/Food Waste Method in Military Personnel Consuming Field Rations.

The collection of accurate dietary intakes using traditional dietary assessment methods (e.g., food records) from military personnel is challenging due to the demanding physiological and psychological conditions of training or operations. In addition, these methods are burdensome, time consuming, and prone to measurement errors. Adopting smart-phone/tablet technology could overcome some of these barriers. The objective was to assess the validity of a tablet app, modified to contain detailed nutritional composition data, in comparison to a measured food intake/waste method. A sample of Canadian Armed Forces personnel, randomized to either a tablet app (n = 9) or a weighed food record (wFR) (n = 9), recorded the consumption of standard military rations for a total of 8 days. Compared to the gold standard measured food intake/waste method, the difference in mean energy intake was small (−73 kcal/day for tablet app and −108 kcal/day for wFR) (p > 0.05). Repeated Measures Bland-Altman plots indicated good agreement for both methods (tablet app and wFR) with the measured food intake/waste method. These findings demonstrate that the tablet app, with added nutritional composition data, is comparable to the traditional dietary assessment method (wFR) and performs satisfactorily in relation to the measured food intake/waste method to assess energy, macronutrient, and selected micronutrient intakes in a sample of military personnel.

The gene-diet associations in postmenopausal women with newly diagnosed dyslipidemia

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the relationship between polymorphisms of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor - PPAR gamma-2 (Pro12Ala, C1431T) and beta 3-adrenergic receptor - ADRB3 (Trp64Arg) and dietary habits in a group of postmenopausal women who were not under hypolipidemic treatment.DesignGenetic, nutritional and anthropometric parameters were measured in 213 dyslipidemic (LDL ≥115 mg/dL) and 58 normolipidemic (LDL<115) postmenopausal women. The PCR-RFLP method were used to determine the distributions of selected alleles and genotype frequencies. Dietary intake of basic components and fatty acids was obtained from a 7-day weighed food record and the bio-impedance method was used to determine nutritional status.ResultsNearly 79% of analyzed women were in the firsttime-diagnosed dyslipidemic state. The dyslipidemic subjects were characterized with higher intake of energy, fat, and saturated fatty acids (SFA). The analysis of the same polymorphisms showed association at the P value <0.05 with nutrients (fat, SFA, and polyunsaturated fatty acid - PUFA and saccharose) and elevated LDL level. Higher PUFA intake in a group of women with the protective Ala12/X polymorphism did not increase the risk of dyslipidemia even though they were characterized by visceral distribution of fat. The Arg64/X polymorphism and higher intake of energy, fat, and arachidic acid intake (C20:0) were associated with dyslipidemic state.ConclusionBoth nutritional and genetic factors are related to lipid profile. The identification of gene-diet associations is likely to provide useful information about the etiology of postmenopausal dyslipidemia and help in effective treatment.

Association between rice intake and all-cause mortality among Chinese adults: findings from the Jiangsu Nutrition Study.

The few studies that have assessed the association between rice intake and mortality have generated inconsistent results. We assessed whether rice intake was associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, cancer mortality and all-cause mortality in a prospective cohort of the Chinese population. We prospectively studied 2,832 adults aged 20 years and above with a mean follow up of 10 years. Rice intake was measured by a 3-day weighed food record (WFR) in 2002. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CI were calculated by competing risks regression (CVD and cancer mortality) and Cox proportional hazards analysis (all-cause mortality). We documented 184 deaths (including 70 CVD deaths and 63 cancer deaths) during 27,742 person-years of follow-up. No association between rice intake and all-cause mortality was found. After adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors as well as energy and fat intake, HRs for CVD mortality across tertiles of rice intake were 1.00,0.47 (95% CI 0.25-0.87), and 0.49 (95% CI 0.21-1.13) (p for trend 0.049). There was no association between rice intake and all-cause mortality.

Relative validation of a food frequency questionnaire to estimate food intake in an adult population

ABSTRACTBackground: Scientifically valid descriptions of dietary intake at population level are crucial for investigating diet effects on health and disease. Food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) are the most common dietary tools used in large epidemiological studies.Objective: To examine the relative validity of a newly developed FFQ to be used as dietary assessment tool in epidemiological studies.Design: Validity was evaluated by comparing the FFQ and a 4-day weighed food record (4-d FR) at nutrient and food group levels, Spearman’s correlations, Bland–Altman analysis and Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used. Fifty-six participants completed a paper format FFQ and a 4-d FR within 4 weeks.Results: Corrected correlations between the two instruments ranged from 0.27 (carbohydrates) to 0.55 (protein), and at food group level from 0.09 (soup) to 0.92 (alcohol). Nine out of 25 food groups showed correlations > 0.5, indicating moderate validity. More than half the food groups were overestimated in the FFQ, especially vegetables (82.8%) and fruits (56.3%). Water, tea and coffee were underestimated (–14.0%).Conclusions: The FFQ showed moderate relative validity for protein and the food groups fruits, egg, meat, sausage, nuts, salty snacks and beverages. This study supports the use of the FFQ as an acceptable tool for assessing nutrition as a health determinant in large epidemiological studies.

The Relationship between Habitual Dietary Intake and Gut Microbiota in Young Japanese Women.

Recent studies have shown that dietary content affects the health of the host by changing the gut microbiota. However, little is known about the association of microbiota composition with habitual diet in Japanese people. Here, we aimed to clarify the relationship between the fecal microbiota and habitual dietary intake of micronutrients, macronutrients and food groups in healthy young Japanese women. Analysis of fecal microbiota was performed by the terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) method, and a dietary survey was conducted over three consecutive days using a weighed food record method. T-RFLP pattern analysis divided the subjects into two clusters, where cluster A group had a high relative abundance of Bacteroides and Clostridium cluster IV, and cluster B group had a high relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillales. Cluster A group also had lower intakes of iron and vitamin K and higher intakes of mushrooms and snacks than cluster B group. Analysis of Spearman rank correlations found several significant relationships between fecal microbiota and intake of nutrients and food groups. Bifidobacterium was correlated with iron intake, and Clostridium cluster XI was negatively correlated with intakes of cholesterol and eggs. These results suggest that dietary habits may strongly affect Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides and Clostridium abundance in the gut microbiota of young Japanese women. This is the first study to show relationships between fecal microbiota and habitual dietary intake in Japanese people. Accumulation of results from similar studies will help to elucidate the relationships between dietary intake and diseases in Japanese people.