Selection of a dietary assessment method in accordance with an objective and evaluation of the results

Abstract

In recent years, many studies have used epidemiological techniques to investigate the relationships of daily energy and nutrition intake to food intake, and to disease onset and treatment or prevention. Therefore, dietary assessments are now being used in various situations. A range of dietary assessment methods exists, and each has advantages and disadvantages. However, there is no absolute and universally applicable dietary assessment method. The most appropriate method or a combination of methods must be selected in accordance with factors such as the objective of a study and the number of subjects. Moreover, it is necessary to interpret dietary assessment results multilaterally and to grasp dietary habits, elements of a daily lifestyle environment, and physical conditions that could influence the diet.