Desafios na medição quantitativa da ingestão alimentar em estudos populacionais

Abstract

The assessment of food intake in populations has been present in epidemiological studies involving the relationship between nutrition and non-communicable chronic diseases in accordance with the recommendation of maintenance of an active lifestyle with control of food intake. Quantitative food intake is measured via 24h recall (or diary) or semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires. The present paper discusses the main factors involved in obtaining and analyzing such information, particularly in relation to energy intake. It is evident that there should be better estimates of food portions, food composition tables, and energy expenditure to determine energy requirements. © 2009 Revista de Nutrição.