Desarrollo de un atlas fotográfico de porciones de alimentos venezolanos

Abstract

Introduction: The instruments to estimate consumed portion are a key factor, which ensures data quality in surveys of food intake assessment. Venezuela does not have a tool like this, properly validated and published. The aim of the study was develop a photographic atlas as a complementary tool for assess usual food consumption in Venezuelan adults. Material and Methods: Foods were classified into 13 groups according to their similarity in nutrient content according to the table of composition and the food balance sheet of Venezuela. We selected the most consumed by Venezuelans according to data from national studies and another researches by the authors. For each food were set 3 portion sizes: small, medium and large; which were weighed in an electronic balance before taking a picture. Later, the atlas underwent a valuation process by experts. Results: The instrument includes 110 foods with a total of 300 photographs, distributed in 100 sheets, presenting the advantages of quality control used during the planning and design, the review of national and international reference materials. The experts successfully assessed the pertinence of the items and the relevance of the atlas information. Conclusions: The photographic atlas of foods developed, in the opinion of the expert reviewers, could be a useful tool to be used in the evaluation of food consumption in Venezuelan adults. However, to fulfill this purpose, the proposed instrument should be validated to prove their technical conditions of validity and reliability.