Tag: Dietary intake measurement

Research indicates that the ideal duration for assessing dietary intake varies considerably depending on the specific nutrients being measured and the desired level of accuracy. Deciding how long should we assess dietary intake is a critical step in both clinical practice and nutritional research, as too short a period can lead to unreliable data, while excessively long periods can increase participant burden and reduce data quality. This decision is influenced by multiple factors, including the nutrient of interest, the study's objective, and the chosen assessment method.

According to nutritional epidemiology, food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) have become a cornerstone for assessing long-term dietary patterns in large populations. Understanding what age groups are FFQs suitable for is crucial for accurate data collection and meaningful research outcomes. This guide breaks down the applications and limitations of FFQs across different life stages, from early childhood to older adulthood.