ARS | Publication request: NEW METHODS FOR NATIONAL NUTRITION MONITORING IN THE UNITED STATES

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: August 7, 2004
Publication Date: May 28, 2004
Citation: Moshfegh, A., Perloff, B., Raper, N., Steinfeldt, L., Anand, J., Omolewa Tomobi, G., Heendeniya, K. 2004. New methods for national nutrition monitoring in the United States [abstract]. XIVth International Congress of Dietetics. Available: http://www.internationaldietetics.org

Technical Abstract: Effective nutrition monitoring relies upon continuous timely and accurate information about the diets of the general population, as well as subgroups at risk for dietary deficiencies or obesity. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has developed automated systems to facilitate the collection, processing and release of dietary data to ensure their availability for the wide array of public policy and research needs. The Automated Multiple Pass Method (AMPM) for collecting 24-hour dietary recall data uses a 5-step method designed to decrease respondent burden and reduce underreporting. Used for collecting approximately 10,000 dietary recalls a year in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and other studies, the AMPM has proved effective for both in-person and telephone administration. It is also being used to collect 30,000 recalls in the 2004 Canadian Community Health Survey. After collection in NHANES, food intake data are processed through another system, Survey Net, which has been updated to accept data collected electronically. Here codes are attached, food portions are converted to weights, edit checks and additional quality review are conducted, and nutrient analysis is performed. The ability to conduct effective nutrition monitoring has been enhanced with the development of new methods that automate the data collection and processing of 24-hour dietary recalls.