Three 24-Hour Recalls in Comparison with One Improve the Estimates of Energy and Nutrient Intakes in an Urban Mexican Population

J Nutr. 2016 May;146(5):1043-50. doi: 10.3945/jn.115.219683. Epub 2016 Apr 6.

Abstract

Background: Population surveys often collect dietary intake data by using one or two 24-h recalls (24HR), mainly to minimize cost and respondent burden. However, in order to increase accuracy in estimating usual intake distributions, a larger number of 24HRs may be advisable.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify whether estimates of the intake and prevalence of nutrient inadequacy based on 3 d are better than those that are based on 1 d of information.

Methods: We conducted a national survey in 31 cities in Mexico using a sample that included 1073 individuals of both sexes, from birth through 79 y of age. Dietary information was collected by using 3 multiple-pass 24HRs (on nonconsecutive days). We estimated intake, adequacy, and prevalence of energy and nutrient inadequacy using information from 1 d and also from 3 d, adjusted for day-to-day variability, using PC-SIDE software. The prevalence of inadequacy was estimated by using the reference values proposed by the US Institute of Medicine.

Results: We found high prevalences of inadequacy for fiber (73-99%), iron (31-94%), calcium (2-85%), vitamin A (0.1-61%), and folates (2-80%) among various age and sex groups. Energy intake results showed that the variance in the estimated usual 3-d intake distribution was smaller than the variance of distribution estimated from a single daily intake. We observed bigger differences in prevalence of inadequacy between 1 and 3 d for several nutrients. For example, in preschool children, the prevalence of inadequacy of folate and calcium was 30% and 43%, respectively, with 1-d recalls and 3.7% and 4.6%, respectively, with 3-d recalls.

Conclusions: We conclude that the adjusting-by-variance method using 3 d of 24HR allows for a more accurate estimation of usual intake, dietary adequacy, and prevalence of inadequacy, thereby reducing the measurement error that could compromise the results and conclusions of surveys.

Keywords: 24-h recall; Mexico; dietary intake; urban areas; within-subject variance.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diet Records*
  • Diet Surveys / methods*
  • Diet*
  • Feeding Behavior*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Mental Recall*
  • Mexico
  • Middle Aged
  • Young Adult