Using regression calibration equations that combine self-reported intake and biomarker measures to obtain unbiased estimates and more powerful tests of dietary associations

Am J Epidemiol. 2011 Dec 1;174(11):1238-45. doi: 10.1093/aje/kwr248. Epub 2011 Nov 1.

Abstract

The authors describe a statistical method of combining self-reports and biomarkers that, with adequate control for confounding, will provide nearly unbiased estimates of diet-disease associations and a valid test of the null hypothesis of no association. The method is based on regression calibration. In cases in which the diet-disease association is mediated by the biomarker, the association needs to be estimated as the total dietary effect in a mediation model. However, the hypothesis of no association is best tested through a marginal model that includes as the exposure the regression calibration-estimated intake but not the biomarker. The authors illustrate the method with data from the Carotenoids and Age-Related Eye Disease Study (2001--2004) and show that inclusion of the biomarker in the regression calibration-estimated intake increases the statistical power. This development sheds light on previous analyses of diet-disease associations reported in the literature.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Diet / adverse effects*
  • Diet Records*
  • Disease / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Models, Statistical*
  • Regression Analysis

Substances

  • Biomarkers