Purpose: This is a feasibility study assessing use of a mobile phone application (app.) to measure nutrient intake relevant to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Methods: Inclusion criteria were age over 40 and ownership of a smartphone. Participants included healthy volunteers and those with ophthalmic conditions. They were asked to record daily food intake for a minimum of 3 days in a paper food diary and the app. A dietician analyzed the food diaries, and an independent researcher analyzed data from the app. Average daily intake of nutrients relevant to AMD (docosahexaenoic acid [DHA], eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA], vitamins E and C, copper, zinc, and lutein + zeaxanthin) were calculated for both and then compared.
Results: A total of 54 participants completed the app. and food diary. Male-to-female ratio was 7:20. Median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 57 years (45.3-68.7 years). More than 90% of all values were within the limits of agreement for all micronutrients. Bland Altman agreement plots demonstrated clinically acceptable agreement between the two systems of analysis.
Conclusions: This study has demonstrated that the app. is a feasible alternative to the food diary for assessing nutrient intake relevant to AMD. Further studies are suggested to assess long-term adherence and effect of the app. on nutrient intake in AMD patients.
Translational relevance: After smoking, nutritional modification is the key modifiable factor to reduce incidence of AMD. Use of the app. could be an efficient, easy way to monitor and improve dietary intake of required nutrients pertinent to AMD.
Keywords: AMD; mobile application; monitoring; nutrition.