Validation of a self administered 3-day estimated dietary record for use in the elderly

The aim of this study was to assess the validity of a 3-day estimated dieta ry record, especially developed for the longitudinal study on nutrition and health status in an aging population (aged greater than or equal to 60 yea rs) in Giessen, Germany. Methods The dietary record comprises 146 food items. Portion sizes of the f oods consumed were estimated by means of household measures and correspondi ng dimensions. The validity of the dietary record was evaluated by means of nitrogen excretion in the 24 h urine in 14 women and 9 men, and by compari ng energy intake and basal metabolic rate determined by indirect calorimetr y in 238 women and 105 men. Results Neither in women nor in men were any differences found between calc ulated nitrogen intake (13.4 +/- 2.2 g and 15.0 +/- 2.0 g, respectively) an d nitrogen excretion (12.9 +/- 2.1 g and 15.7 +/- 3.0 g, respectively). The ratio between reported energy intake and basal metabolic rate was 1.62 +/- 0.36 in women and 1.53 +/- 0.46 in men. Regarding energy intake, 7.6 % of the females and 16.2 % of the males were classified as under-reporters. The y show a significantly higher body weight and BMI than the adequate reporte rs. Conclusion The results have proved the new 3-day estimated dietary record a s suitable to determine energy and nutrient supply of the elderly.