Accuracy of energy intake data estimated by a multiple-pass, 24-hour dietary recall technique

Objective This study examined the accuracy of a multiple-pass, 24-hour diet ary recall method for estimating energy intakes of men and women by compari ng it with energy intake required for weight maintenance. Design Three-day, multiple-pass, 24-hour recalls were obtained on randomly selected days during a self-selected diet period when subjects were prepari ng their own meals and during a controlled diet period when all meals were provided by the study. During the dietary intervention, weight was maintain ed; body weight and dietary intake were monitored closely, thereby allowing estimation of the energy intake required for weight maintenance. Subjects/setting Seventy-eight men and women (22 to 67 years old) from the Dietary Effects on Lipoprotein and Thrombogenic Activity (DELTA) study part icipated in this study. All 24-hour recalls were collected using a computer -assisted, interactive, multiple-pass telephone interview technique. Energy requirements for each individual were determined by the energy content of the DELTA study foods provided to maintain weight. Statistical analysis Paired and independent t tests were conducted to exami ne differences among study variables. Agreement between recalled energy int ake and weight maintenance energy intake was analyzed using the Bland-Altma n technique, Results Compared with weight maintenance energy intake, during the self-sel ected diet period men and women underestimated energy intake by 11% and 13% , respectively. During the controlled diet period, men underestimated energ y intake by 13%, whereas women overestimated energy by 1.3%. Applications/conclusions Men had a tendency to underestimate energy intake irrespective of the recording period. The accuracy of the recalled energy i ntake of women may be influenced by recording circumstances. Researchers sh ould examine the factors influencing underreporting and overreporting by in dividuals and their impact on macronutrient and micronutrient intakes. Also , strategies need to be developed to minimize underreporting and overreport ing.