Jj. Reilly et al., Energy intake by multiple pass 24 h recall and total energy expenditure: acomparison in a representative sample of 3-4-year-olds, BR J NUTR, 86(5), 2001, pp. 601-605
The accuracy of the multiple pass 24 h recall for assessment of habitual en
ergy intake in pre-school children is unclear. The primary aim of this stud
y was to assess its accuracy by comparison with measurement of total energy
expenditure by doubly-labelled water in a representative sample of forty-o
ne 3-4-year-olds. The recall method was well tolerated by subjects and was
administered quickly and easily. However, it produced estimates of energy i
ntake which significantly exceeded measures of total energy expenditure fro
m doubly-labelled water, mean paired difference 660 kJ/d (P <0.01). Agreeme
nt between the two methods was poor at the individual level: limits of agre
ement 660+/-3018 kJ/d. Error and imprecision in both methods contribute to
individual differences, but the present study suggests that the multiple pa
ss 24 h recall does not provide accurate estimates of dietary energy intake
in individual children.