Aim:

The objective of the study was to compare nutritional intake results obtained from the 4 x 4-day weighed records with those obtained from a food frequency questionnaire, repeated 24-hour recalls, a seven-day food record and a seven-day checklist in elederly men.

Methods:

Seventy-five healthy men aged 55-88 years and living at home in Cambridge, UK, took part in the study. Energy and nutrients had means and standard deviations calculated. Misreporting was based on an evaluation of food intake level, calculated as reported energy divided by predicted basal metabolic rate. This was in relation to a plausible physical activity level, calculated as the ratio of energy expenditure divided by predicted basal metabolic rate. Statistical significance was assessed via one-way ANOVA.

Results:

The nutrient density was higher for protein and potassium for the group with low food intake level values in all dietary assessment methods. For some methods, this was also true for calciumm, carotene, iron and vitamin C. All methods yielded similar results.

Conclusions:

The present study indicates that selective underreporting exists. Surprisingly, The simplest method, the simplified 24-hour recall, performed as well as more complicated methods.