Nutrition assessment Flashcards
define malnutrition
malnutrition occurs when the body doesn’t get the right amount of nutrients. This could be due to nutrient deficiency or toxicity.
nutrient deficiency
due to inadequate intake OR problems with processes for absorption or utilisation.
Stage 1: covert/subclinical deficiency- hidden signs (cant be outwardly seen- e.g. detected by blood tests)
Stage 2: Overt/clinical deficiency- apparent signs (can be described or seen- e.g. fatigue, headache)
nutrient toxicity
excess levels over a period of time can lead to toxicity. excess intake (food or supplements) OR problems with process for utilisation. e.g.- obesity (excess energy intake), high cholesterol (excess saturated fat or alcohol intake)
Describe the components of nutrition assessment
Background- medical and family history
Anthropometry- measurements of the human body (weight, height, waist/hip circumference, BMI)
Biochemical tests- blood or urine samples, measure concentration of by-products or enzyme activities
Clinical assessment- physical changes to the appearance or function of the body
Dietary assessment- what food is eaten? determining food composition. Comparing against standards
Environment assessment- living conditions, education level, income, ability to purchase/cook food.
List the key population nutrition surveys in Australia
National nutrition survey (NNS)- part of the national health survey. Includes: dietary intake assessment questions on food habits and attitudes. measurements of blood pressure, height, weight, and hip circumference
Victorian health monitor- aims to give a snapshot of chronic diseases and risk factors in Victorians. Included: dietary intake assessment measurements of height, weight, waist circumference, blood lipids, blood pressure and fasting glucose levels.
Describe the common methods of measuring food intake of individuals
Recall methods
- 24-hour recall
- diet history
- FFQ
Record methods
- weighted food records
- estimated food records
- photographic food records
- direct observation
- duplicate portion
Recall method
- quantitative assessment
Subjects are asked to recall and describe every item of food and drink consumes in 24 hours.
3 pass method
- quick list of food items eaten or drunk
- collection of detailed information (brand names, time food was eaten, quantities, method of cooking)
- a recall review (prompt for anything forgotten, places where food was consumed)
advantages and disadvantages of 24 hour recall
Advantages
- recent memory may improve validity
- low burden for respondent
- does not alter usual diet
Disadvantages
- only one day intake - not representative of usual diet
- relatively expensive
- relies on money
diet history
aims to asses ‘usual’ diet over the recent past
strep 1. 24 hour recall
step 2. assessment of usual intake
step 3. checklist of foods/food groups
A and D of diet history
advantages
- a lot of information from a single interview
- can identify seasonal variation
- can identify differences throughout week
- can focus on particular areas of interest
disadvantages
- time consuming
- expensive- because of the time taken to collect and analyse
- difficult to get information about day to day variation
FFQ
- pre printed or online
- report the frequency of intake of food categories
A and D of FFQ
A - can be self administered - relatively cheap and easy - inexpensive for large sample size D - design and validation is recourse intensive - requires subject to be literate - does not capture variation
weighted food (dietary) record
- gold standard
- record of all the food and drink consumed recorded at time of intake
- the weight of portion of food is measured
A and D of weighed food record
A
- precise measurement of food consumes
- does not rely on memory or skills of interviewer
D
- high subject burden
- under reporting
- subject may alter usual diet
