New Curtin University research reveals taking pictures of food isn't just content for our social media feeds, but could be the key to improving people's diets. The feeding study saw researchers measure the weight of meals, which were then provided to participants over a day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. "Accuracy of energy and nutrient intake estimation versus observed intake using four technology-assisted dietary assessment methods: a randomized crossover feeding study" was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition .
Participants compared different technology-assisted methods to recall what they had eaten over the past 24 hours. One method asked participants to take photos of their meals using the mobile Food Record app. These photos were then analyzed by a research dietitian.
The study found the accuracy of the nutritional intake was far higher for the group who had taken photos of what they ate, compared to participants who were asked to remember what they had eaten. First author and Ph.D.
candidate Clare Whitton said this was the largest feeding study to use the mobile Food Record app and the findings could have a big impact on how we capture what the population is eating. "Accurate, reliable data about what the population is eating is key to supporting people to optimize their health," Whitton said. "People can struggle to remember what they have eaten, but this study shows dietary assessment can be accurate—particularly when you take the burden away f.
