Validation and comparison of two computerized methodsof obtaining a diet history

The aim of this study was to validate two computerized methods of obtaining a diet history(DH and EBIS). The food consumption of 12 men and eight women was calculated by weighing each food item over a period of 8 days. Thereafter the diet history was taken over this period by using both programs alternatively. The intake of energy, protein, fat and carbohydrates, and 10 further nutrients was evaluated and the percentage difference calculated. In general, the intake of nutrients calculated from the diet history tended to be underestimated by most of the people interviewed. The mean daily intake of the nutrients calculated from the DH program deviates from −34% to +20% (mean SD = 48.1) and −35% to +15% for EBIS (mean SD = 28.1). In conclusion, both computerized methods proved useful for epidemiological studies, but not for the determination of deficiencies in individuals.