Computerized dietary analysis by food groups and by nutrients from food groups.

The professional responsibility of dietetic and nutrition educators and counselors is to provide clients and the public with accurate, understandable information and counseling concerning the relationship of diet to health and disease. Dietary guidance expressed as energy and nutrient content is clear to the nutrition professional, but it frequently is difficult for many clients to comprehend. This study was undertaken to develop a computer software program to analyze dietary data in terms of foods, food groups, and nutrients and to discuss the applications of the computerized assessment. Dietary recalls from a group of noninstitutionalized older women were used for illustrative purposes. Dietary intakes were described in terms of servings consumed of 9 major food groups and 39 major subgroups. Intake of energy and selected nutrients from each major food group was calculated. Recalls were evaluated by comparison with recommended servings from two food guides and recommended energy and nutrient allowances. The information elicited by the software package is useful for monitoring changes in food consumption patterns, assessing dietary compliance, planning, and evaluating nutrition and feeding programs.