Facilitation of nutritional assessment by computer dietary analysis.

Dietary nutritional analysis, an important component of nutritional assessment, has been greatly advanced by computers. Computers save time and money and allow more analyses to be performed. A Nutrient Data Bank is being developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration and others. Computers calculate many useful statistical relationships and can interact with users to perform interviews. New uses include field surveys and dental and medical practice with dietitians who are Consulting Nutritionists. Possible home computer uses are suggested.