Concepedia

Abstract

Background: Although it is generally accepted that a weighed intake is the most valid way of assessing nutrient intake, this is not always the most appropriate method. Photographs have been suggested as a useful aid in assessing portion size when other methods of recording dietary intake are used. Method: Male and female subjects ( n =100) were recruited to assess portion sizes of served amounts of mashed potato or cornflakes using food photographs. A second group of subjects ( n =40) were recruited to assess portion sizes of self‐served mashed potato or cornflakes using the same photographs. Results: Estimates varied from −70.6% underestimation to +198.7% overestimation for mashed potato, with less variation for the cornflakes where portions were served.?‚?? Where the food was self‐served, results ranged from −38% and −64% underestimation to +61% and +88% overestimation for cornflakes and mashed potato, respectively.Correlation coefficients between estimated and actual weights of food showed them to be of statistical significance ( P <0.05). Conclusion: Food photographs are a useful and convenient aid in the estimation of food portion sizes.