Evaluation of four methods for determining energy intake in young and older women: comparison with doubly labeled water measurements of total energy expenditure

The accuracy and precision of four different food intake assessment methods were evaluated in young and older women by comparing reported energy intakes with doubly labeled water measurements total energy expenditure (TEE). A study lasting 8 d was conducted in 10 young women aged 25.2+/-1.1 y (-x+/-SEM) and in 10 older women aged 74.0+/-1.4 y. Free-living TEE was measured over 7 d and food consumption was determined from weighed food intake data (7 d), a 24-h food recall (in duplicate), and two different food-frequency questionnaires [Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC)/Block and Willett, both in duplicate]. In addition, body composition was determined by using hydrodensitometry, and strenuous physical activity and the extent of dietary restraint were determined by questionnaire. In young women, 24-h recall gave mean energy intakes that were closest to measures of TEE (-0.34+/-3.71 MJ/d compared with TEE, P=0.178), and energy intakes by food-frequency questionnaires were the only intake data that correlated significantly with individual values for TEE (P