A comparative study of two nutrient data bases
Shanklin, D.; Endres, J.M.; Sawicki, M.
Journal of the American Dietetic Association 85(3): 308-313
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-8223 PMID: 3973319 Document Number: 256805
As part of a test of the methods for evaluation of the USA special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), a random subsample of records of food intake found by 24-h recall for 18 infants, 27 young children and 20 women were analysed using the nutrient database systems of the Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES II) and the Nutrient Dietary Data Analysis (NDDA) System. Those 2 databases differed significantly in the calculated intakes of potassium and niacin for infants and of energy and 9 nutrients for women and children. The energy and nutrient content of many common foods differed between systems, though the systems shared data sources. Differences were due mainly to the timing of database updating as well as to the use of industrial, private and government food analysis sources, different methods of updating, and random data entry error. Resolution of differences between nutrient database systems may depend on comprehensive reviews of all database systems or the establishment of a national nutrient database as a standard for professionals.