Development and validation of a nutrient profiling model for Malaysian older population

ABSTRACT

@#Introduction: Nutrient profiling is the science of ranking food based on the nutrient content that enables an individual to make healthier food choice without exceeding the daily energy recommendation. This study was aimed at developing and validating a nutrient profiling model for Malaysian older population. Methods: A total of six nutrient profiling models comprising different combinations of nutrients were developed. Each model was tested by scoring 94 food items in terms of 100 kcal and 100 g, and the Recommended Nutrient Intakes for Malaysian (2017) as the reference value. The scores in each model were correlated with energy density per 100 g of food. The best model to correctly rank food according to nutrient density was chosen for validation. Validation was done by comparing the healthiness classification of 174 food items as determined by Towards Useful Aging Food Nutrient Density Index (TUA FNDI) nutrient profiling model and the Malaysian Dietary Guidelines. Results: Models with sodium and total fat were better correlated with energy density. All six models were inversely correlated with energy density. TUA FNDI 9-2 model was chosen as the best model for validation. Overall, there was substantial agreement between TUA FNDI 9-2 model and the food-based dietary guidelines (κ=0.644, p=0.001). Conclusion: The inverse correlation between nutrient profiling models to energy density shows that foods with higher nutrient density contain lower energy. The validated TUA FNDI 9-2 model is recommended for older adults to make healthier food choices.