Effectiveness of cell phones and mypyramidtracker.gov to estimate fruit and vegetable intake.

AIM AND BACKGROUND: Inadequate fruit and vegetable intake is linked to leading causes of global mortality and rise in obesity. Measuring fruit and vegetable intake is problematic. Advances in cell phone technologies may improve the accuracy and ease of recording diet. This study tested the effectiveness of using cell phones with digital pictures to prompt memory and mypyramidtracker.gov to estimate self-reported fruit and vegetable intake in 69 college students. METHODS: A repeated measures design was used. Focus groups provided feedback on the acceptability, usability, and feasibility of cell phones for diet recording in this population. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference in fruit and vegetable scores, F(1, 58)=4.64, p=.04, was supported between cell phone use for short-term memory prompt and mypyramidtracker.gov alone. CONCLUSIONS: Cell phone pictures improved memory and accuracy of recall when using an online self-reported interactive diet record and was considered an easy, relevant, and accessible way to record diet.

Technology-based methods of dietary assessment: recent developments and considerations for clinical practice.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The objective of this review is to provide an overview of recent findings in technology-based methods for the collection and analysis of dietary information, and explore the potential implications of these technologies for dietary assessment in a clinical setting. RECENT FINDINGS: Numerous technology-based methods for dietary assessment have emerged in recent years. These methodologies have the potential to enhance the dietary assessment process, and overall appear to yield valid results in a wide variety of populations. However, as is the case with the existing technologies they are designed to replace, none is error free and each has its own unique limitations. Therefore, the decision to incorporate one of these methodologies into clinical practice should only be made after a thorough evaluation of the methodology and with specific outcome goals in mind. SUMMARY: Evidence supporting the emerging role of technology-based methods for dietary assessment is growing. As technological advances move rapidly forward it is important to consider a theoretical foundation to help guide the translation of these innovations into routine use in clinical practice.

Evidence review of technology and dietary assessment.

SIGNIFICANCE: Diets high in fruit and vegetable consumption are associated with a decrease in chronic diseases. Dietary factors are linked to 4 of the 10 leading noncommunicable causes of death: cardiovascular disease, some cancers, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Accurately measuring dietary patterns has many challenges. Dietary intake measurement has traditionally relied on self-report instruments such as 24-hour recall, food record, and food frequency questionnaires to record consumption history. These methods have inherent limitations in detecting small but important changes in fruit and vegetable consumption patterns. Promising advances in technology have made more sophisticated techniques for recording dietary intake possible. Computers and Web-based programs, handheld personal digital assistants with cameras and telephone cards, smart phones, cameras, and video recorders options may reduce the burden of recording what has been consumed. Furthermore, technology-based methods of dietary assessment may provide a higher degree of reliability and validity in visually determining fruit and vegetable consumption, and additional study is warranted. PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to present a review of the evidence on the effectiveness of technology-based methods for dietary assessment, which included fruit and vegetable consumption. APPROACH: One hundred and eighty-seven articles published between 1998 and 2008 were initially identified. Fifteen met the study inclusion criteria and were evaluated by an interdisciplinary team using the Stetler Strength of Evidence Scale. RESULTS: Six technology-based methods for dietary assessment were identified. Findings from validity and reliability testing of technology-based methods are encouraging and need replication. Clinically important features offered through technology may reduce reporting burden and offer behavioral feedback to users. Methodologically sound, empirical research into using technology-based application for dietary assessment in a variety of populations of sufficient size is needed.

Examining intentions to use CoQ10 amongst breast cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine factors that influence breast cancer patients' intentions to supplement with CoQ10. METHODS: A survey based upon the expanded rational expectations intentions model was completed by breast cancer outpatients (N=160). RESULTS: A significantly positive relationship existed between referent other (the influence specific people have in terms of an individual's behavior) and subjective norm (subject's perception of how people view a behavior). Beliefs, referent other, attitude, and subjective norm did have a significant effect on intention to use CoQ10. CONCLUSIONS: Health practitioners may address supplementation with breast cancer patients with a better understanding of what factors impact supplement use.

Nonhydrogenated cottonseed oil can be used as a deep fat frying medium to reduce trans-fatty acid content in french fries.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research study was to evaluate the fatty acid profile, in particular trans-fatty acids, of french fries fried in nonhydrogenated cottonseed oil as compared with french fries fried in partially hydrogenated canola oil and french fries fried in partially hydrogenated soybean oil. DESIGN: Cottonseed oil, partially hydrogenated canola oil, and partially hydrogenated soybean oil were subjected to a temperature of 177 degrees C for 8 hours per day, and six batches of french fries were fried per day for 5 consecutive days. French fries were weighed before frying, cooked for 5 minutes, allowed to drain, and reweighed. Oil was not replenished and was filtered once per day. Both the oil and the french fries were evaluated to determine fatty acid profiles, trans-fatty acids, and crude fat. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: A randomized block design with split plot was used to analyze the data collected. Least-squares difference was used as the means separation test. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between fries prepared in the three oil types for crude fat. Fatty acid profiles for the french fries remained stable. The french fries prepared in cottonseed oil were significantly lower in trans-fatty acids. The combined total of the trans-fatty acid content and saturated fatty acid content were lower in french fries prepared in cottonseed oil. CONCLUSIONS: Because deep fat frying remains a popular cooking technique, health professionals should educate the public and the food service industry on the benefits of using nonhydrogenated cottonseed oil as an alternative to the commonly used hydrogenated oils.