interpretation of dietary data
1.qualitative method
-using the food pyramid&the basic food groups method.
-different nutrients are classified into 5 groups.
-determine the number of serving from each group&compare it with minimum requirement.
2.quantitative method
-the amount of energy&specific nutrients in each food consumes can be calculated using food composition tables&then compare it with the recommended daily intake.
-evaluation by this method is expensive&time consuming,unless computing facilities are available.
advantages of biochemical method
1. it is useful in detecting early changes in body metabolism&nutrition before the appearance of overt clinical signs.
2.it is precise,accurate and reproducible.
3. useful to validate data obtained from dietary method e.g. comparing salt intake with 24-hour urinary excretion.
limitations of biochemical method
1.time consuming
2. expensive
3. they cannot be applied on large scale
4.need trained personnel&facilities