Dietary assessment
Dietary intake was estimated using a self-administered semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) which was validated by Willett and Hu before the run-in and at the end of each treatment period. The FFQ included 161 food items with a standard portion included as part of the question and food-specific frequencies. In addition, the questionnaire included questions on dietary supplement intake, types of fats and cooking methods and an open-ended question to include regularly consumed foods not captured in the food list. The FFQ was analyzed by the Harvard School of Public Health and daily nutrient intakes were provided. Almonds consumed during the intervention phase were not recorded in the questionnaire.