Can NDSR be used to assess nutrient intakes of individuals living outside the U.S.?
Nutrient values for some food items may be representative of those available in other countries (e.g., nutrient content of an apple in the U.S. and an apple available in another country may be comparable). However, values are likely not comparable for many foods due to different food fortification practices across countries, use of different cultivars of plants, and differences in food ingredient and preparation practices. An additional issue is that some food descriptors vary across countries. For example, in the U.S. ‘biscuit’ refers to a fat-rich leavened baked good generally served with a meal. In contrast, in many other countries ‘bisquit’ refers to a sugar-sweetened baked good served as a snack or dessert.
How does NDSR compare to the ASA24?
NDSR is a PC-based dietary analysis program for 24-hour dietary recall collection and analysis of food records, menus, and recipes. Collection of dietary recalls is carried out by an interviewer who is trained in the use of NDSR. The dietary recalls may be collected over the telephone or in-person.
The ASA24 is a web-based dietary analysis program for 24-hour dietary recall and food record collection. It is designed for self-administration, and thus requires the study participant have internet access and some level of literacy and familiarity with computers or mobile devices.
NDSR and ASA24 differ in a variety of important ways beyond platform and mode of use. To summarize, NDSR has more foods, nutrients, and quality assurance capabilities than ASA24. The ASA24 may be less costly because it is self-administered and the program is available for use at no charge.
The following documents provide greater detail regarding the differences and similarities of NDSR and ASA24 for 24-hour dietary recall collection:
Comparison of NDSR vs ASA24 for 24-hour Dietary Recall Collection
Comparison of Nutrients, Nutrient Ratios and Other Food Components in NDSR and ASA24
Comparison of Food Patterns/Group Data Available in NDSR and ASA24 Output Files
How does NDSR compare to other dietary analysis software programs?
- Allows for direct data entry of 24-hour dietary recalls using a multiple pass approach to recall collection. Interview prompts are provided to both expedite and standardize the recall interview.
- Includes interview prompts in both English and Spanish and over 300 Hispanic foods.
- Includes a Dietary Supplement Assessment Module so that nutrient intake from both food and supplemental sources may be quantified. The module is supported by a database that includes over 2,000 dietary supplements . A ‘missing product’ feature in the software allows the user to add products to the database.
- Is supported by a comprehensive, complete, and current food and nutrient database.
- Provides reports and output files to meet the needs of researchers.
- Offers a comprehensive two-day dietary interviewer training workshop.
Has NDSR been validated?
One suggested resource for learning about the validity of 24-hour dietary recalls and foods records is Chapter 3 (24-Hour Recall and Food Record Methods) in the text Nutritional Epidemiology (third edition, 2013) by Walter Willett.
Another resource for locating validation studies involving specific demographic groups (e.g. children, African Americans, etc.) is the National Cancer Institute’s Dietary Assessment Calibration/Validation Register.
The National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research (NCCOR) Measures Registry also provided references on the validity of various dietary assessment measures, including 24-hour dietary recalls for children.
NDSR has been used for dietary intake assessment in hundreds of nutrition related studies. A compilation of papers published by NDSR users is available.
How do I cite NDSR?
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- Citation for NDSR single version:
Dietary intake data were collected and analyzed using Nutrition Data System for Research software version _____, (date) developed by the Nutrition Coordinating Center (NCC), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN.
- Citation for NDSR single version:
- Citation for NDSR multiple versions:
To reflect the marketplace throughout the study, dietary intake data were collected using Nutrition Data System for Research software versions _____ and _____, developed by the Nutrition Coordinating Center (NCC), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN. Final calculations were completed using NDSR version _____, (date). The NDSR time-related database updates analytic data while maintaining nutrient profiles true to the version used for data collection.
In the References section of your manuscript these journal articles may be used to refer to the nutrient database that NDSR accesses.
- Schakel SF. Maintaining a nutrient database in a changing marketplace: Keeping pace with changing food products – A research perspective. J Food Comp and Anal. 2001;14:315-322.
- Schakel SF, Buzzard IM, Gebhardt SE. Procedures for estimating nutrient values for food composition databases. J Food Comp and Anal. 1997;10:102-114.
- Schakel SF, Sievert YA, Buzzard IM. Sources of data for developing and maintaining a nutrient database. J Am Diet Assoc. 1988;88:1268-1271.