Energy intake in Swedish adolescents: validation of diet history with doubly labelled water

To compare habitual energy intake (EI) estimated from diet history (DH) with total energy expenditure (TEE) measured with doubly labelled water (DLW) in adolescents.

DH included a detailed questionnaire and an interview. TEE was measured during a 14-day period. Adequate (AR), under- (UR) and over-reporters (OR) were defined from the ratio EI/TEE: AR 0.84-1.16, UR <0.84 and OR >1.16.

Participants were recruited from grade 9 in a compulsory school in Göteborg, Sweden. All data were collected at school and DLW dosages were distributed at Sahlgrenska University Hospital.

A total of 35 adolescents (18 boys, 17 girls), 15.7 (0.4) y.

EI was 11.0 (3.6) MJ and TEE was 11.4 (2.1) MJ (P=0.42). DH was able to rank EI compared to TEE (Spearman's r=0.59, P< or =0.001). For girls, EI was 18% lower (P=0.0067) and for boys, EI was 7% higher (P=0.26) compared to TEE. The 95% limits of agreement for difference between TEE and EI were -5.6 to 6.5 MJ. In total, 20 subjects were defined as AR (57%), nine as UR (26%) and six as OR (17%). Energy from in-between meals was 33% lower (P=0.0043) in UR girls and 57% higher (P=0.026) in OR boys, compared to adequate reporting girls and boys, respectively. In UR girls, energy-adjusted intake (10 MJ) of specific foods did not differ significantly, fat was lower and carbohydrate and vitamin C were higher compared to AR girls (all P<0.05). OR boys had no significant differences in food and nutrient intake in 10 MJ compared to AR boys.

The diet history was able to capture EI for the group and to rank subjects. There was a wide individual range in reporting-accuracy related to gender.

The Ingabritt and Arne Lundberg Foundation, The Wilhelm and Martina Lundgren Foundation.