Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 1, 2026

'Boden Food Plate': Novel Interactive Web-based Method for the Assessment of Dietary Intake
Published on: September 18, 2018
Mobile MyPlate: a pilot study using text messaging to provide nutrition education and promote better dietary choices
Onikia N Brown1, Lauren E O'Connor, Dennis Savaiano
1a Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Hospitality , Auburn University , Auburn , Alabama.
Objective:
To evaluate the acceptance and effectiveness of repetitive nutrition-related text messages on college students' nutrition knowledge and fruit and vegetable consumption.
Participants:
One hundred fifty undergraduate (18-24 years old) non-health major students with a texting mobile phone.
Methods:
The intervention group received biweekly text messages of the MyPlate icon and the United States Department of Agriculture's Dietary Guidelines (DGs) for 7 weeks. The control group received the same information in a mailed brochure. A pre and post online survey assessed the students' knowledge and behavior.
Results:
The intervention resulted in greater MyPlate food group recognition (p <.05) compared with control and a trend toward improved knowledge of the DGs. In the intervention group, fruit consumption was elevated (p <.05) and a trend toward elevated vegetable consumption was determined. No gender differences in intervention effectiveness exist.
Conclusion:
Texting repeated messages appears to be an acceptable and effective way to increase nutrition knowledge and promote positive diet-related behaviors in college students.
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