[Use of the demonstrative method for the quantitative evaluation of food intake]

The demonstrative method can be used to evaluate food intake by permitting interviewed subjects to visualize food samples and to demonstrate the amount consumed of each food using standard kitchen utensils. In the present study, data obtained by the 24-hour recall method were compared to those obtained by the demonstrative method. The data collected by the two methods were then compared to the values obtained by direct weighing of the different foods; they were used as reference values. The study was carried out on 10 women and 10 men admitted to the University Hospital of the School of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto. All patients were adults, had completed at most their elementary education, consumed a hospital common diet, and were selected at random. There were no differences between the two methods tested for evaluation of the amount of rice, beans and milk consumed, regardless of sex. The item salad, however, was poorly evaluated by the 24-hour recall method, but in relation to the demonstrative method, the 24 hour recall permitted a better evaluation of the amount of meat ingested by women. Nevertheless, the demonstrative method allowed a better evaluation of the amount of bread ingested by both men and women. We conclude that the demonstrative method has advantages with respect to some food items when compared to the 24-hour recall method.