Development and critical evaluation of the food nomogram

The historical development and validation of the Food Nomogram is described to show the scientific basis of formulas to predict caloric need. Prediction of basal caloric need in nutritional assessment using formulas such as that represented by the Mayo Foundation Nomogram is based on surface area and standardized kilocalories per unit of surface area. Though these quantities do reflect error, major discrepancies evolve with prediction of total need, including kilocalories for activity. In spite of these limitations, predicting formulas have been valuable tools in predicting total caloric need. Three formulas are contrasted and found reliable.