{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Are People Consuming the Diets They Say They Are? Self-Reported vs Estimated Adherence to Low-Carbohydrate and Low-Fat Diets: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2007-2018.
{Author}: Kowalski C;Dustin D;Ilayan A;Johnson LK;Belury MA;Conrad Z;
{Journal}: J Acad Nutr Diet
{Volume}: 0
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: 2024 Jul 11
{Factor}: 5.234
{DOI}: 10.1016/j.jand.2024.07.006
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Mischaracterization of dietary intake by patients and study participants is a common problem that presents challenges to clinical and public health approaches to improve diet quality, identify healthy eating patterns, and reduce the risk of chronic disease.<BR><B>OBJECTIVE: </B>This study examined participants' self-reported adherence to low-carbohydrate and low-fat diets compared with their estimated adherence using up to 2 24-hour recalls.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>This cross-sectional study acquired data on dietary intake from respondents in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2007-2018.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>This study included 30 219 respondents aged 20 years and older who had complete and reliable dietary data and were not pregnant or breastfeeding.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>The main outcome was prevalence of self-reported and estimated adherence to low-carbohydrate or low-fat diet patterns.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>Self-reported adherence to low-carbohydrate or low-fat diets was evaluated using responses to questionnaires. Estimated adherence to these diets was assessed using data from up to 2 24-hour recalls and usual intake methodology developed by the National Cancer Institute.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Of the 1.4% of participants who reported following a low-carbohydrate diet, estimated adherence (<26% energy from carbohydrates) using 24-hour recalls was 4.1%, whereas estimated adherence among those that did not report following a low-carbohydrate diet was <1% (P value for difference = .014). Of the 2.0% of participants who reported following a low-fat diet, estimated adherence (<30% energy from fat) was 23.0%, whereas estimated adherence among those who did not report following a low-fat diet was 17.8% (P value for difference = .048).<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>This research demonstrates that most individuals mischaracterized their diet pattern when compared with up to 2 24-hour recalls. These findings emphasize the need for clinicians and public health professionals to be cautious when interpreting individuals' self-reported diet patterns, and should aim to collect more detailed dietary data when possible.