ABSTRACT
Introduction
Estimating food intake in children is a critical part of obesity prevention and nutrition intervention studies. Accurate and convenient methods to measure food intake among preschool children attending early childcare centers (ECCs) are lacking and digital photography may be a convenient option but needs to be validated in the childcare setting. This pilot study assessed the validity of weighed and digital photography plate waste methods.
Methods
Weighed and digital photography plate waste methods were used to estimate food intake during lunch for three consecutive days. Pre-consumption weight of each food was measured in grams. Weighed foods were assembled on a tray and photos were taken. Post-consumption weights and photos were taken for comparison. Two trained research assistants independently estimated food consumption at 10% intervals for the digital photography method; differences in pre- and post-weights were used for weighed method. Food consumption was measured by the difference in grams or estimated percentage in pre-and post-meal weights and photos, respectively. Validity was measured using linear mixed models and Bland Altman regressions to assess differences between digital photography and weighed measurements.
Results
Participants were 41 children (mean age 3.86 ± 0.51, 84% Hispanic/Latino, 58.5% females) enrolled in two Head Start centers. Linear mixed model assessment found no significant difference between macro- or micronutrients, or food groups between the two methods. Bland Altman regression revealed a high level of agreement between weighed and digital photography methods for macronutrients, micronutrients, and food groups.
Conclusion
Weighed and digital photography plate waste methods yield similar results, and both are valid methods to assess food intake in pre-school aged children to aid in intervention studies along with evaluating menu quality. Choice of assessment methods depends on budget, time, equipment, expertise, and training.
Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Volume 38, Issue 6, December 2025. Read More