Dietary assessment methods for micronutrient intake in pregnant women: a systematic review

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Dietary assessment methods for micronutrient intake in pregnant women: a systematic review

Ortiz-Andrellucchi et al., 2009 | Br J Nutr | Systematic Review

Citation

Ortiz-Andrellucchi Adriana, Doreste-Alonso Jorge, ... Serra-Majem Lluís. Dietary assessment methods for micronutrient intake in pregnant women: a systematic review. Br J Nutr. 2009-Dec;102 Suppl 1:S64-86. doi:10.1017/S0007114509993151

Abstract

The EURopean micronutrient RECommendations Aligned (EURRECA) Network of Excellence needs clear guidelines for assessing the validity of reported micronutrient intakes among vulnerable population groups. A systematic literature search identified studies validating the methodology used for measuring usual dietary intake during pregnancy. The quality of each validation study selected was assessed using a EURRECA-developed scoring system. The validation studies were categorised according to whether the study used a reference method that reflected short-term intake ( < 7 d) long-term intake ( > or = 7 d) or used biomarkers (BM). A correlation coefficient for each micronutrient was calculated from the mean of the correlation coefficients from each study weighted by the quality of the study. Seventeen papers were selected, which included the validation of fifteen FFQ, two dietary records (DR), one diet history and a Fe intake checklist. Estimates of twenty-six micronutrients by six FFQ were validated against 24-h recalls indicating good correlation for six micronutrients. Estimates of twenty-four micronutrients by two FFQ were validated against estimated DR and all had good or acceptable correlations. Estimates of fourteen micronutrients by three FFQ were validated against weighed DR indicating good correlations for five. Six FFQ were validated against BM, presenting good correlations only for folic acid. FFQ appear to be most reliable for measuring short-term intakes of vitamins E and B6 and long-term intakes of thiamin. Apart from folic acid, BM do not add any more certainty in terms of intake method reliability. When frequency methods are used, the inclusion of dietary supplements improves their reliability for most micronutrients.

Key Findings

When frequency methods are used, the inclusion of dietary supplements improves their reliability for most micronutrients.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Biomarkers
  • Diet
  • Diet Records
  • Diet Surveys
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Epidemiologic Methods
  • Europe
  • Female
  • Folic Acid
  • Humans
  • Iron
  • Micronutrients
  • Nutrition Assessment
  • Nutritional Sciences
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: thiamine

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09