24-hr recall

This method involves a structured interview. A trained interviewer asks child and/or adult to recall all food and drink during previous 24 hours. A 24-hour recall can be administered via paper records or with a computer-assisted program. Prompts for quantification of portion size or use of food models are typically employed.

Validity

Improves with child’s age and adult assistance. Overcomes the age related bias as seen with diet records. Parents can proxy for children <8yr and can assist older children. Food record prompts can be used. Dietary energy intake is often over or under-estimated. Energy intake over-estimated in children <9, but accurate for 15-18 year old children.

When to use

For estimating group means, that is to get an average of intakes for a group of children; a single recall is sufficient. All days of the week should be equally represented, or at least weekdays and weekend days, due to differences in dietary intakes between days of the week.

For estimating the distribution of individual intakes within a group or for obtaining usual individual intake; multiple recalls need to be collected. The number of days needed depends on the day-to-day variation of intake of the nutrient of interest and the level of precision desired for the research study. For energy and the macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates and fat), 3-10 days has been suggested. For other nutrients such as micronutrients (calcium, iron, folate) up