Accuracy of Estimating Energy Intake in the Korean Urban Elderly: 24-Hour Dietary Recall

Critical evaluation of energy intake data from dietary studies is difficult but important. To investigate the underreporting of total energy intake, we analyzed the one-day dietary intake data collected by 24-hour recall method from 550 elderly Koreans aged 60 years or older. Underreporting was addressed by computing the ratio of energy intake (EI) to estimated basal metabolic rate (BMRest). EI : BMRest ratio was found to be 1.38 for, men and 1.33 for women, with about 14% of men and women classified as underreporters. Underreporting of energy intake was highest in men and women who were overweight, had lower family income, or no school education. For men, the most significant variables to predict the ratio of energy intake to estimated basal metabolic. rate (EI : BMRest) were weight status, members of household, alcohol consumption and age, while income and education level were most significant for women.