Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) Practice Exam

Which method is commonly used for measuring dietary intake?

1. Weekly food diaries

2. 24-hour dietary recall

3. Portion size estimation

4. Visual food guides

The correct answer is: 24-hour dietary recall

The 24-hour dietary recall is a widely used method for measuring dietary intake because it allows for a detailed snapshot of an individual's food and beverage consumption over the previous 24 hours. This method is advantageous because it is relatively quick and easy to administer, requiring individuals to recall and report all foods and beverages consumed within the specified timeframe. Researchers or dietitians can gather specific information about nutrients and portion sizes, making it possible to analyze dietary habits effectively. Using a 24-hour dietary recall can minimize memory bias since participants are typically able to remember meals and snacks consumed within a short period. This method captures variations in diet and is useful in both clinical and research settings for understanding typical dietary behaviors. Other methods, such as weekly food diaries, require participants to record their intake over a longer duration, which may lead to inaccuracies due to participant fatigue or the complexity of consistently tracking daily intake. Portion size estimation and visual food guides can be helpful for providing context and assisting with the overall understanding of serving sizes but do not directly measure dietary intake on their own.