Exploring dietary changes in an interdisciplinary intervention trial: Application of a dietary guidelines food composition database

Background Consumption of food groups aligning with dietary guidelines is advised for obesity management and was used in a recent lifestyle intervention trial, the Health Track study. We have conducted a number of dietary pattern analyses on this trial but, with recent access to the new Australian Dietary Guidelines (ADG) food composition database, we can now assess ADG adherence, with the advantage of categorising mixed dishes. The present study aimed to compare changes over time in consumption of ADG food groups. Methods Secondary analysis of baseline and three-month diet history data was conducted. Participants received individualised dietary advice (I), individualised dietary advice plus 30 g of walnuts per day (IW) or usual care (C). The ADG database was used to determine food group servings with changes in five food groups used as a measure of dietary quality. Results Fruit and vegetable intakes increased in the IW (+0.4 and +1.1 serves,P < 0.05) andI(+0.5 and +0.4 serves,P> 0.05) arms. Consumption of meat/protein foods increased in the IW arm (+0.3 serves,P> 0.05) but decreased in theIandCarms (both - 0.4 serves,P < 0.05). Consumption of grains and milk/alternatives decreased in all study arms (P < 0.05). Greater improvements in grain and dairy food quality were observed in the intervention arms. Conclusions The ADG database enabled ADG specific food group analysis, addressed food quality and showed the HealthTrack intervention increased adherence to dietary guidelines compared to usual care.

Automated summary

This study compared changes over time in consumption of food groups aligned with the Australian Dietary Guidelines (ADG) in a lifestyle intervention trial. Results showed that individualized dietary advice and walnuts increased fruit and vegetable intake, but had different effects on meat/protein foods and grains, milk/alternatives.