Estimation of dietary fat intake of Belgian pregnant women - Comparison of two methods

Aim: To evaluate the validity and usefulness of a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) which was designed to evaluate individual fat consumption for a Dutch population relative to 7-day estimated records (7d ER). The FFQ has been validated previously and was adapted to the Belgian situation. Methods: Longitudinal study in 26 healthy pregnant women; FFQ and 7d ER were obtained during the 1st and 3rd trimesters. Results: FFQ was validated with 7d ER. Fat and fatty acid intake estimated by the FFQ did not differ significantly (p < 0.01) from data obtained by the 7d ER except for 18:2n-6. Pearson correlation coefficient between the 2 methods ranged from 0.62 to 0.68. On average, 47% of the women were classified in the same quartile with the 2 methods and less than 2% in the opposite quartile. Total fat intake, calculated from FFQ,was on average 87.9 (SD 18.1) g/day. The mean intake of linoleic acid was 13.3 (SD 5.4) g/day and of alpha-linolenic acid was 1.4 (SD 0.5) g/day. The dietary intake of the saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids was respectively 34.7 (SD 10.0) g/day, 29.6 (SD 8.1) g/day and 15.7 (SD 5.9) g/day. Conclusion: The FFQ gives similar results for fat intake as the 7d ER and is thus considered an appropriate method for classifying individuals to the right part of the distribution of dietary fat intake. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.