Introduction

After completing this module, you will have the skills and resources to:

• Obtain accurate dietary intake data
• Understand the methods used to establish recommendations for nutrient intake
• Identify factors that alter nutrient needs
• Evaluate an individual's dietary data

A comprehensive assessment of nutritional status includes examination of growth (using anthropometry), biochemical parameters, clinical indicators, and dietary intake. This module looks at dietary assessment and the estimation of individual nutrient needs.

The first step in dietary assessment is the collection of accurate dietary intake data. Section 1, Obtaining Accurate Dietary Intake Data examines tools that are useful for collecting information about a child's intake.

Section 2, Recommendations for Intake reviews the guidelines that are used to estimate an individual child's nutrient needs. First, the intake recommendations for typically-developing children are reviewed. In Section 3, Factors Affecting Nutrient Needs, the effects that some special health care needs can have on nutrient needs are explored.

Finally, in Section 4, Evaluating an Individual's Intake, you will put the process together and evaluate the nutritional intakes of several individuals.

Printing

A downloadable version of this module is available through the link below. The file requires Adobe Acrobat Reader, which can be downloaded free of charge from the Adobe website (http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html).

• text with graphics (189 KB)
• text only (127 KB)