Føddevarefrekvenssskemaer

Føddevarefrekvenssskemaer, often translated as food frequency questionnaires (FFQs), are instruments used in nutritional epidemiology to assess dietary intake over a specified period, typically months or years. They consist of a list of foods and beverages, with respondents indicating how often and in what quantities they consume each item. The goal is to estimate habitual dietary patterns and nutrient intake.

FFQs are designed to be relatively quick and easy to administer compared to detailed dietary records or 24-hour recalls. They can be used in large-scale studies to identify associations between diet and health outcomes, such as chronic diseases. The frequency categories usually range from "never" or "less than once a month" to "several times a day," with portion size estimates often provided as guides.

The accuracy of FFQs can be influenced by several factors. Respondents may have difficulty recalling their usual intake accurately, especially for less frequently consumed foods. The design of the questionnaire, including the food list and portion size options, also plays a crucial role. Despite these limitations, FFQs are valuable tools for assessing dietary patterns in population studies when detailed intake information is not feasible. Validation studies, comparing FFQ data with more precise dietary assessment methods, are commonly conducted to evaluate their reliability and accuracy.