| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1265504 | Procedia Food Science | 2013 | 8 Pages |
The SuperTracker online dietary and physical activity assessment tool is a major outreach effort to encourage behavior change and help implement the 2010 Dietary Guidelines. It provides a user-friendly but powerful interface to help individuals enter food intake, compare it to nutrient goals and the USDA Food Patterns, and track intake over time. At its core, the SuperTracker relies on a food database adapted from ARS's Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies (FNDDS) and MyPyramid Equivalents Database (MPED). Modifications and additions increase the database's convenience for users: Food names were simplified and, in some cases, additional names were assigned; portions and portion descriptions were modified; and MPED values were assigned for foods new to FNDDS 2007-08, to assure that these newer foods were included. SuperTracker is multifunctional, allowing for tiered levels of involvement by users, from looking up a single food to comprehensive dietary and physical activity assessment, goal setting, and planning over time. Features include creation of individualized “combos” and favorite foods, to simplify entry of items consumed often. It provides real-time interactive feedback to users, and offers multiple report options to meet varied user needs. The SuperTracker relies on data from FNDDS and MPED to provide accurate feedback, which enables users to take control of their dietary choices. Monitoring food intake can help individuals become more aware of and improve what they eat and drink. The SuperTracker can empower consumers to track their food intake and activity, in order to improve their health.
