Food Composition at Present: New Challenges

Abstract

Food composition data is important for stakeholders and users active in the areas of food, nutrition and health. New challenges related to the quality of food composition data reflect the dynamic changes in these areas while the emerging technologies create new opportunities. These challenges and the impact on food composition data for the Mediterranean region were reviewed during the NUTRIMAD 2018 congress of the Spanish Society for Community Nutrition. Data harmonization and standardization, data compilation and use, thesauri, food classification and description, and data exchange are some of the areas that require new approaches. Consistency in documentation, linking of information between datasets, food matching and capturing portion size information suggest the need for new automated tools. Research Infrastructures bring together key data and services. The delivery of sustainable networks and Research Infrastructures in food, nutrition and health will help to increase access to and effective use of food composition data. EuroFIR AISBL coordinates experts and national compilers and contributes to worldwide efforts aiming to produce and maintain high quality data and tools. A Mediterranean Network that shares high quality food composition data is vital for the development of ambitious common research and policy initiatives in support of the Mediterranean Diet.

Keywords: data quality; dietary assessment; food composition data; food description; food matching; research infrastructure.

Figure 1

Strengths, weaknesses and challenges of food composition databases (FCDBs) in countries in the Mediterranean region.

Figure 2

EuroFIR Food Information Platform.

Figure 3

Overview of the determinants of dietary behavior, food consumption and nutrition, including food components. Adapted from Stok et al. (2017) [47] undertaken as part of the Determinants of Diet and Physical Activity (DEDIPAC) Knowledge Hub.