The method that estimates habitual intake by collecting data from multiple days of 24-hour recalls is called what?

• A. Food frequency questionnaire
• B. Diet history interview
• C. Multiple-pass 24-hour recall
• D. 24-hour recall with one pass

Answer: (C)

Habitual intake means the average amount a person consumes over a longer period, so you need data collected on more than one day to smooth out daily swings. The multiple-pass 24-hour recall uses a structured, step-by-step process to gather a detailed and accurate account of everything eaten in a 24-hour period, guiding memory to capture even snacks and beverages and to estimate portions. When recalls are collected on several nonconsecutive days and each is done with this thorough, multi-step approach, researchers can average across days and separate day-to-day variation from true eating patterns to estimate the usual intake. This approach specifically combines detailed recall with repeated days to target habitual intake, unlike a food frequency questionnaire or a diet history interview, which rely on different methods, or a single-pass recall that wouldn’t capture variability across days.