Patterson et al reported the Diety Quality Index (DQI) to evaluate a person's diet. The authors are from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.
Parameters:
(1) total fat as percent of energy intake
(2) saturated fatty acids as percent of energy intake
(3) cholesterol in mg per day
(4) fruits and vegetables servings per day
(5) complex carbohydrates servings per day
(6) protein as percent of RDA (recommended dietary allowance)
(7) sodium in mg per day
(8) calcium as percent of RDA (recommended dietary allowance)
Parameter
Finding
Points
total fat
< 30%
0
30 to 40%
1
> 40%
2
saturated fatty acids
< 10%
0
10 to 13%
1
> 13%
2
cholesterol
< 300 mg
0
300 to 400
1
> 400 mg
2
fruits and vegetables
>= 5 servings
0
3 or 4 servings
1
<- 2 servings
2
complex carbohydrates
>= 6 servings
0
4 or 5 servings
1
<= 3 servings
2
protein
<= 100%RDA
0
100 to 149%
1
>= 150%
2
sodium
< 2,400 mg
0
2,400 to 3,400 mg
1
> 3,400 mg
2
calcium
>= 100% RDA
0
66 to 99% RDA
1
< 66% RDA
2
total score =
= SUM(points for all 8 parameters)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 16
• A score of 0 indicates the ideal diet.
• A score of 14 or 15 indicates a poor diet.
• A score of 16 indicates a very poor diet.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
