Assessment of accurate dietary intake in free living individuals using dietary logs can be difficult. This project was conceived to evaluate if the Narrative ClipTM, a life-logging wearable camera, could provide sufficient photographic evidence to accurately assess dietary intake of a free living individual. The camera takes a photograph every 30 seconds. Initial assessment determined that photographic quality was sufficient for assessment of food intake but the angle of the photographic field needed to be modified to capture food items in hand or on a plate. Using a 3-D printer, engineering technology students in a rapid prototyping course, designed a plastic (ABS) platform that will hold the camera in an appropriate visual plane for assessment of food intake. The neck was selected as the best location for placement of the camera assembly and is attached as a choker using a ribbon. Following initial trials, the prototype platform is being re-designed with a steeper inclination angle to better capture images of food selection and consumption. Assessment of food intake is in two phases. In phase 1, nutrition graduate students wear the camera assembly for two days, while also accurately logging their nutrient intake. A different team of RD’s will assess dietary intake based on photographic imagery and correlate prediction accuracy with the dietary log. In phase 2, non-nutrition graduate students will wear the camera assembly for 2 days. After 2 days, participants will provide a 48-hr dietary recall. Correlation between photographic assessed dietary intake and 48-hr dietary recall will be performed.
