Compilation of food composition data sets: an analysis of user needs through the Use Case approach

Abstract

Objectives: To identify the common requirements of users involved in the compilation of food composition datasets with a view to informing the development of a common access system to food composition data, within the European Food Information Resource (EuroFIR) project. Methods:A number of examples of food composition dataset compilation have been examined employing the Use Case approach, namely the compilation of a dataset for a national nutrition survey, for a cross-national nutrition study and for a nutritional software programme. Results:The key user requirement identified from the compilation step analysed by the Use Case approach is the increased availability of and access to more detailed food composition data on a wider range of foods and nutrients.Conclusions: Food composition data serve a variety of purposes and different user groups will often have both common needs and more individual or specific needs of their datasets.The development of Use Cases for specific processes effectively identifies the needs of users, highlighting any similarities and/or differences in those needs. The application of the Use Case approach to support the software development activities within EuroFIR ensures that user needs are effectively identified and captured in a systematic and documented way.

Food Composition Database Format and Structure: A User Focused Approach

“…The needs and challenges of Australian FCDB users identified from qualitative analysis are similar to those reported internationally [ 1 , 2 , 5 , 7 , 8 ]. It is apparent that despite the improved technology and standards in the area, professionals still face many challenges in the use of food composition data and databases.…”

“…The European Food Information Resource (EuroFIR) network also recognises the importance of user input into FCDB development. 8 Recently, EuroFIR have used the ‘Use Case’ approach, which aids in identification of the functional requirements of users, according to the activity the user performs [ 8 ]. The information gathered can then be used to assist in the improvement of a databases features and format [ 8 ].…”

Elaboración De Una Tabla De Composición De Alimentos Para La Valoración De La Ingesta Dietética en La Amazonía Peruana

“…De esta manera, es posible realizar estudios cuantitativos en nutrición humana (1). Además, los datos sobre la composición de los alimentos son esenciales en áreas tales como la práctica clínica, la investigación, la salud pública y la industria alimentaria (2). Esta información se encuentra presente en las tablas de composición de alimentos (TCA) y en las bases de datos de alimentos informatizadas (BDCA) (3).…”

Tabela Brasileira de Composição de Alimentos (TBCA-USP): inclusão de dados de minerais

“…A disponibilização de dados de composição de alimentos, bem como as evidências encontradas em estudos epidemiológicos relacionados com consumo alimentar e saúde, possibilitou o desenvolvimento de guias alimentares úteis para a orientação geral de alimentação saudável, para programas de fortificação de alimentos e até para o planejamento governamental relacionado ao setor agropecuário e de saúde (19,20).…”