Development of a Digital Photographic Food Atlas as a Portion Size Estimation Aid in Japan

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a digital photographic food atlas as a portion size estimation aid. Commonly consumed foods were identified from the 5512-day weighed dietary records of 644 Japanese adults. Portion sizes were determined based on the market research and distribution of food consumption in the dietary records. Each food item was classified into one of two photo types: a series of photographs showing gradually increasing portion sizes or guide photographs representing a range of portion sizes and food varieties in one photograph. Photographs of the food were taken at an angle of 42°, along with appropriate reference objects such as chopsticks. In total, 209 food and dish items were included in the food atlas. Series of photographs were taken for 105 items that are not usually served in predetermined amounts (e.g., rice and pasta), whereas guide photographs were taken for 104 items usually served in predetermined amounts (e.g., bananas and cookies). Moreover, photographs were taken for 12 kinds of household measurement items, such as cups and glasses. The food atlas could be a valuable tool for estimating the portion size in dietary surveys. Evaluating the validity of this food atlas for portion size estimation is warranted.

Keywords: Japan; dietary assessment; dietary record; digital image; food atlas; photograph; portion size.

Figure 1

Selection flow of the foods and dishes for the food atlas.

Figure 2

Example of a series of photographs for curry and rice. The portion size gradually increases from photo (a–g).

Figure 3

Examples of guide photographs. (a) Bananas, (b) sandwiches, and (c) cookies.

Figure 4

Examples of photographs of household measurement items. (a) An image to select the size of corn-shaped mugs and (b,c) images to select portion size of the left and right mugs, respectively, from photo (a).