Nutrition Research Study Comparison of

Nutrition Research Study Comparison of Handheld Computers for Nutrition Assessment and Support This study, reported in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, was to find out the differences between the various handheld computers nutritionists use and to determine if one kind was better than others. The purpose of the study was to compare and analyze computational features on five commonly used handheld computers that are available for nutrition assessment and support.

A secondary objective was to establish a strategy for nutritionists that would help them to choose the one best suited to their needs. The researchers compared the objective and computational operating features of each of the five computers. Subjective features such as speed, which depends on the operator's experience, were not part of the study. Computational features and functions were placed in three classifications -- anthropometric, biochemical, or dietary assessment. For example, mean corpuscular volume and total lymphocyte count were considered biochemical.

The researchers also determined what computations each handheld was capable of doing. From this they produced two Tables showing which handheld had which features and capabilities. Results: Researchers found that some devices used Metropolitan Life Insurance height and weight tables to compute ideal body weight, while others used the Hamwi formula, and some used both. They discovered various anthropometric variables such as calculating body mass index, pediatric calculation capabilities, etc. They found that none of the computers used Internationale units, only English and/or metric.

They compared user instruction booklets for ease of understanding and found that none of the five included a toll-free telephone number. They also found variations between the calculators when basal energy expenditure and ideal body weight were calculated, but could only speculate about causes of the variations. Conclusions: The researchers conclude that there is no single "best" calculator. "Each user needs to determine whether.