Abstract Background: Food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) are the most common dietary assessment tools across the world to evaluate the long-term customary dietary intake in a population. FFQ developed in India lack easy scoring standardized methods, correlating commonly used measures (e.g., a bowl) with the amount of nutrients in them. Objective: The objective of this study was to develop a quantitative, intervieweradministered, easily scored food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to assess the nutrient intake of individuals in northern India except the north-east and upper most part of the northern region. Methods: The present FFQ was developed with a simplified scoring method specifically for use in the north Indian population. The nutrient value of the food items was calculated using standard food conversion tables for ingredients mentioned in the guidelines provided by the National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, India. Conclusion: This study presents the development of a FFQ and the related nutrient composition for north Indian populations.
Keywords: Food Frequency Questionnaire; Dietary Intake; North India.