What is the purpose of a food frequency questionnaire?

• A. To assess how often specific foods are consumed by a client
• B. To evaluate the cooking methods used by a client
• C. To generate a daily calorie count
• D. To determine food allergies

Answer: (A)

The purpose of a food frequency questionnaire is to assess how often specific foods are consumed by a client. This tool helps nutrition professionals gather information about an individual's dietary habits over a specific period, typically within the last month or year. By analyzing the frequency of various foods consumed, practitioners can identify patterns in nutrient intake, potential dietary imbalances, and areas for improvement. This knowledge is crucial for making informed dietary recommendations tailored to the client’s health goals or conditions.

While evaluating cooking methods, generating calorie counts, and determining food allergies are important aspects of nutritional assessments, they are not the primary focus of a food frequency questionnaire. The specific aim of such a questionnaire is to obtain a comprehensive understanding of food consumption frequency rather than other dietary components.