Best tools to record everyday eating in UK adults
Investigating a Data-driven Standardized and Objective Dietary Intake Assessment Tool in Free-living Individuals - SODIAT-2 Study
University of Reading · NCT06879574
This study will test wearable cameras, spot urine and finger‑prick blood samples, and a web food questionnaire to see which combination most accurately measures diet in adults living in Great Britain.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 133 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Reading (other) |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 4 sites (Reading, Berkshire and 3 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06879574 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This remote study asks free‑living adults to use multiple dietary assessment tools over a five‑week period, including wearable cameras, spot urine samples, capillary blood samples, and an online food frequency questionnaire. Participants complete a welcome week with training materials and a baseline self‑collected blood sample, then follow a defined protocol while researchers collect biological samples and camera images and participants complete digital dietary records. The team will combine subjective reports and objective biomarkers to test whether integrated, data‑driven methods reduce burden while improving accuracy in real‑world settings. Results will inform whether a condensed FFQ and combined objective measures can be scaled for population dietary surveillance and research.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18 and over who live in Great Britain, can read and speak English, are willing to collect urine and finger‑prick blood samples, use a wearable camera as instructed, take video calls with a researcher, and accept a single grocery delivery.
Not a fit: People with BMI <18.5, those unwilling or unable to collect biological samples, use the camera, participate in video calls, or receive/send study parcels or grocery delivery, and those living outside Great Britain are not eligible and unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could deliver a lower‑burden, more accurate and scalable way to measure habitual diet in everyday life, improving nutrition research and public health guidance.
How similar studies have performed: Prior controlled work including SODIAT Study 1 and other research on cameras and biomarker measures has shown promise, but integrating these methods in free‑living populations remains relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years and older * Lives in Great Britain (England, Schotland and Walse) * Able to read/understand instructions written in English and are fluent in English Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed or self-report as being underweight (have a body mass index (BMI) of less than 18.5 kg/m2) * Are unwilling/unable to collect urine and blood samples, use the wearable camera as instructed and/or spend 20-30 min online recording what they've recently had to eat/drink on multiple occasions * Are unwilling/unable to have a video call with a researcher with cameras turned on * Are unwilling/unable to post samples on specific days and receive/send a larger parcel at the start/end of the study (note: all return packaging and postage will be provided by us and will include a courier delivery and collection) * Are unwilling/unable to receive a single grocery delivery from Sainsbury's or Tesco online supermarkets (delivery to be arranged by us), includes living in a postcode area that cannot receive grocery deliveries from Tesco or Sainsburys as well as not having space to refrigerate and freeze items. * Are unwilling/unable to eat/drink any items on the calibration menu, e.g., food allergies/intolerances, dislike of food items, unable eat (e.g. vegan or have to avoid for a medical condition) or cannot eat 3 meals plus snacks daily (note: vegetarians can take part) * Are unwilling/unable to avoid taking dietary and herbal supplements for at least 1 week before and during the 5-week study (e.g. fish oils, vitamins, iron, protein shakes, nutrient powders, joint care) * Are pregnant, may be pregnant or breast-feeding * Currently experiencing, recovering or at a high risk of an eating disorder (e.g., previous diagnosis, or concerns that you have an unhealthy relationship with food) * Have a health condition, are taking medication and/or undergoing medical treatment that affects metabolism, appetite and/or ability to eat the calibration menu (e.g. cancer, chemotherapy, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders (such as inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease), kidney disease, liver disease, HIV or AIDS) * Are taking any of the following medications: androgens, blood thinners, phenytoin, erythromycin, or thyroid hormones * Long-term use of any of the following medications: anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS), steroids/corticosteroids or antibiotics (eligible following a 4-week washout after short term use; eligible if use is infrequent) * Use illicit substances/recreational drugs * Have been diagnosed with dementia or other conditions affecting memory * Do not have anyone at home, work, etc. to help them if they require assistance to use the study tools (such as arthritis, Parkinson's disease, sight loss, etc.) If the participants have recently taken part in another intervention study, a 4-week washout will be required before they are able to start the study.
Where this trial is running
Reading, Berkshire and 3 other locations
- Hugh Sinclair Unit of Human Nutrition, University of Reading — Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom (RECRUITING)
- Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University — Aberystwyth, United Kingdom (RECRUITING)
- University of Cambridge, Pathology building level 4, Addenbrooke's Hospital — Cambridge, United Kingdom (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
- Nutrition Research Section, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Imperial College — London, United Kingdom (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Manfred Beckmann, Dr — Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University
- Study coordinator: Julie A Lovegrove, Professor
- Email: j.a.lovegrove@reading.ac.uk
- Phone: +44 (0) 118 378 6418
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Dietary Intake Assessment, Food Intake Measurement, Nutrition, Health, Dietary reporting, Misreporting