Abstract
Diet quality can protect or increase risk for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Diets rich in carotenoids are linked to reduced risk of NCDs. Dietary carotenoids can be measured in the skin and can serve as a biomarker of fruit and vegetable intake. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether use of the In2Eat app improved diet quality among college students. METHODS: We administered a baseline survey including the Diet Quality Questionnaire (DQQ). Participants were also tested for skin carotenoid levels using a spectrophotometer (Konica Minolta 600D) as an indicator of diet quality. Participants were asked to use the In2Eat app designed to improve diet quality and intuitive eating. After 4 weeks, participants completed a follow-up survey. The diet records were analyzed using the DQQ Indicator Calculator to determine factors protective against NCDs and factors that increase risk for NCDs. The frequency of app usage was evaluated for relationships with the NCD-Protect and NCD-Risk scores. RESULTS: Frequent app users (n = 23) logged 243.8 ± 91.2 meals over the 4-week period, while infrequent users (n = 22) logged 50.9 ± 42.5 meals. Among frequent users, NCD-Risk scores significantly decreased (2.7 ± 2.1 to 2.0 ± 1.3, p=0.048, while NCD-Protect scores did not change significantly (4.0 ± 1.8 to 3.4 ± 2.0, p=0.074). Infrequent users had no significant change in NCD-Protect scores or NCD-Risk scores. Skin carotenoid levels increased significantly across all participants (15.4 ± 1.9 to 15.7 ± 2.0, p = 0.032), though this change was not significant when analyzed by app use frequency. Total meals logged was negatively correlated with NCD-Risk at visit 2 (r = −0.328, p = 0.03).CONCLUSION: Frequent app users significantly decreased their dietary risk for NCDs, suggesting a decrease in unhealthy foods. However, their diet diversity also decreased indicating a decline in food variety. Infrequent users showed no significant changes in diet quality. Overall, the In2Eat app was associated with reducing dietary risk for NCDs, but further improvements are needed to improve dietary diversity.
Recommended Citation
Arle, Alexis; Korpusik, Mandy; Yazdansepas, Delaram; Besio, Gabrielle; Chuakay Lim, Samantha; Sumaquial, Cameron; and Almstedt, Hawley C.
(2025)
"Use of a smartphone app influences diet quality among college students.,"
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 14:
Iss.
5, Article 5.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol14/iss5/5