Interindividual, intraindividual and intermeal variance in energy and macronutrient intake: a multilevel analysis

Background: Our aim was to reveal whether interindividual, intraindividual or intermeal variance is a potential source of unexplained variability in energy and macronutrient intake. Methods: Diet was assessed via three 24h recalls in an EPIC-Potsdam substudy. Energy and nutrient intake of single intake events were summarized in 4 episodes: morning, noon, afternoon and evening. Multilevel analysis was conducted with intake of individuals, of 24h recalls and during intake episodes as random effects and subject-specific factors as well as parameters describing recall days as fixed effects. Intraclass correlation co…