Validity and accuracy of artificial intelligence-based dietary intake assessment methods: a systematic review

One of the most significant challenges in research related to nutritional epidemiology is the achievement of high accuracy and validity of dietary data to establish an adequate link between dietary exposure and health outcomes. Recently, the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) in various fields has filled this gap with advanced statistical models and techniques for nutrient and food analysis. We aimed to systematically review available evidence regarding the validity and accuracy of AI-based dietary intake assessment methods (AI-DIA). In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, an exhaustive search of the EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases was conducted to identify relevant publications from their inception to 1 December 2024. Thirteen studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in this analysis. Of the studies identified, 61<middle dot>5 % were conducted in preclinical settings. Likewise, 46<middle dot>2 % used AI techniques based on deep learning and 15<middle dot>3 % on machine learning. Correlation coefficients of over 0<middle dot>7 were reported in six articles concerning the estimation of calories between the AI and traditional assessment methods. Similarly, six studies obtained a correlation above 0<middle dot>7 for macronutrients. In the case of micronutrients, four studies achieved the correlation mentioned above. A moderate risk of bias was observed in 61<middle dot>5 % (n 8) of the articles analysed, with confounding bias being the most frequently observed. AI-DIA methods are promising, reliable and valid alternatives for nutrient and food estimations. However, more research comparing different populations is needed, as well as larger sample sizes, to ensure the validity of the experimental designs.