The process of nutrient analysis for controlled feeding trials: a comparative study of two South African nutrient databases with chemical analysis.

Background: There is an increased tendency in the field of nutrition research to conduct more outpatient controlled feeding trials. The formulation of accurate diets is essential in order to assemble valid scientific data, which will substantiate hypothesised relationships between a nutrient variable and an outcome. Research dieticians rely on the accuracy of computerised nutrient databases when designing the menu.