Development of an Excel Spreadsheet for Dietary Data Analysis and Calculation of Dietary Inflammatory Index Value for Researchers: Excel Spreadsheet for Dietary Data Analysis and Inflammatory Index Value

Iftikhar Alam; Falak Zeb; Haseeb Ur Rahman

doi:10.54393/df.v6i1.162

Authors

Iftikhar Alam Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Bacha Khan University, Charsadda, Pakistan
Falak Zeb Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Haseeb Ur Rahman Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Bacha Khan University, Charsadda, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/df.v6i1.162

Keywords:

Dietary Inflammatory Index, Excel Spreadsheet, Dietary Data, High Correlation

Abstract

The Dietary Inflammatory Index is a measure of the inflammatory load in an individual's diet, based on intake of certain nutrients, food groups, and bioactive compounds. However, computation of the DII is time-consuming and labor-intensive, necessitating precise nutritional information. Objectives: To design an Excel spreadsheet for easy calculations of the dietary inflammatory index. Methods: Development of the tool was completed in two phases. In phase 1, the Excel spreadsheet was created for nutrients calculation using dietary data, and then using these nutrients for further calculation of dietary inflammatory index, applying a universally referenced dietary inflammatory index, and inflammatory effect scores. In phase 2, validity of the tool was evaluated through different methods, i.e., internal consistency and formula verification, test-retest Reliability, and Statistical Validation. Results: The Excel tool was created using the established dietary inflammatory index methodology in seven distinct 7 steps. Face Validity was determined by a three-member panel of expert academic nutritionists who judged the structure, reasonableness, and functionality of the spreadsheet. Content Validity was established by cross-referencing listed nutrient parameters with those that need to be included in peer-reviewed dietary inflammatory index development protocols. The mean difference between dietary inflammatory index scores from the Excel tool and reference manual calculation was near zero (mean bias=0.03), and 95% limits of agreement were -0.21 to +0.27, showing minimal systematic bias. Conclusions: It was concluded that the spreadsheet demonstrated strong agreement, high correlation, and statistical reliability, validating it as a practical tool for dietary inflammatory index computation in dietary studies.

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