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  • Original Article
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The MSM program: web-based statistics package for estimating usual dietary intake using the Multiple Source Method

Abstract

Background/Objectives:

The Multiple Source Method (MSM) is a new statistical method for estimating usual dietary intake including episodically consumed foods on the basis of two or more short-term measurements such as 24-h dietary recalls. Optional information regarding habitual use or non-use of a food can be included as a covariate in the model estimating the intake, as well as a parameter for identifying consumers and non-consumers. The objective was to implement the MSM algorithms into an easy-to-use statistical program package.

Subjects/Methods:

The implementation was realized as a web-based application using the Perl application framework Catalyst. As the engine for the statistical calculations, the R system was used. To allow simultaneous use of the program by different users, a multiuser system with a resource bag pattern design was implemented.

Results:

We established a software program that implements the algorithms of the MSM and allows interactive usage of the method, using standard web technologies. The program is hosted on a website established at the DIFE and can be accessed at https://nugo.dife.de/msm. The communication between users and the program web site is encrypted, securing transmitted data against unauthorized use. Users can interactively import several data sets, define the analysis model, review and export results and graphs. The use of the program is supported by online help and a user guide.

Conclusions:

The MSM website provides a program package that allows nutritional scientists to calculate usual dietary intakes by combining short-term and long-term measurements (multiple sources). It promotes simple access to the MSM to estimate usual food intake for individuals and populations.

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Acknowledgements

This work was created under the auspices of the EFCOVAL Consortium. UH was the author of the manuscript and was involved in Software development. JH was involved in the MSM Method development and implementation, as well as program testing. SK contributed to MSM Method evaluation and program testing. HB was involved in MSM Method creation and development. This document reflects only our views, and the Community is not liable for any use that may be made of the information contained therein. The MSM was conceived and developed by our colleague Dr Kurt Hoffmann who unexpectedly passed away in August 2007. All authors and colleagues remember him for his works and substantive contribution to this article respectfully. We also thank Wolfgang Bernigau for his invaluable help with implementing the MSM algorithms and its testing. The Community funding under the Sixth Framework Program for the EFCOVAL project is acknowledged (FOOD-CT-2006-022895).

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Correspondence to U Harttig.

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Harttig, U., Haubrock, J., Knüppel, S. et al. The MSM program: web-based statistics package for estimating usual dietary intake using the Multiple Source Method. Eur J Clin Nutr 65 (Suppl 1), S87–S91 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2011.92

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