Evaluation of dietary intake/DASH score

Nutrition status was evaluated using 24-hour recalls administered by trained interviewers in which participants reported all food and beverages consumed using a multiple-pass recall method (2001), that changed to an automated fully computerized method in 2002.¹¹ Starting in 2003, a second 24-hour recall was conducted over the phone 3–10 days later.¹¹ For those with 2 reliable recalls, the recalls were averaged. In order to assess diet quality, we adapted the DASH score of Mellen et al. based on 9 target nutrients (total fat, saturated fat, protein, fiber, cholesterol, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium).¹² Nutrient goals from DASH, except macronutrients, were indexed to total energy intake. The DASH score was then calculated by adding all of the nutrient goals attained (range 0–9), with a higher score indicating better adherence to the DASH diet. A score of 0.5 corresponded to individual nutrient intakes exceeding the intermediate goal between the DASH diet and DASH control diet.¹² DASH adherence was defined as a DASH score ≥4.5. Pregnant women (N = 1,064), stratified by the BP categories above, were included in a supplemental analysis evaluating DASH scores, energy intake, and DASH adherence.