SODIAT-2 STUDY
In the SODIAT-2 study, participants will use new technologies from their homes to accurately record what they eat and drink.
Why are we doing this study?
Understanding the role of diet on our health and risk of developing diseases (like type 2 diabetes and heart disease), and the development of public health campaigns (like the UK’s 5-a-day target for fruits and vegetables) all rely on scientists being able to accurately record what people eat. However, many factors (such as memory lapses and peoples’ desire to “eat healthier” when being observed) often lead to errors in food reporting, making nutritional data less reliable.
The SODIAT project aims to identify the best new tools for accurately recording food and drink intake, helping scientists to understand diet and health more precisely than ever before. In the SODIAT-2 study, we’re remotely testing a combination of tools—urine samples, blood samples, wearable cameras, and online food and drink questionnaires—in a group of 133 adults.
We are looking for participants who:
Are aged 18 years or older
- Are not underweight (have a BMI above 18.5 kg/m2)
- Live in England, Scotland or Wales
- Are able to eat the study diet (this includes nuts, gluten and dairy)
Further participant criteria and details of the test diet are provided in the Participant Information Sheet (found at the link below).
What will participants do if they take part?
The entire study is remote and participants will take part from their homes (equipment, food and samples will be delivered/returned in the post).
There are 12 study days across 5 weeks (4 days in weeks 1, 3 and 5) during which participants will use the different study tools to record what they eat and drink.
The study involves:
- Joining a Welcome Week video call to become familiar with the study tools
- Using at-home kits to collect small urine samples and a few droplets of blood, allowing us to measure substances that reflect what participants have recently eaten
- Wearing camera glasses that automatically take photos, from which foods eaten will be identified and portion sizes estimated
- Completing online food and drink questionnaires
During week 3, participants will also be provided with identical foods and drinks (test diet) to eat for 3 days (there is a vegetarian option).
Participants will be reimbursed for their time.
Who is running this study?
The SODIAT project () is being conducted by researchers from the Vlog, Aberystwyth University, University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London.
To find out more:
Click below to view the Participant Information Sheet and access the screening questionnaire:
If you have any questions, please email the SoDiat team (sodiat@reading.ac.uk) or call us on 07971 658745.