Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour (ASA24®) Dietary Assessment Tool

How long is each version of ASA24 available?

New US versions of ASA24 are typically released every two years, to incorporate underlying biennial food and nutrient databases. New versions of ASA24 may also include additional functionalities and/or updates to the user interface. Typically, each US version of ASA24 is available for about three years before retirement.

The Canadian and Australian versions of ASA24 are not updated as frequently as the US version.

View a comparison of all versions of ASA24 to learn more about the underlying nutrient and food group databases, and other features.

Who can use ASA24?

The ASA24 system can be used in many settings, for a variety of purposes by anyone with access to a computer or mobile device with internet connection. Some of the most common uses include:

• Epidemiologic, interventional, behavioral, or clinical research.
• Collection of 24-hour recalls or food records from patients in health care settings.
• Educators and/or students analyzing nutrient intake or comparing diet assessment methods.

What populations can be studied using ASA24?

In general, the ASA24 respondent website is most appropriate for those with at least a fifth grade reading level in either English or Spanish (or English and French if using the Canadian version) and with respondents who are comfortable using computers, tablets, or mobile devices. NCI is aware of a few studies that have used ASA24 in low-income populations. Some individuals in these low-income populations may also have low-literacy levels.

In terms of respondent age, research suggests that those age 12 and older have the cognitive ability to complete a recall independently; however, this may vary child-to-child. NCI staff recommend piloting ASA24 with the study population of interest. NCI is aware of some studies that have asked parents and other caregivers to report intake for children.

Publications describing data collection in these populations, along with many others, are listed on ASA24’s publications page in both the Development and Evaluation and Data Collection tabs.

How can ASA24 be adapted?

Researchers interested in adapting the ASA24 system for a specific situation or country should contact the ASA24 Helpdesk.

How was ASA24 developed?

NCI developed ASA24 under contract with Westat, a social science research company. ASA24 adapted the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Automated Multiple-Pass Method (AMPM) and The Food Intake Recording Software System (FIRSSt), a self-administered recall tool originally developed for children by Dr. Tom Baranowski of Baylor College of Medicine. This modification process has been documented in a published manuscript. Details about the passes of the recall interview are also available on the ASA24 methodology web page. Visit the ASA24 publications web page for more information on the development and evaluation of ASA24.

ASA24 is a registered trademark of HHS.