Healthy Eating Index - 2005 Tools for Researchers

In order to provide estimates of all of the HEI-2005 components, USDA and RFMMB researchers merged data from three sources: the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), the MyPyramid Equivalents Database (version 1.0), and the CNPP MyPyramid Equivalent Database for Whole Fruit and Fruit Juice (separated fruit juice and whole fruit). The NHANES data provides 24-hour recall data that are collected and coded using very high quality, standardized procedures developed by the USDA Agricultural Research Service. The MyPyramid Equivalents Database provides MyPyramid equivalents through a database that carefully breaks food mixtures down into their ingredients. The CNPP MyPyramid Equivalent Database for Whole Fruit and Fruit Juice provides MyPyramid equivalents for whole fruit. Researchers who create HEI-2005 scores using other dietary data sets should carefully consider the accuracy and precision of their intake data when interpreting their results.

The SAS code that was used to create the HEI-2005 scores with 24 hour recall data may be downloaded from USDA's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP) website. This documented SAS code is available here:

• Sample SAS code to create HEI-2005 scores

NCI researchers modified the original SAS code in order to calculate HEI-2005 scores using data from a 124-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The FFQ data were merged with the MyPyramid Equivalents Database (version 1.0). Additional required variables included energy, specific nutrients, and alcohol. This documented SAS code is available here:

• Modified SAS code to create HEI-2005 scores

The SAS code and Excel worksheet that were used to create the population HEI-2005 scores for 2001-2002 may be downloaded from USDA's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP) website. This documented SAS code is available here:

• SAS code to calculate population scores