Systematic Review of Healthy Eating Indexes in Adults and Elderly: Applicability and Validity.

INTRODUCTION The Healthy Eating Index (HEI) assesses a combination of different types of foods, nutrients and dietary components. It has been adapted in some countries, considering the local dietary habits. OBJECTIVE in this article, the Healthy Eating Indexes published to date were identified by means of a systematic review. Besides, issues relating to their validity, applicability and limitations were discussed. METHODS an electronic search was performed in the PUBMED, SCIENCE DIRECT, BVS and SciELO data base containing studies on the adaptation, review, update or validation of the HEI. The descriptors Healthy Eating Index, Index of Diet Quality, Quality of diet, Diet surveys were used, in different combinations. RESULTS a total of 11 studies were described and critically analyzed. One of the studies dealt with the development of the index; six proposed adjustments; two assessed validity and reliability of the index, and the other two proposed revision and update. The Healthy Eating Indexes reveal the actual quality of the diet, but the absence of a methodological standard hinders the comparison of the results found in different populations.