The Seven Methods for the Evaluation of Nutritional Status—ABCDEFG: Narrative Review
Source abstract
Abstract
Background: Nutritional status assessment is the cornerstone of the Nutrition Care Process, guiding diagnosis, intervention, and monitoring. The classical ABCD model (Anthropometry, Biochemical, Clinical, Dietary) has been widely applied; however, it presents limitations in addressing current nutritional and epidemiological challenges. Objective: This narrative review aims to synthesize and update the scientific evidence on the expanded nutritional assessment model, known as ABCDEFG, which incorporates the Ecological–microbiota (E), Functional (F), and Genomic–nutrigenomic (G) approaches. Methods: A narrative review of the literature was conducted through PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, covering publications from 2013 to 2025. Articles were selected based on relevance to at least one of the seven assessment domains. Findings were synthesized descriptively and critically, highlighting applications, strengths, and limitations. Results: The ABCDEFG framework offers a multidimensional perspective of nutritional assessment. While anthropometric, biochemical, clinical, and dietary methods remain essential, the inclusion of ecological dimensions (gut microbiota, environmental influences), functional measures (e.g., muscle strength, physical performance), and genomics enables a more sensitive and personalized evaluation. This integrative approach supports better clinical decision-making and research innovation in nutrition and health sciences. Conclusions: The seven-method model broadens the scope of nutritional assessment, bridging traditional and emerging tools. Its application enhances the capacity to identify nutritional risks, design targeted interventions, and advance precision nutrition.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Nutrition, Genetics, and Disease · Nutrition, Health, and Society Studies · Dietetics, Nutrition, and Education
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Dirección de Investigación, Universidad ECOTEC, Km.13.5 Samborondon, Samborondón 092302, Ecuador
Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Instituto Universitario Italiano de Rosario (IUNIR), Rosario S2000CTT, Argentina
Carrera de Nutrición y Dietética, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Guayaquil, Guayaquil 090613, Ecuador
Escuela de Nutriologia, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, de la Salud y la Vida, Universidad Internacional del Ecuador, Quito 170411, Ecuador
Carrera de Nutrición y Dietética, Escuela de Salud Pública, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito 170901, Ecuador
Grupo de Investigación Nutrición Dietética, Biotecnología y Análisis de Alimentos (GINDBA), Universidad Estatal de Milagro, Milagro 091050, Ecuador
Departamento de Alimentación y Nutrición, Facultad de Salud, Universidad Javeriana, Cali 110231, Colombia
Carrera de Nutrición y Dietética, Facultad de Nutrición y Dietética, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima 15073, Peru
Grupo Especializado de Nutrición del Perú (GENUP), Lima 15073, Peru
Clinical Nutrition Service-SOLCA, Guayaquil 090505, Ecuador
OMICS Science Laboratory, Faculty of Health Science, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Samborondón 0901952, Ecuador
School of Medicine, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Samborondón 0901952, Ecuador
Division of Research, Texas State University, 601 University Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA
Escuela de Nutrición y Dietética, Facultad de Ciencias de la Rehabilitación y Calidad de Vida, Universidad San Sebastián, Providencia 7500000, Chile
Funding
ECOTEC University
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