The Seven Methods for the Evaluation of Nutritional Status—ABCDEFG: Narrative Review

Read full text
Authors: Raynier Zambrano-Villacres, Cecilia Arteaga-Pazmiño, Washington David Guevara Castillo, María Elisa Herrera Fontana, Lorena Daniela Domínguez Brito, Luis Miguel Becerra Granados, Paulo E. Recoba-Obregón, Dolores Rodríguez-Veintimilla, Viviana Bressi, Derly Andrade-Molina, Evelyn Frias-Toral, Samuel Durán-Agüero
Cited by: 5
References: 138

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.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Nutrition Genetics and Disease Health and Society Studies Dietetics and Education

Publication details

Journal / source
Applied Sciences
Publisher
MDPI AG
Volume
16
Issue
2
Pages
845–845
Publication date
14 January 2026
Language
EN