To validate a 53-item quantitative FFQ (QFFQ) for the assessment of dietary protein intake in type 2 diabetic outpatients in Bamako, Mali.

Consumption of protein-containing foods over the week preceding the interview was measured with a 7d QFFQ and compared with intakes measured with 48-h recalls.

Centre National de Lutte contre le Diabète.

Seventeen male and forty female adults with type 2 diabetes.

Correlation between protein intakes estimated using the QFFQ and 48h recalls was 0·63 (P < 0·0001). There was no significant difference between the two methods concerning the total protein daily intakes and intakes per kilogram of body weight. The QFFQ indicated that foods of animal origin were a lesser source of protein. Animal protein intake did not differ between men and women but sources did. In men, the main sources were beef (54 % of total animal protein), fish (15 %) and milk powder (8 %). In women, the principal sources were fish (28 %), beef (20 %) and birds (13 %). In contrast, plant protein intake was significantly higher in men than in women (P = 0·01), but the same plant foods contributed in similar proportions for both genders, rice being by far the greatest source (47 % of plant protein in men, 53 % in women).

The QFFQ developed in this study is a valid tool to evaluate dietary protein intakes in Malian diabetic subjects. While the total protein intakes were low in both men and women, differences in choices and amounts of protein food sources were shown.