National expert consensus on the identification of foods with highest antioxidant capacity using a modified Delphi Method.

INTRODUCTION

the total dietary antioxidant capacity (TDAC) is a valuable tool for assessing the antioxidant potential of foods and establishing dietary recommendations across diverse populations and clinical settings. Despite the availability of various methodologies, the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) assay remains one of the most widely used methods internationally. However, existing international food frequency questionnaires often overlook ethnic foods rich in antioxidants that are commonly consumed in Mexico.

OBJECTIVE

to identify which Mexican foods should be prioritized for ORAC measurement, with the goal of developing a FFQ capable of estimating TDAC and applying it to various clinical settings, a modified Delphi consensus was conducted.

METHODS

a modified Delphi consensus was conducted with a panel of eleven national experts specializing in antioxidant analysis of regional foods. Over three rounds, 27 questions regarding the inclusion of various Mexican foods were evaluated, focusing on fruits, vegetables, legumes, traditional dishes, and beverages.

RESULTS

the consensus identified key ethnic foods with significant antioxidant content, such as mango, hibiscus flower, chocolate and regional varieties of coffee and beans, which are not currently represented in international TDAC questionnaires.

CONCLUSIONS

this expert-driven selection did inform the development of a culturally relevant TDAC questionnaire tailored for application in both healthy populations and clinical contexts, such as patients with chronic kidney disease. The inclusion of these region-specific foods is expected to enhance the accuracy and applicability of antioxidant intake assessments in Mexico, contributing to more precise dietary guidance and clinical management.