Using recovery biomarkers (such as doubly labeled water and urinary nitrogen) is the most effective method to validate self-reported dietary intake and quantify measurement error.

Recovery biomarkers are based on precise and quantitative knowledge of the physiological balance between intake and output and can provide a dose–response relationship with intake. They are sensitive and time-dependent and are not substantially affected by inter-individual differences in metabolism. They are often used as reference measures to validate self-reported intakes.