Sources & Citations

Bitelog uses peer-reviewed scientific research and established nutritional databases to provide accurate, evidence-based recommendations. This page details the sources behind our calculations and food data.

Metabolic Rate Calculations

We use the Mifflin-St Jeor equation to estimate your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). This is widely recognized as one of the most accurate predictive equations for estimating resting energy expenditure in healthy individuals.

• Mifflin, M.D., St Jeor, S.T., Hill, L.A., Scott, B.J., Daugherty, S.A., & Koh, Y.O. (1990). A new predictive equation for resting energy expenditure in healthy individuals. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 51(2), 241–247. doi:10.1093/ajcn/51.2.241

Activity Multipliers

Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) is calculated by multiplying BMR by a physical activity factor. The activity level multipliers used in the app are based on established values from the following source:

• Harris, J.A. & Benedict, F.G. (1918). A Biometric Study of Human Basal Metabolism. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 4(12), 370–373. doi:10.1073/pnas.4.12.370
• Frankenfield, D., Roth-Yousey, L., & Compher, C. (2005). Comparison of predictive equations for resting metabolic rate in healthy nonobese and obese adults. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 105(5), 775–789. doi:10.1016/j.jada.2005.02.005

Protein Intake Recommendations

Our protein targets are based on recommendations from the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) and a comprehensive meta-analysis on protein supplementation and resistance training:

• Jager, R., Kerksick, C.M., Campbell, B.I., et al. (2017). International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Protein and Exercise. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 14, 20. doi:10.1186/s12970-017-0177-8
• Morton, R.W., Murphy, K.T., McKellar, S.R., et al. (2018). A systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of the effect of protein supplementation on resistance training-induced gains in muscle mass and strength in healthy adults. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 52(6), 376–384. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2017-097608

Macronutrient Distribution

Fat and carbohydrate targets follow guidelines from recognized nutrition authorities:

• Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020–2025. U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. dietaryguidelines.gov
• EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (2010). Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for fats. EFSA Journal, 8(3), 1461. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1461

Food Nutritional Data

Food composition data in the app comes from the following databases:

• Open Food Facts — A free, open, collaborative database of food products from around the world. openfoodfacts.org
• USDA FoodData Central — The U.S. Department of Agriculture's food composition database providing detailed nutrient profiles. fdc.nal.usda.gov

AI-Estimated Nutritional Data

When you use photo, voice, or text meal logging, nutritional values are estimated using artificial intelligence (Google Gemini). These AI-generated estimates are approximations and may not be fully accurate. They should be treated as helpful guidance, not precise measurements. See Google Gemini API documentation.

For critical dietary needs or medical conditions, always verify nutritional information with the food packaging label, the USDA database, or a registered dietitian.

Calorie Safety Floors

The app enforces minimum daily calorie recommendations to promote safe nutrition practices:

• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Very Low-Calorie Diets. niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/very-low-calorie-diets
• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Interventions for the Prevention and Treatment of Pediatric Overweight and Obesity. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 113(10), 1375–1394. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2013.08.004

Hydration Recommendations

The water intake goal of 30 ml per kilogram of body weight is based on commonly accepted hydration guidelines:

• EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (2010). Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for water. EFSA Journal, 8(3), 1459. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1459

Important Disclaimer

Bitelog is a nutritional tracking tool, not a medical device. The information provided by the app is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or dietary needs. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information provided by this app.

If you have a medical condition, are pregnant or nursing, or are taking medication, consult your physician before making dietary changes.