International Journal of Nutrition Sciences

International Journal of Nutrition Sciences

Persian Mobile Applications for Dietary Management: A Quality Assessment Using Mobile Application Rating Scale

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Fatemeh Khademain 1
Seyed Jalil Masoumi 2, 3
Melika Hajiani 3
1 Information Vice-Chancellor for Research, Boostan Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
2 Nutrition Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran
3 Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
10.30476/ijns.2026.107837.1525
Abstract
Background: With the rising prevalence of dietary-related health issues, effective mobile tools are essential for aiding users in managing their nutrition. So, this study aimed to evaluate the quality of Persian mobile applications (apps) designed for dietary management using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS).
Methods: A systematic search identified 340 applications from CaféBazaar and Google Play stores. Applying specific inclusion criteria, 13 apps focusing on dietary management and calorie counting were selected for analysis. Each app’s features, user ratings, and functionalities were evaluated.
Results: The analysis revealed that most apps (92.3%) received user ratings above 4 stars, and only one app was entirely free. Collaboration with nutritionists was noted in 23% of the apps. Features included online dietary regimens (77%), calorie counting (77%), and physical activity recommendations (69.2%). The MARS evaluation showed an overall mean score ranging from 2.94 to 4.02, with Mankan achieving the highest score (4.02). Functionality scored the highest among the subscales (3.93), followed by aesthetics (3.78) and engagement (3.32).
Conclusion: Persian mobile diet management apps showed acceptable technical and visual quality; but lacked evidence-based content and interactive features. It seems that collaboration with nutrition experts and enhancing research-based content is crucial to improve their long-term effectiveness.

Highlights

Fatemeh Khademian (Google Scholar)

Seyed Jalil Masoumi (Google Scholar)

Keywords
Mobile applications
Persian
Dietary management
Quality
Mobile application rating scale
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International Journal of Nutrition Sciences
Volume 11, Issue 3 - Serial Number 3
Summer 2026
Pages 568-575