Abstract
BackgroundRecognition of discrepancies between men and women in nutritional intake is important to tackle food and nutrition insecurity and the often-double burden of malnutrition. The purpose of this study was to assess nutritional status and dietary intake of the Lao population, with a focus on possible influences of gender.MethodsDietary intake was assessed in a national cross-sectional study of 1771 randomized participants aged from 1.01 to 89 years, using 24-h dietary recall. Dietary reference intakes were used to assess nutrient insufficiency. Chi-square test was used to evaluate gender differences and multiple univariate logistic regression to examine associations between gender, nutritional status, demographics and nutrient insufficiency.ResultsNutrient insufficiencies were higher among pregnant and lactating women than other adult men and women, especially for protein and micronutrients such as vitamin B3, B1, C and other vitamins. Dietary intake and BMI were similar between men and women; all had insufficient intake of all types of nutrients, except sodium. However, women had lower intake than men for almost all nutrients and age groups. The prevalence of overnutrition was higher among those aged 18 years and over for both sexes. Among adult women (15–49.9 years old) and older adult women (50 years old or above), the proportions were: underweight 8.6% (both groups), overweight 18.4 and 20.5%, and obese 34.2 and 39.1%, respectively. Among pregnant and lactating women, the rates of underweight were 7.5 and 1.4%, of overweight were 17.8 and 27.1%, and obese, 21.9 and 40.0%. Among adult and older men, 3.2 and 8.3% were underweight; 21.0 and 18.6% were overweight and 28.2 and 27.6% were obese. Multiple univariate logistic regressions revealed that the factors rural area, dry season and Northern-Lowland region were associated with inadequate micronutrient intake among children, adolescents and adults of both genders.ConclusionsDietary intakes were alarmingly micronutrient-insufficient. Macronutrient imbalance and double burden of malnutrition were confirmed in both sexes. Gender differences were limited; men and women had similarly insufficient intakes, but pregnant and lactating women were disproportionately affected. Nutritional interventions should also take men and older people into account to solve nutrition problems.
Highlights
Recognition of discrepancies between men and women in nutritional intake is important to tackle food and nutrition insecurity and the often-double burden of malnutrition
In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), women are often found to be disproportionately affected by food and nutrition insecurity (FNI) and the ‘double burden of malnutrition’ (DBM), [1]
Research reports suggest that women in households vulnerable to FNI are at greater risk of malnutrition than men in the same households [5]
Summary
Recognition of discrepancies between men and women in nutritional intake is important to tackle food and nutrition insecurity and the often-double burden of malnutrition. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), women are often found to be disproportionately affected by food and nutrition insecurity (FNI) and the ‘double burden of malnutrition’ (DBM), [1]. FNI, and related dietary inadequacy, may lead to various forms of malnutrition, ranging from undernutrition, such as underweight, stunting and wasting, to overweight and obesity [3]. Many LMICs face the ‘double burden of malnutrition’ characterized by the coexistence of undernutrition, including micronutrient deficiencies, and overweight/obesity [4],which especially concerns women and girls. Limited information is available on underweight in LMICs, the latest WHO estimates indicate that the prevalence of underweight was slightly higher among women (17.1%) than men (16.6%) in 2017 [6]
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