Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the status of dietary diversity and nutrient intake among Han and Dongxiang smallholder farmers in poor rural areas of northwest China. In this cross-sectional study, dietary intake was assessed in 499 smallholder farmers aged 18–75 years from two nationally designated impoverished counties in Gansu Province, China, using three consecutive 24 h dietary recalls. The dietary diversity score (DDS) and nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR) were adopted to assess dietary diversity and micronutrient adequacy, respectively. The mean DDS (range from 1 to 9) in participants was relatively low (3.81 ± 1.01). Consumption of grains was excessive, while consumption of vegetables, fruits, meat, beans, eggs, fish, and dairy was inadequate. The NAR values were higher in Han Chinese, with the exceptions of vitamin C, potassium, pyridoxine, and selenium (p < 0.05). For each nutrient, the high DDS group had a higher mean NAR (p < 0.05), except for pyridoxine. High household monthly income, being Han Chinese, high DDS, and being aged over 45 years were positively associated with mean adequacy ratio (MAR) of 14 micronutrients evaluated. Lack of dietary diversity and insufficient intake of essential micronutrients are public health concerns in northwest China. Nutrition education and other proper methods to address these issues are needed.
Highlights
Micronutrient deficiency, known as “hidden hunger”, is one of the most critical nutritional problems affecting the health of children and adults currently, as well as being one of the most prevalent public health issues worldwide [1]
Yin et al conducted their study among elderly people, partly from urban areas [31], where it is more convenient to access a variety of foods than in rural areas
We found that Han Chinese appeared to have higher odds of Dietary Diversity Score (DDS) than Dongxiang
Summary
Micronutrient deficiency, known as “hidden hunger”, is one of the most critical nutritional problems affecting the health of children and adults currently, as well as being one of the most prevalent public health issues worldwide [1]. While the dietary requirement for micronutrients is quite small, deficiencies can have negative impacts on health that will result in death if untreated [2]. Some research suggests that dietary diversity has a favorable impact on micronutrient adequacy, and is positively associated with health status across age groups [4,5,6]. Some studies have documented that a diverse diet is associated with micronutrient adequacy, and leads to positive health outcomes [7,8,9]. It is critical to assess micronutrient adequacy and diet diversity in vulnerable populations
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