Dietary diversity scores predict dietary micronutrient adequacy among school children in rural Kenya

Abstract

We explored the ability of dietary diversity scores to predict micronutrient intake among school children in rural Kenya. Three non‐consecutive 24‐hour recalls were administered to assess 520 school children's dietary intake in May‐August 1998. Diversity scores were calculated as counts of the number of food groups reported. Food groups included cereals/tubers; dark‐green leafy vegetables; vitamin A‐rich fruits/vegetables; vitamin C‐rich fruits/vegetables; other fruits/vegetables; dairy; meat/fish/poultry and legumes/nuts. Three diversity scores were constructed based on minimum amount required to make a food group count: DDS for a minimum intake of 1g, DDS‐15 for a minimum intake of 15g, and DDS‐V with variable minimum intake levels across food groups. The probability approach was used to estimate dietary adequacy of 12 vitamins and minerals. The mean probability of adequacy, ranging from 0 to 1 and a mean of 0.59 ± 0.07, was used as a measure of overall dietary adequacy. All three diversity scores were significantly associated with MPA. Correlations ranged from 0.46 for DDS to 0.51 for DDS‐V. Thus, all three measures of diversity may be used as indicators of dietary nutrient adequacy, although DDS‐V performed somewhat better than DDS or DDS‐15. The analysis contributes to the continued search for simpler indicators of dietary micronutrient adequacy and is the first among school children in Africa.