Food Security Levels and Dietary Intake in Mexican Women from Sinaloa

Abstract

Abstract Objectives We aim to compare dietary intakes among food secure and food insecure vulnerable women from Culiacan, Sinaloa. Methods Cross-sectional study design. We collected data by direct interviews from adult females. Questionnaires included socio-demographic characteristics, the Mexican Food Security Scale and a 24-h recall. Weight and height were measured, and BMI was calculated. Associations between food security levels and dietary intakes were assessed using Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables and Χ2 test for categorical variables. Data is presented as mean ± SD or median (IQR). Results One hundred and seventy five women (aged: 46.2 ± 15.9 y; BMI: 29.8 ± 6.8 k/m2), participated in this research. The prevalence of household food security (HFS) was 51%, whereas 49% of the population reported some level of household food insecurity (HFI); 26% mild insecurity, 12% moderate insecurity and 11% severe insecurity. Energy intake was 1586 kcal (1149, 2147 kcal), the percentage of energy from carbohydrates was 56%, from fat 28%, and from protein 16%. Daily intake of saturated fat did not comply with the national recommendation, saturated fat provided 11% of daily energy, monounsaturated fat 10%, and polyunsaturated fat 7%. There were no differences between groups (HFS vs. HFI) for age, BMI and energy intake; however, the HFS group had a significantly higher intake of saturated fat; 19 vs. 13 g (P = 0.006). Sugar and calcium intake were also higher in the HFS than in the HFI group, 69 vs. 51 g and 716 vs. 510 mg, respectively (P < 0.05). Total fat (53 vs. 43 g), riboflavin (1.27 vs. 0.99 mg) and vitamin A (398 vs. 337 µg RE) showed a trend towards an increased intake in the HFS group (P < 0.100). Food security is associated with higher intake of macro and micronutrients, although further analysis is needed to identify the main food sources of saturated fat, sugar and calcium. Conclusions Although there is a high prevalence of overweight and obesity, deficient dietary intake of micronutrients could indicate the presence of “hidden hunger” (micronutrients deficiencies) on this vulnerable population. A better understanding of the relationship between food security and dietary intake in this population, may be useful in developing successful interventions. Funding Sources UAS, CONACyT.