Abstract
This study aimed to investigate whether the Kenyan Food Pyramid (FP) can evaluate excess or insufficient nutrient intake. Participants were farmers (56 men and 64 women, aged 18–60 years) in Wangige Village, Kiambu County—a peri-urban area of Kenya. Cross-sectional data were collected for demographic characteristics, physical measurements, and 2-day and 24-h dietary recalls. The average adherence level to the FP (hereafter, “FP score”) was 25.0 out of 50.0, with a minimum and maximum of 14.1 and 41.5, respectively. Energy and protein % energy ratio were significantly higher (p for trend < 0.05) in the higher FP score group. A higher FP score was also associated with a higher energy-adjusted micronutrient intake, and it was more likely to meet nutrient requirements. However, the higher FP score group had a higher risk of excess sodium intake (p for trend < 0.001). The Kenyan FP could be a useful tool for avoiding the risk of insufficient nutrient intake, but not for avoiding high energy and sodium intake. It is necessary to include appropriate evaluations to limit energy, sugar, and salt. Food groups and recommendations of the FP should be optimised according to the dietary environment of the target population so as to promote their health.
Highlights
The double burden of malnutrition, characterised by the coexistence of overnutrition—such as obesity—and undernutrition—including micronutrient deficiencies, stunting, wasting, and being underweight—is of public health importance [1]
This study evaluated the level of adherence based on the recommended amounts for each food group as shown in the Kenyan Food Pyramid (FP), following the method prescribed by Kurotani et al [13]
The higher FP score group tended to include more participants engaged in full-time farming—there was no association between the FP score and socioeconomic status (SES)
Summary
The double burden of malnutrition, characterised by the coexistence of overnutrition—such as obesity—and undernutrition—including micronutrient deficiencies, stunting, wasting, and being underweight—is of public health importance [1]. According to the STEPwise SURVEY for NCD Risk Factors in 2015, 27% of Kenyan adults were overweight or obese, and 24% of them had hypertension [4]. One of the main causes of the double burden of malnutrition is nutrition transition, along with rapid economic growth, globalisation, and urbanisation [1]. A review of nutrition transition in sub-Saharan Africa showed that the main causes of overweight and obesity included lifestyle changes, such as physical inactivity, and increased energy, fat, and sugar intake, in addition to other sociodemographic factors [9]. It is important to address the double burden simultaneously through the promotion of diversified, balanced, and healthy diets, including adequate amounts of high-quality protein and fat, plenty of vegetables and fruits, and moderate amounts of sugar and salts [10,11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
