Abstract
Background and objectives: Several studies revealed clinical signs of stunting and rickets among rural populations of Tibet Autonomous Region (T.A.R.), and especially amid children. Further, these populations are affected by a bone disease named Kashin-Beck disease (KBD). However, little is known about the dietary status of this population. This survey aimed to assess the usual intakes of young Tibetan children living in rural areas around Lhasa for energy, water, and ten minerals and trace elements (Na, K, Ca, P, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Se) involved in bone metabolism. Design: A cross-sectional survey was designed. Totally, 250 pre-school children aged 3–5 years living in rural areas were enrolled. The 24-h food recall method was used to collect the intakes for two days, during two different seasons (September 2012 and April 2013). Because Tibetan foods are mainly derived from local agriculture and artisanal production, a combination of food composition tables was compiled, including specific and local food composition data. Results: The Chinese dietary recommended intakes are not met for most of the elements investigated. Intake of sodium is much too high, while usual intakes are too low for K, Ca, Zn, Cu, and Se. Bioavailability of Ca, Fe, and Zn may be of concern due to the high phytic acid content in the diet. Conclusion: These nutrient imbalances may impact growth and bone metabolism of young Tibetan children. The advantages of the implementation of food diversification programs are discussed as well as the relevance of supplements distribution.
Highlights
According to a previous study [1], populations of the Tibet Autonomous Region (T.A.R.) share four macro-ecosystems: the urban zones; the suburban zones; the agricultural zones; and the pastoral zones inhabited by nomads
This study was conducted according to the guidelines laid down in the Declaration of Helsinki and all procedures involving human subjects/patients were approved by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of Tibet Autonomous Region
Zinc has its bioavailability strongly affected by foods high in phytic acid [71], but the usual intake calculated in this study provides only 36% of the Chinese
Summary
According to a previous study [1], populations of the Tibet Autonomous Region (T.A.R.) share four macro-ecosystems: the urban zones; the suburban zones; the agricultural zones; and the pastoral zones inhabited by nomads. Several studies focusing on anthropometric measurements and nutritional status assessment have been conducted [4,5,6] They invariably observed clinical signs of malnutrition and concluded on a poor nutritional status of the rural Tibetans, with a diet low in vegetables, meat and dairy products, but rich in cereals. Several studies revealed clinical signs of stunting and rickets among rural populations of Tibet Autonomous Region (T.A.R.), and especially amid children These populations are affected by a bone disease named Kashin-Beck disease (KBD). Little is known about the dietary status of this population This survey aimed to assess the usual intakes of young Tibetan children living in rural areas around Lhasa for energy, water, and ten minerals and trace elements (Na, K, Ca, P, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Se) involved in bone metabolism.
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