Seasonal variations, and the intra-household distribution of food in a Bangladeshi village

Abstract

Individual food intakes and body weights were measured in 53 rural Bangladeshi households at four seasons. Energy and protein intakes (kcal/kg/d) showed significant seasonal differences for adults and young children (1-4 yr). Energy intakes of women and children were expressed as a proportion of the male household heads', to give an indicator of food allocation. Women's and older children's proportional energy intakes remained constant through the year, and in line with expected values. Young children's proportional intakes were low, girls' being lower than boys'. The only seasonal variation was an increase in young girls' proportional energy intake when household food supplies were lowest. It is concluded that women's proportional intakes are not depressed when family food intake decreases. There is evidence that young girls receive particularly low intakes.