Consumption Of Animal Source Foods Research Articles

Feeding, caregiving practices, and developmental delay among children under five in lowland Nepal: a community-based cross-sectional survey

BackgroundNurturing care, including adequate nutrition, responsive caregiving and early learning, is critical to early childhood development. In Nepal, national surveys highlight inequity in feeding and caregiving practices for young children. Our objective was to describe infant and young child feeding (IYCF) and cognitive and socio-emotional caregiving practices among caregivers of children under five in Dhanusha district, Nepal, and to explore socio-demographic and economic factors associated with these practices.MethodsWe did a cross-sectional analysis of a subset of data from the MIRA Dhanusha cluster randomised controlled trial, including mother-child dyads (N = 1360), sampled when children were median age 46 days and a follow-up survey of the same mother-child dyads (N = 1352) when children were median age 38 months. We used World Health Organization IYCF indicators and questions from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey-4 tool to obtain information on IYCF and cognitive and socio-emotional caregiving practices. Using multivariable logistic regression models, potential explanatory household, parental and child-level variables were tested to determine their independent associations with IYCF and caregiving indicators.ResultsThe prevalence of feeding indicators varied. IYCF indicators, including ever breastfed (99%), exclusive breastfeeding (24-hour recall) (89%), and vegetable/fruit consumption (69%) were common. Problem areas were early initiation of breastfeeding (16%), colostrum feeding (67%), no pre-lacteal feeding (53%), timely introduction of complementary feeding (56%), minimum dietary diversity (49%) and animal-source food consumption (23%). Amongst caregiving indicators, access to 3+ children’s books (7%), early stimulation and responsive caregiving (11%), and participation in early childhood education (27%) were of particular concern, while 64% had access to 2+ toys and 71% received adequate care. According to the Early Child Development Index score, only 38% of children were developmentally on track. Younger children from poor households, whose mothers were young, had not received antenatal visits and delivered at home were at higher risk of poor IYCF and caregiving practices.ConclusionsSuboptimal caregiving practices, inappropriate early breastfeeding practices, delayed introduction of complementary foods, inadequate dietary diversity and low animal-source food consumption are challenges in lowland Nepal. We call for urgent integrated nutrition and caregiving interventions, especially as interventions for child development are lacking in Nepal.

To meat or not to meat: A One Health perspective on animal-source food consumption

Abstract

A behavior change communication intervention, but not livelihood interventions, improves diet diversity and animal-source food consumption among Ghanaian women.

BackgroundWomen of reproductive age (WRA), especially in sub-Saharan Africa, are vulnerable to micronutrient deficiencies driven largely by poor quality diets. Intervening into food value chains, on which many households in low- and middle-income countries depend for their livelihood, may be a promising approach to improving diets in these contexts.ObjectiveIn this pilot-scale randomized trial, we evaluated whether a multisectoral, food value chain intervention improved the diet diversity and the consumption of animal-source foods (ASFs) among WRA in Ghana.DesignTwelve fish-smoking communities in two regions of Ghana with 296 eligible women were randomly assigned to one of three 9-month treatment arms: 1) behavior change communication (BCC) to promote improved diet quality through twice-weekly audio messages and bi-weekly peer-to-peer learning sessions; 2) BCC with microcredit to increase women’s incomes; or 3) BCC with provision of new smoke-oven technology. We assessed baseline-endline and between-treatment arm differences using a 10-food group diet diversity score (DDS), the Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD-W) indicator, and 7-day frequency of ASF consumption.ResultsAmong 118 participants (39 in both treatment arm 1 and treatment arm 3, and 40 in treatment arm 2, with no participant refusals), DDS increased from a mean (SD) of 4.0 (1.3) at baseline to 5.1 (0.9) at endline (P-value < 0.0001). The proportion of women achieving the MDD-W indicator nearly doubled from baseline (35.6%) to endline (69.5%) (P-value < 0.0001). Frequency of ASF consumption similarly increased for meat and poultry (2.7 (4.1) to 4.7 (5.3); P-value < 0.0001) and eggs (1.5 (3.1) to 2.3 (4.9); P-value = 0.02). Few differences in these outcomes were observed among treatment arms.ConclusionsA BCC intervention improved diet diversity and consumption of ASFs among participants. However, neither a group-based microcredit nor improved smoke oven intervention, both of which increased women’s income, led to additional dietary improvements.

Gender and sociocultural factors in animal source foods (ASFs) access and consumption in lower-income households in urban informal settings of Nairobi, Kenya

BackgroundGender shapes household decision-making and access for nutritious diets, including animal source foods (ASFs) that impact on child health and nutrition status. However, research shows that the poorest households in the urban informal settlements of Nairobi have low ASFs consumption. This study was conducted to explore further from a qualitative perspective the gender, sociocultural factors affecting household ASF consumption this study.MethodsTo explore further on the topic of study, an exploratory qualitative study was carried out to establish the factors that influence access, allocation and consumption of animal source foods (ASFs) by households in urban informal settings of Nairobi. Nineteen focus group discussions with men and women were conducted to enable in-depth exploration of ASFs consumption.ResultsGender influences decision-making of household ASFs dietary intake. Gendered power dynamics prevail with men as breadwinners and household heads often determining the food access and consumption of ASFs. Women are increasingly accessing short-term waged-based incomes in urban informal settings and now play a role in food and nutrition security for their households. This enforces the idea that women’s decision-making autonomy is an important aspect of women empowerment, as it relates to women’s dietary diversity and subsequently, better household nutritional status. As evidenced in this study, if a woman has bargaining power based on accessing incomes to support their household food needs, she will not jeopardize food security. The mobile digital money platform was key in enabling access to resources to access food. Use of trust to access food on credit and purchasing smaller packaged quantities of food were also enablers to access of food/ASFs.

Effect of community-based nutritional education on dietary diversity and consumption of animal-source foods among rural preschool-aged children in the Ilu Abba Bor zone of southwest Ethiopia: Quasi-experimental study.

Dietary diversity (DD) is a concern for poor people in developing countries, particularly in Africa. Most people's diets consist primarily of monotonous carbohydrate staples, with little or no animal products and few fresh fruits and vegetables. The aim of this intervention was to see how nutrition education delivered by trained health professionals improved preschool‐aged children's consumption of DD and animal‐sourced foods. The study used a quasi‐experimental design with 588 preschool‐aged children. Researchers used a multistage sample technique followed by a systematic random sampling technique. A χ 2 test was used to determine the baseline differences in demographic and socioeconomic factors between the two groups, as well as the relationship between predictors and child DD and animal‐source foods (ASFs). The researchers used generalized estimating equations to assess the change in the difference in outcomes between the intervention and control groups, as well as the association between predictors and child DD and ASFs. The adjusted odds ratio with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals was reported to show the strength of the association. The findings of this study revealed that there was a highly significant difference in both DD scores (DDS) and ASFs between the control and intervention groups DDS (p < 0.003) and ASF (p < 0.001). According to the findings of this study, nutrition education can significantly improve DDS and ASF consumption among preschool‐aged children.

Consumption of animal source food and associated factors among pregnant women in eastern Ethiopia: A community-based study.

Animal source foods contain quality nutrients, immunity, and behavioral outcome and are important for growth, and development. However, evidence on the level of animal source food consumption frequency and associated factors among pregnant women in Ethiopia, particularly rural residents are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the consumption frequency of animal source food and to identify associated factors among pregnant women in the Haramaya district. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 448 pregnant women. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews by trained research assistants, using a validated frequency questionnaire. Consumption of animal food sources was assessed by counting the frequency of each food from animal sources that pregnant women ate over a seven-day reference period. The highest tertile for animal source food consumption was considered as the high frequency of animal source food consumption; whereas the two lower tertiles were taken as the low frequency of animal source food consumption. A binary logistic regression model was used to investigate the association of the independent variables with the animal source food consumption. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was reported to show an association using a p-value <0.05. The high frequency of animal source food consumption among the study participants was 24.78% (95% CI = 21%-29%). High animal source food consumption was more likely higher among respondents who were literate (AOR = 1.80; 95% CI = 1.048-3.095), and those who owned milk cows (ARO = 1.70; 95% CI = 1.003-2.863). However, respondent who reported chewing khat (AOR = 0.51; 95% CI = 0.313-0.805) (AOR = 0.56; 95% CI = 0.349-0.903), were less likely experienced animal source food consumption. We found low animal source food consumption among pregnant women in this predominantly rural setting. Women's educational level and milk cow ownership were positively associated with animal source food consumption. Additionally, a lower frequency of animal source food consumption was observed among women who reported chewing khat. Therefore, nutrition policy programs and interventions aimed at encouraging maternal nutritional guidance and counseling are recommended.

Consumption of Animal Source Foods Is Associated With Differences in Breastmilk Energy and Macronutrient Composition in Rural Bangladesh

ObjectivesTo quantify associations of maternal consumption of animal source foods during lactation with maternal milk (MM) energy and macronutrient composition in a population with a high burden of childhood stunting.MethodsWe studied 99 mother-infant dyads from the Projahnmo pregnancy cohort in Sylhet, Bangladesh. Data on maternal diet was collected using a food frequency questionnaire administered at 1-month postpartum. Mothers reported how many times (never to daily) a food item was consumed in the past 7 days. We assessed intakes of red meat, liver, poultry, fish, eggs, and milk and milk products (sum of milk, yoghurt, milk powder, and khoa). Mothers collected their milk mid-feed at 1-month postpartum. True protein, fat, and total carbohydrate content of MM were determined using mid-infrared transmission spectroscopy (MIRIS AB, Uppsala, Sweden). Total energy was calculated using the Atwater general calorie conversion factor. To quantify associations of animal source food consumption with MM composition, we used linear regression analysis, adjusting for maternal body mass index, household wealth quintile, and days postpartum.ResultsMedian maternal age was 24 years. 31% of mothers were underweight and 15% were overweight/obese at enrollment. MM samples were collected at a median of 50 days postpartum. The median MM energy content was 22.9 kcal/oz. Median fat content was 4.7 g/dL, carbohydrate 7.8 g/dL, and protein 0.9 g/dL. In adjusted analyses, each serving/week of milk and milk products was associated with increased MM energy (β 0.33 kcal/oz; 95% CI 0.06, 0.60) and fat (β 0.13 g/dL; 95% CI 0.03, 0.23). Each serving/week of liver was associated with decreased carbohydrate (β −0.06 g/dL; 95% CI −0.11, −0.01) and increased protein (β 0.06 g/dL; 95% CI 0.02, 0.10) content. Each serving/week of red meat was associated with increased protein content (β 0.06 g/dL; 95% CI 0.01, 0.12). Intake of total animal source foods, poultry, fish, and eggs was not associated with MM composition.ConclusionsIntakes of some animal source foods were associated with MM composition at 1-month postpartum in rural Bangladesh. Increasing consumption of certain animal source foods during lactation could be an effective strategy to optimize MM composition, which may benefit infant growth outcomes in low-to-middle-income countries.Funding SourcesNICHD, Brigham Research Institute.

The Effects of 1 Egg per Day on Iron and Anemia Status among Young Malawian Children: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial

ABSTRACTBackgroundYoung children with diets lacking diversity with low consumption of animal source foods are at risk of iron deficiency anemia (IDA).ObjectivesOur objectives were to determine the impact of supplementing diets with 1 egg/d on 1) plasma ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), body iron index (BII), and hemoglobin concentrations and 2) the prevalence of iron deficiency (ID), anemia, and IDA.MethodsMalawian 6–9-mo-old infants in the Mazira trial (clinicaltrials.gov; NCT03385252) were individually randomly assigned to receive 1 egg/d for 6 mo (n = 331) or continue their usual diet (n = 329). In this secondary analysis, hemoglobin, plasma ferritin, sTfR, C-reactive protein (CRP), and α-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) were measured at enrollment and 6-mo follow-up. Iron biomarkers were corrected for inflammation. Ferritin, sTfR, BII, and hemoglobin were compared between groups using linear regression. Prevalence ratios (PRs) for anemia (hemoglobin <11 g/dL) and ID (ferritin <12 µg/L, sTfR >8.3 mg/L, or BII <0 mg/kg) between groups were compared using log binomial or modified Poisson regression.ResultsA total of 585 children were included in this analysis (Egg: n = 286; Control: n = 299). At enrollment, the total prevalence of anemia was 61% and did not differ between groups. At 6-mo follow-up, groups did not differ in geometric mean concentration of hemoglobin [mean (95% CI); Egg: 10.9 (10.7, 11.1) g/dL; Control: 11.1 (10.9, 11.2) g/dL] and inflammation-adjusted ferritin [Egg: 6.52 (5.98, 7.10) µg/L; Control: 6.82 (6.27, 7.42) µg/L], sTfR [Egg: 11.34 (10.92, 11.78) mg/L; Control: 11.46 (11.04, 11.89) mg/L] or BII [Egg: 0.07 (0.06, 0.09) mg/kg; Control: 0.07 (0.05, 0.08) mg/kg]. There were also no group differences in anemia [Egg: 46%; Control 40%; PR: 1.15 (95% CI: 0.96, 1.38)], ID [PR: 0.99 (0.94, 1.05)], or IDA [PR: 1.12 (0.92, 1.36)].ConclusionsProviding eggs daily for 6 mo did not affect iron status or anemia prevalence in this context. Other interventions are needed to address the high prevalence of ID and anemia among young Malawian children. This trial is registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03385252.

A Quasi-Experimental Evaluation of a Nutrition Behavior Change Intervention Delivered Through Women’s Self-Help Groups in Rural India: Impacts on Maternal and Young Child Diets, Anthropometry, and Intermediate Outcomes

ABSTRACTBackgroundWomen's self-help groups (SHGs) have become one of the largest institutional platforms serving the poor. Nutrition behavior change communication (BCC) interventions delivered through SHGs can improve maternal and child nutrition outcomes.ObjectivesThe objective was to understand the effects of a nutrition BCC intervention delivered through SHGs in rural India on intermediate outcomes and nutrition outcomes.MethodsWe compared 16 matched blocks where communities were supported to form SHGs and improve livelihoods; 8 blocks received a 3-y nutrition intensive (NI) intervention with nutrition BCC, and agriculture- and rights-based information, facilitated by a trained female volunteer; another 8 blocks received standard activities (STD) to support savings/livelihoods. Repeated cross-sectional surveys of mother-child pairs were conducted in 2017–2018 (n = 1609 pairs) and 2019–2020 (n = 1841 pairs). We matched treatment groups over time and applied difference-in-difference regression models to estimate impacts on intermediate outcomes (knowledge, income, agriculture/livelihoods, rights, empowerment) and nutrition outcomes (child feeding, woman's diet, woman and child anthropometry). Analyses were repeated on households with ≥1 SHG member.ResultsForty percent of women were SHG members and 50% were from households with ≥1 SHG member. Only 10% of women in NI blocks had heard of intervention content at endline. Knowledge improved in both NI and STD groups. There was a positive NI impact on knowledge of timely introduction of animal-sourced foods to children (P < 0.05) but not on other intermediate outcomes. No impacts were observed for anthropometry or diet indicators except child animal-source food consumption (P < 0.01). In households with ≥1 SHG member, there was a positive NI impact on child unhealthy food consumption (P < 0.05).ConclusionsLimited impacts could be due to limited exposure or skills of volunteers, and a concurrent national nutrition campaign. Our findings add to a growing literature on SHG-based BCC interventions and the conditions necessary for their success.

Dietary Intake and Pneumococcal Vaccine Response Among Children (5-7 Years) in Msambweni Division, Kwale County, Kenya.

BackgroundVaccine and sufficient food availability are key factors for reducing pneumonia outbreaks in sub-Saharan Africa.MethodsIn this study, the 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Synflorix® or PCV10) was administered to a child cohort (5–7 years old, n = 237) in Msambweni, Kenya, to determine relationships between dietary intake, nutritional/socioeconomic status of mothers/caregivers, and vaccine response. 7-day food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), dietary diversity score (DDS) and single 24-h dietary recall were used to address participants' dietary assessment and nutritional status. Individual food varieties were recorded and divided into 9 food groups as recommended by Food and Agriculture Organization. Anthropometric measurements, nasopharyngeal swabs and vaccine administration were performed at the initial visit. Participants were followed 4–8 weeks with a blood draw for pneumococcal IgG titers assessed by Luminex assay.FindingsChronic malnutrition was prevalent in the cohort (15% stunting, 16% underweight). Unbalanced dietary intake was observed, with mean energy intake 14% below Recommended Dietary Allowances (1,822 Kcal) for 5–7 years age range. 72% of the daily energy was derived from carbohydrates, 18% from fats and only 10% from proteins. Poor anthropometric status (stunting/underweight) was associated with low socioeconomic/educational status and younger mother/caregiver age (p < 0.002). Limited intake of essential micronutrients (vitamins A, E, K) and minerals (calcium, potassium) associated with low consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables, and animal source foods (dairy, meat) was observed and correlated with poor vaccine response (p < 0.001). In contrast, children who consumed higher amounts of dietary fiber, vitamin B1, zinc, iron, and magnesium had adequate vaccine response (p < 0.05). Correlation between higher dietary diversity score (DDS), higher Vitamin E, K, Zinc intake and adequate vaccine response was also observed (p < 0.03).InterpretationOverall, this study highlights ongoing food scarcity and malnutrition in Kenya and demonstrates the links between adequate socioeconomic conditions, adequate nutrient intake, and vaccine efficacy.

Reducing meat consumption: The influence of life course transitions, barriers and enablers, and effective strategies according to young Dutch adults

High consumption of animal-source foods, specifically meat, adversely affects human health and the environment. Dietary habits are shaped at younger ages and a reduction in meat consumption may be facilitated by the life course transitions in early adulthood, but studies are limited. This study among young Dutch adults aimed to describe their perceptions on the influence of life course transitions on meat consumption, barriers and enablers to reduce meat consumption, and strategies for reducing meat consumption. Barriers and enablers were grouped applying the COM-B model that includes capability, opportunity, and motivation. This quantitative cross-sectional study included a representative sample of 1806 young adults from two Dutch consumer panels who completed an online survey. Young adults frequently reported life course transitions, especially those related to moving house, to have decreased their meat consumption. Barriers and enablers to reduce meat consumption were identified for all three factors of the COM-B model. Important barriers included taste, perceived high prices of meat alternatives, and habits. In contrast, important enablers included care for the environment and animal welfare, enjoyment of smaller portions of meat and saving money. However, barriers and enablers largely differed by groups of meat consumption frequency. Self-perceived effective strategies for reducing meat consumption were price reduction of meat alternatives, recipes for vegetarian meals, and more attractive meat alternatives. The findings of this study are relevant for the development of targeted behaviour-change programmes including interventions in the physical and the social environment (like lowering prices and improving the offer of meat alternatives).

Predictors of Major Dietary Patterns Among Pregnant Women Attending Public Health Facilities in Eastern Ethiopia: A New Epidemiological Approach.

BackgroundDietary pattern analysis is a robust statistical procedure that efficiently characterize the dietary intakes of individuals. However, there is a lack of robust dietary intake evidence beyond nutrient intake in Ethiopia. This study was to answer, what are the major dietary consumption patterns and its predictors among pregnant women in Ethiopia.MethodsA facility-based survey among 380 randomly selected pregnant women using a contextualized food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) over 1 month recall was used. The frequency of food consumption was standardized to daily frequency equivalents, and a sequential exploratory factor analysis was used to derive major dietary patterns. A multivariable ordinary logistic regression model was fitted with all its assumptions.ResultsThree major dietary patterns (“fruits and animal-source foods,” “cereals, tubers, and sweet foods,” “legumes and vegetables”), explaining 65% of the total variation were identified. Women snacks (AOR = 1.93; 1.23–2.75), without food aversion (AOR = 1.59; 1.08–2.35), non-fasting (AOR = 0.75; 1.12–2.12), and receiving nutritional counseling (AOR = 1.96; 1.25–3.07) were significantly positively associated with a higher tercile of fruits and animal-source food consumption. Non-working mothers (AOR = 1.8;1.23–2.76), chronic disease (AOR = 1.88; 1.14–3.09), or received nutritional counseling (AOR = 1.33; 0.88–2.01), were fasting (AOR = 1.33;0.88–2.01), and no food cravings (AOR = 4.27;2.67–6.84), and aversion (AOR = 1.60;1.04–2.44) had significantly higher odds of consuming cereals, tubers, and sweet foods. Literacy (AOR = 1.87; 1.14–3.09), urban residence (AOR = 2.10; 1.10–3.93), low socioeconomic class (AOR = 2.68; 1.30–5.23), and skipping meals (AOR = 1.73; 1.15–2.62) were associated with higher odds of legume and vegetable consumption.ConclusionSocioeconomic class, literacy, occupation, getting nutritional counseling, habits of food craving, food aversion, and fasting can predict a woman’s dietary pattern.

Individual and community-level factors associated with animal source food consumption among children aged 6-23 months in Ethiopia: Multilevel mixed effects logistic regression model.

Diversified diet in childhood has irreplaceable role for optimal growth. However, multi-level factors related to low animal source food consumption among children were poorly understood in Ethiopia, where such evidences are needed for decision making. To investigate the magnitude and individual- and community-level predictors of animal source food (ASF) consumption among children aged 6-23 months in Ethiopia. We utilized a cross-sectional pooled data from 2016/19 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Surveys. A stratified two-stage cluster design was employed to select households with survey weights were applied to account for complex sample design. We fitted mixed-effects logit regression models on 4,423 children nested within 645 clusters. The fixed effect models were fitted and expressed as adjusted odds ratio with their 95% confidence intervals and measures of variation were explained by intra-class correlation coefficients, median odds ratio and proportional change in variance. The deviance information criterion and Akaike information Criterion were used as model fitness criteria. in Ethiopia, only 22.7% (20.5%-23.9%) of children aged 6-23 months consumed ASF. Younger children aged 6-8 months (AOR = 3.1; 95%CI: 2.4-4.1), home delivered children (AOR = 1.8; 1.4-2.3), from low socioeconomic class (AOR = 2.43; 1.7-3.5); low educational level of mothers (AOR = 1.9; 95%CI: 1.48-2.45) and children from multiple risk pregnancy were significant predictors of low animal source consumption at individual level. While children from high community poverty level (AOR = 1.53; 1.2-1.95); rural residence (AOR = 2.2; 95%CI: 1.7-2.8) and pastoralist areas (AOR = 5.4; 3.4-8.5) significantly predict animal source food consumption at community level. About 38% of the variation of ASF consumption is explained by the combined predictors at the individual and community-level while 17.8% of the variation is attributed to differences between clusters. This study illustrates that the current ASF consumption among children is poor and a multiple interacting individual- and community level factors determine ASF consumption. In designing and implementing nutritional interventions addressing diversified diet consumption shall give a due consideration and account for these potential predictors of ASF consumption.

More evidence on cash transfers and child nutritional outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundCash transfer (CT) programmes are an increasingly common approach to alleviate poverty and inequality and improving child health and nutrition, as well as supporting other goals such as education. Evidence...

Magnitude and determinants of animal source food consumption among children aged 6\u201323\u2009months in Ethiopia: secondary analysis of the 2016 Ethiopian demographic and health survey

BackgroundUndernutrition puts children in a physical and cognitive disadvantage. Animal source foods (ASFs) are important components of nutritious diets and play a significant role in increasing dietary diversity and minimizing the risk of undernutrition among children. Ethiopia still suffers from child undernutrition and there’s no adequate information regarding consumption of ASFs. The objective of this study was to determine the magnitude and determinanats of ASF consumption among children 6–23 months of age.MethodologyA total weighted sample of 2861 children drawn from the 2016 Ethiopian demographic and health survey was analyzed using “SVY” command of STATA 14.0. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the independent determinants of ASF consumption. The strength of the association was measured by odds ratio and 95% confidence interval and p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsNearly half (46.5%) of the children reported consuming any type of ASF. Religion, child age, number of household assets, number of livestock owned by a household, and ownership of land usable for agriculture were significant determinants of the outcome variable. The odds of ASF consumption were six times, twice, and 70% lower in orthodox children compared to other (catholic, traditional, or others), muslim, and protestant children, respectively. Household ownership of assets and livestock led to an increase in consumption of ASF by 19 and 2%, respectively. Children aged 18–23 months were more likely to consume ASF as compared to the younger age group (6–8 months old children). In the contrary, children from households that own land usable for agriculture were 33% less likely to consume ASFs as compared to those from households that do not own.ConclusionsIn Ethiopia, only nearly half of children aged 6–23 months consume any type of ASF. The findings of this study imply that ASF consumption can be increased through integrated actions that involve community and religious leaders and programs focused on empowering households’ capability of owning other socioeconomic entities including assets and livestock. This study also may contribute to the growing body of research works on the importance of ASF provision in preventing child undernutrition.

Factors associated with food consumption score among pregnant women in Eastern Ethiopia: a community-based study

IntroductionAlthough assessing the nutritional status of pregnant women is becoming a common research agenda, evidence on food consumption scores, particularly among rural residents, is limited. This study aimed to assess the level of food consumption score and associated factors among pregnant women in Haramaya district, eastern Ethiopia, 2021.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 448 pregnant women in Haramaya district, eastern Ethiopia. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews by trained research assistants, using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Food consumption score, a proxy measure for food security, was assessed through a seven-day dietary recall of consumption of food items. Each food item was given a score of 0–7 depending on the number of days it was consumed then grouped into food groups and summed up each food group. The pregnant women were labeled as "acceptable food consumption score" when they had a food composite score of > 42 during the reference period. Otherwise, they were defined as "unacceptable." A Poisson regression model with robust variance estimation was used to investigate the association of the independent variables with the food consumption score. An adjusted prevalence ratio with a 95% confidence interval was reported to show an association using a p value < 0.05.ResultsThe acceptable food consumption score among the study participants was 54.46% (95% CI 49–59%). The level of acceptable food consumption score was higher among respondents who were in the richest class (APR = 1.31; 95% CI 1.04–1.66), those who had ANC follow-up (APR = 1.78; 95% CI 1.40–2.27), those who had a favorable attitude toward dietary practice (APR = 1.30; 95% CI 1.12–1.52), and those who consumed high animal source foods (APR = 1.28; 95% CI 1.01–1.51). However, acceptable food consumption score was lower among women who were not owned agricultural land (APR = 0.84; 95% CI 0.72–0.99).ConclusionWe found a low acceptable food consumption score among pregnant women in this predominantly rural setting. Nutritional counseling in pregnancy should address the importance of food diversity and consumption of animal source foods to improve nutrition in pregnancy. Our findings highlight the imperative requirement for policies and programs to support farmers who had no farmland to improve their overall food security and maximize their food consumption score. Assessing perinatal outcomes associated with food consumption score is essential for unraveling the spectrum of nutrition in pregnancy and beyond.

Global, regional, and national consumption of animal-source foods between 1990 and 2018: findings from the Global Dietary Database

SummaryBackgroundDiet is a major modifiable risk factor for human health and overall consumption patterns affect planetary health. We aimed to quantify global, regional, and national consumption levels of animal-source foods (ASF) to inform intervention, surveillance, and policy priorities.MethodsIndividual-level dietary surveys across 185 countries conducted between 1990 and 2018 were identified, obtained, standardised, and assessed among children and adults, jointly stratified by age, sex, education level, and rural versus urban residence. We included 499 discrete surveys (91·2% nationally or subnationally representative) with data for ASF (unprocessed red meat, processed meat, eggs, seafood, milk, cheese, and yoghurt), comprising 3·8 million individuals from 134 countries representing 95·2% of the world population in 2018. We used Bayesian hierarchical models to account for differences in survey methods and representativeness, time trends, and input data and modelling uncertainty, with five-fold cross-validation.FindingsIn 2018, mean global intake per person of unprocessed red meat was 51 g/day (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 48–54; region-specific range 7–114 g/day); 17 countries (23·9% of the world's population) had mean intakes of at least one serving (100 g) per day. Global mean intake of processed meat was 17 g/day (95% UI 15–21 g/day; region-specific range 3–54 g/day); seafood, 28 g/day (27–30 g/day; 12–44 g/day); eggs, 21 g/day (18–24 g/day; 6–35 g/day); milk 88 g/day (84–93 g/day; 45–185 g/day); cheese, 8 g/day (8–10 g/day; 1–34 g/day); and yoghurt, 20 g/day (17–23 g/day; 7–84 g/day). Mean national intakes were at least one serving per day for processed meat (≥50 g/day) in countries representing 6·9% of the global population; for cheese (≥42 g/day) in 2·3%; for eggs (≥55 g/day) in 0·7%; for milk (≥245 g/day) in 0·3%; for seafood (≥100 g/day) in 0·8%; and for yoghurt (≥245 g/day) in less than 0·1%. Among the 25 most populous countries in 2018, total ASF intake was highest in Russia (5·8 servings per day), Germany (3·8 servings per day), and the UK (3·7 servings per day), and lowest in Tanzania (0·9 servings per day) and India (0·7 servings per day). Global and regional intakes of ASF were generally similar by sex. Compared with children, adults generally consumed more unprocessed red meat, seafood and cheese, and less milk; energy-adjusted intakes of other ASF were more similar. Globally, ASF intakes (servings per week) were higher among more-educated versus less-educated adults, with greatest global differences for milk (0·79), eggs (0·47), unprocessed red meat (0·42), cheese (0·28), seafood (0·28), yoghurt (0·22), and processed meat (0·21). This was also true for urban compared to rural areas, with largest global differences (servings per week) for unprocessed red meat (0·47), milk (0·38), and eggs (0·20). Between 1990 and 2018, global intakes (servings per week) increased for unprocessed red meat (1·20), eggs (1·18), milk (0·63), processed meat (0·50), seafood (0·44), and cheese (0·14).InterpretationOur estimates of ASF consumption identify populations with both lower and higher than optimal intakes. These estimates can inform the targeting of intervention, surveillance, and policy priorities relevant to both human and planetary health.FundingBill & Melinda Gates Foundation and American Heart Association.

The role of seafood in sustainable diets

Recent discussions of healthy and sustainable diets encourage increased consumption of plants and decreased consumption of animal-source foods (ASFs) for both human and environmental health. Seafood is often peripheral in these discussions. This paper examines the relative environmental costs of sourcing key nutrients from different kinds of seafood, other ASFs, and a range of plant-based foods. We linked a nutrient richness index for different foods to life cycle assessments of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the production of these foods to evaluate nutritional benefits relative to this key indicator of environmental impacts. The lowest GHG emissions to meet average nutrient requirement values were found in grains, tubers, roots, seeds, wild-caught small pelagic fish, farmed carp and bivalve shellfish. The highest GHG emissions per nutrient supply are in beef, lamb, wild-caught prawns, farmed crustaceans, and pork. Among ASFs, some fish and shellfish have GHG emissions at least as low as plants and merit inclusion in food systems policymaking for their potential to support a healthy, sustainable diet. However, other aquatic species and production methods deliver nutrition to diets at environmental costs at least as high as land-based meat production. It is important to disaggregate seafood by species and production method in ‘planetary health diet’ advice.

Understanding how food safety risk perception influences dietary decision making among women in Phenom Phnom Penh, Cambodia: a qualitative study

ObjectivesTo determine women’s perception of the risk of food safety and how it relates to diet, health and decision making as part of formative research for a market-based intervention that...

The effect of mothers and caregivers' fasting status on the dietary diversity of children 6-23 months: A longitudinal study in Debrebirhan, Ethiopia.

There are various religions in Ethiopia, of which the Orthodox Tewahido Christian accounts for 44% of the population. According to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido practice close to 200 days annually are dedicated to fasting. During this time, all followers who are above seven years old are expected to abstain from all types of food, including animal source foods and water for up to some hours daily. It is possible that such practice by mothers or caregivers could affect children's dietary practice. However, whether mothers/caregivers' fasting status influences dietary diversity of children during these periods remained uninvestigated. A community-based longitudinal study was conducted in Debrebirhan, North Shewa Zone, Ethiopia in seven randomly selected kebeles. We collected data in a sample of 218 mothers/caregivers, from January 29 to February 25, 2019 in the pre-fasting period and from March 18 to April 10, 2019, during fasting period on same participants. Data was entered on Epi-Data version 4.4.2.1 and analyzed using STATA 15 software. Children's dietary diversity was measured using the World Health Organization (WHO) standardized questionnaire for infant and young child feeding. The McNemar paired test was used for comparison of baseline and end line measurements. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. A total of 218 and 216 mothers/caregivers with children 6-23 months participated in the study before and during fasting season with a response rate of 100.0% and 99.0% respectively. The median age of children was 14 months. The proportion of children who met the minimum dietary diversity before the fasting season was significantly higher (23.4%) compared to during the fasting period (5.5%). (P<0.001). The proportion of children who consumed dairy product was significantly higher (55.5%) before the fasting period compared to consumption during the fasting period (42.6%) (p<0.001). Similarly, consumption of flesh food was significantly higher before the fasting period (17.9%) compared to consumption during the fasting period (0.46%) (P<0.001). The study revealed that mothers/caregivers' fasting status negatively affect the dietary diversity of children aged 6-23 months in the household by decreasing their consumption of animal source food. Intervention strategies in promoting children's dietary diversity should be designed in a way that considers Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Christian mothers/caregivers' fasting practice.