Consumption Of Rich Foods Research Articles

A CLINICAL STUDY OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ABHAYA PIPPALAYADI YOGA ON AMLAPITTA ROGA (ACIDITY)

Now a days, polluted environment, irregular routine, harmful and improper diet, such as excessive consumption of rich food, soft drinks, tea, coffee, excessive consumption of drugs (Smoking, Alcoholism, Tobacco etc.), day dreaming, night awakening and craving for more pleasures Human physical and mental abilities have greatly decreased, as a result of which diseases and stress surround the body and mind all the time. The special effect of geographical environment and food habits has also been seen on the origin of acidity disease. In Malvanchal's food and drink, foods made from gram flour, food items containing more chili- spices and rich food items are used in large quantities. The residents of this region who are used to eating sev made of gram flour, salty as well as other spicy things, are more likely to suffer from acidity due to the special food style. From the priceless treasure of Ayurveda, for the treatment of acidity, the best, easily accessible and low- cost "Abhaya Pippalyadi" Yoga from Bhaishajya Ratnavali with all the components of Abhaya Pippalyadi Yoga (Haritaki, Pippali, Draksha, Sita, Dhanyak, Yavasa) has Pitta virechana and Kostha suddhi effect and it can be inferred from the virtues of being madhura vipaka and Sheetavirya properties that it is a successful and cheap medicine for acidity. KEYWORDS: Amlapitta roga, Acidity, Abhaya Pippalyadi Yoga, Ayurveda.

Vitamin D intakes and food sources in breastfeeding women in Ireland: findings from the WellFed study

Limited sunshine and dietary vitamin D make vitamin D deficiency very common in Ireland. Breastfeeding is the universal recommendation and supplies the best combination of nutrients and bioactive factors for all infants(1). However, maternal diet and nutrition status impacts concentrations of certain nutrients in breastmilk and therefore vitamin D concentrations can be lower than recommended for infants(2,3). This study aimed to determine the vitamin D intakes and food sources of breastfeeding mothers in Ireland.Data was collected as part of the WellFed study, a 4-week randomised control trial investigating the effectiveness of a food supplement containing a protein hydrolysate and beta glucan (Wellmune®) during lactation on immune and gut health (LS-23-07-OSullivan). Participant vitamin D intakes were assessed using FoodBook24 self-completed 24-hour recalls. Foods were grouped into food groups to determine their contribution to intake as well as the contribution from natural and added vitamin D foods. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics (version 27).Dietary analysis of 45 participants indicated that maternal vitamin D intakes were low (6.4 ± 4.6μg/day). Most participants (96%) did not meet the 15μg/day recommendation, despite 56% of participants reporting they consumed some form of vitamin D supplement. Natural vitamin D foods like eggs and egg dishes, fish and fish products, meat and meat products and foods with added vitamin D including breakfast cereals, beverages, and milk and yoghurt were the key food groups contributing to intake, with the majority coming from natural food sources.Low dietary vitamin D intake is common among breastfeeding women and diet alone is insufficient to achieve the daily vitamin D requirements even when supplements are consumed. As natural food sources of vitamin D are limited and infrequently consumed, recommendations to consume more vitamin D foods may not be successful as a standalone strategy to improve vitamin D status. A combination of approaches including the promotion of vitamin D rich food consumption, supplementation strategies, and the introduction of food fortification policies may be a feasible method for improving vitamin D across the population.

Wealth-related inequality in vitamin A rich food consumption among children of age 6-23 months in Ethiopia; Wagstaff decomposition of the 2019 mini-DHS data.

Vitamin A (VA) cannot be made in the human body and thus foods rich in VA are the only sources of vitamin A for the body. However, ensuring availability in adequate amount of foods rich in VA remains a challenge, mainly in low-income counties including Ethiopia. In addition, children from the poorest and less educated families of same country have disproportionately limited consumptions of foods rich in VA. Therefore, the present study aimed assessing the wealth related inequality in vitamin A consumption (VAC) and decompose it to the various contributing factors. This study was conducted using the 2019 Ethiopian demographic and health survey data on a weighted sample of 1,497 children of age 6-23 months in Ethiopia. The wealth related inequality in VAC was quantified using concentration index and plotted using concentration curve. The Wagstaff decomposition analysis was performed to assess the relative contributions of each explanatory variable to the inequalities in the overall concentration index of VAC. The overall Wagstaff normalized concentration index (C) analyses of the wealth-related inequality in consumption of foods rich in VA among children aged 6-23 months was [C = 0.25; 95% C: 0.15, 0.35]. Further decomposition of the C by the explanatory variables reported the following contributions; primary level of women's education (7.2%), secondary and above (17.8%), having ANC visit during pregnancy (62.1%), delivery at a health institution (26.53%), living in the metropolis (13.7%), central region (34.2%), child age 18-23 months (4.7%) contributed to the observed wealth related inequality in the consumption of foods rich in vitamin A in Ethiopia. We found pro-rich wealth-related inequality in VAC among children of age 6-23 months in Ethiopia. Additionally, maternal education, region, ANC visit, and place of delivery were the significant contributors of wealth-related inequality of VAC. Nutritional related interventions should prioritise children from poorer households and less educated mothers. Moreover, enhancing access to ANC and health facilities delivery services through education, advocacy, and campaign programs is highly recommended in the study setting.

Urbanization, economic access to food and child stunting prevalence: Empirical evidence from urban children of 220 districts in India

India has a higher child stunting prevalence than many South Asian and African nations. Child stunting is a multi-dimensional concept. The impact of most dimensions of child stunting has been studied in the last two decades, but the impact of urbanization using satellite data at cluster level and economic access to food at district level using food expenditure data has not been studied in context of India. There is negative linkage between urbanization and stunting in urban children of 220 districts in India. The Engel ratio is positively linked with child stunting, it means economic access to food is negatively associated with child stunting prevalence in India. Child diet diversity is negatively linked with child stunting. Animal source food and iron rich food consumption are also negatively associated with child stunting in urban children. India is experiencing very slow decline in child stunting prevalence in urban India. Therefore, economic access to food must be increased through economic policies by increasing income level of urban households and controlling food prices in urban India. Polices for inclusive urbanization should be used to catalyse negative association between urbanization and child stunting prevalence.

Iron-rich food consumption and associated factors among children aged 6–23 months in Sierra Leone: multi-level logistic regression analysis

BackgroundIron deficiency is the most common micronutrient deficiency worldwide. Also, iron deficiency is a significant public health problem in low- and middle-income countries. Thus, this study aimed to assess iron-rich food consumption and associated factors among children aged 6–23 months in Sierra Leone.MethodThis study is a cross-sectional study based on data from the Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Survey dataset with a total weighted sample of 2622 children aged 6–23 months. Data cleaning, coding, and labeling were done using STATA version 14 software. A multilevel logistic regression model was employed to identify associated factors.ResultAlmost half (53.38%) of children aged between 6–23 months consumed iron-rich foods. The odds of iron rich food consumption were high among children in the age group of 12–17 months (AOR = 4.81, 95% CI: 3.67, 6.31) and 18–23 months (AOR = 9.3, 95% CI: 6.55, 13.2), and who fed minimum acceptable diet (AOR = 22.5, 95% CI: 11.65, 43.46). Moreover, a child from a mother who had work (AOR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.08, 2.06), and with a mother who had more than four ANC visits during her pregnancy of the most recent live birth (AOR = 1.87; 95%CI: 1.36—2.55) had higher odds of iron-rich food consumption compared to their counterparts. On the other hand, children who were breastfeeding (AOR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.53, 0.97), and mothers aged 15–19 (AOR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.27, 0.85) decreased the odds of iron rich food consumption.ConclusionConsumption of iron-rich food is low among children aged 6–23 months in Sierra Leone. Iron-rich food consumption among children was significantly associated with maternal occupation, child’s age, child’s breastfeeding status, taking drugs for intestinal parasites, minimum acceptable diet, frequency, and timing of ANC, and region. Thus, special emphasis should be given to those children aged between 6–11 months, currently breastfeeding, children who did not get the minimum acceptable diet, and children from women who did not have work.

Relation between Serum and Dietary Zinc Levels and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in Medical Students of Ain Shams University

Background Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), is one of the commonest gastrointestinal disorders and IBS symptoms control often involve food restrictions that may cause zinc deficiency which is in turn may contribute to pathophysiology of IBS. Objectives To measure the proportion of IBS and its subtypes in medical students and to correlate between serum zinc level and dietary zinc intake with IBS. Methods A cross sectional study was carried out among a sample of students at The Nutritional Assessment of Medical Students of Ain Shams University (NAMS/ASU). A total of 199 students were involved, all participants were subjected to direct interviews self-administered questionnaires including GIT clinical symptoms, 24 hours food recall and food frequency questionnaire. They were also subjected to serum zinc level measurement. In addition to calculation of dietary zinc intake daily using food composition analysis software according to the Egyptian Food Composition Tables. Results The number of medical students that had positive ROME IV criteria were 104 students, in a proportion of 8.5% of the students participated in NAMES/ASU, with IBS-C was the commonest type. Serum zinc level was significantly low in IBS students with positive significance correlation to dietary zinc intake. Dietary consumption of zinc rich food showed significant reduction of serum zinc level with milk and dairy products intake of less than 3 servings per week. Conclusion the proportion of IBS in NAMES/ASU project was about 8.5% with the IBS-C was the most common subtype. They had low serum zinc level and a positive significant correlation with dietary zinc intake.

#5807 FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH KALEMIA IN RENAL DISEASE

Abstract Background and Aims International recommendations promote a strict potassium diet in order to avoid hyperkalemia in chronic kidney disease patients. However, efficiency of such a dietary counseling has never been demonstrated. The objectives of this study were to define the relationship between kalemia, dietary potassium intake estimated by kaliuresis and renal function and to define the factors associated with kalemia in patients using artificial intelligence. Method To this extent, data from patients followed in a nephrology unit, included in the UniverSel study and whose kalemia (measured on the day of urine collection; n = 367) were analyzed. The association between kalemia and thirty-four variables concerning the patients' characteristics, their biological work-up, their medications and their answers to the UniverSel dietary self-questionnaire on kalemia were assessed using a Bayesian network. Results The patients included had a wide range of estimated glomerular filtration rate, but few had stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD). Kalemia was negatively and linearly correlated to estimated glomerular filtration rate (p<0.001) but was not correlated to kaliuresis (p = 0.55). Kaliuresis was not correlated to estimated glomerular filtration rate (p = 0.08). Factors associated with kalemia were analyzed using a Bayesian network. The 5 variables most associated with kalemia were, in descending order, estimated glomerular filtration rate, original nephropathy, age, diabetes, and plasma bicarbonate level. RAS-blockers prescription was also associated to kalemia. Consumption of potassium rich food were poorly associated to kalemia. Conclusion Our results do not support a strict control of potassium intake in stage 1 to 4 CKD patients. Our results reinforce the interest of a multidimensional management including personalized therapy and strict correction of metabolic acidosis. Lightning dietary restrictions in potassium would improve the quality of life of patients with CKD who are often multi-pathological and already subject to multiple dietary constraints.

Dietary diversity and micronutrient rich food consumption patterns among women of reproductive age in Kayunga and Jinja, Uganda

The diets of women of reproductive age (WRA) in low-income countries have been reported to be inadequate in micronutrients which lead to undernutrition. The foods commonly consumed by women are usually starchy plant-based cereals, roots and tubers which are limited in micronutrients. Amidst Uganda producing abundance of fruits and vegetables which are sources of micronutrients, it seems that consumption patterns have a role to play. The aim of this study was, therefore, to evaluate the prevailing diets of women of reproductive age in Kayunga and Jinja districts. A cross- sectional study was conducted in August 2019. Four hundred and ninety two (492) women of reproductive age were purposively selected from the two sub-counties to participate in the study. A 24-hour recall questionnaire was used estimate the women’s minimum dietary diversity for women of reproductive age (MDD-W) and it is contribution towards meeting micronutrient requirements. Means were computed for continuous variables, while proportions were computed for the descriptive variables that were placed under different themes and categories. Results revealed that more than 80% of women did not achieve the minimum dietary diversity. Less than 50% of the women consumed foods from plant and animal protein rich food groups that are major sources of iron, zinc, calcium, and vitamin B-12. In addition, more than 80% of the women’s diets lacked vitamin A- rich fruits and vegetables and dark green leafy vegetables which are the rich food group sources for vitamin A and folate. Therefore, over 80% of the women in Kayunga and Jinja districts did not obtain the required micronutrients for their good health and that of their children and thus, are at risk of poor health due to micronutrient deficiencies. It is recommended to have nutrition education coupled with demonstrations to mothers on how to prepare a diversified diet. Key words: Women, dietary diversity, food groups, micronutrients, nutrient adequacy

Sociodemographic Factors and Nutritional Knowledge Impacts on Overall Vitamin B12 Intake in Older Women

BACKGROUND: The older population is at high risk for vitamin B12 deficiency, leading to various significant and chronic health problems. AIM: This study aimed to determine the association between sociodemographic characteristics, nutritional knowledge and overall vitamin B12 intake among older persons. METHODS: An observational study with a cross-sectional design was directed to 69 older women aged > 50 years. Data was collected from subject responses to various questions on the google platform, guided by professional assistance. RESULT: The study showed an inversed association between employment status (p<0.05), income level (p<0.001) and overall vitamin B12 intake, including dietary and supplement intake. The results provided new insights on monthly income level playing a crucial role in VB12 rich food consumption patterns in older persons, which were mostly unemployed. CONCLUSION: Efforts are needed to increase the coverage of VB12 supplementation, either peroral or intramuscular injection, as a solution to meet the needs of VB12 source that is affordable and effective for the older population.

Television viewing and body fat distribution among Bengali school children of Kolkata, India

Background: Childhood obesity is considered as a major concern since a couple of decades. The increasing prevalence of childhood obesity is clear and concerns about the future health impact of childhood obesity are currently well documented. Low level of physical activity, high quantity of fat rich junk food consumption and prolonged leisure time with television (TV) viewing were reported to be significantly associated with obesity.
 Objective: The present study aims to evaluate the association of body fat distribution with television watching among school going Bengali children of Kolkata, India.
 Sample and Methods: 200 girls (aged 10-15 years) from a very heterogeneous background were selected from one state school. Data on socio-demographic aspects, TV viewing, computer use, physical activity and dietary pattern were collected by pretested questionnaire after obtaining prior consent from competent persons. Anthropometric measurements were taken following standard techniques.
 Results: Most of the participants preferred fat rich junk food and a few practice regular exercises. One-way ANOVA showed significant differences of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) between groups depending on the duration of TV viewing. The adiposity related variables were standardized by standard deviation score before the inferential analyses. Adjusted multiple linear regression showed positive effects of the duration of TV viewing on BMI (R2=0.233) and MUAC (R2=0.277).
 Conclusion: Irrespective of economic status, prolonged television watching leads to an adverse body fat distribution among teenage girls of Kolkata.

Effects of Culinary Spices on Liking and Consumption of Protein Rich Foods in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Insufficient protein intake is a common challenge among older adults, leading to loss of muscle mass, decreased function and reduced quality of life. A protein intake of 0.4 g/kg body weight/meal is recommended to help prevent muscle loss. The purpose of this study was to assess whether the protein intake of 0.4 g/kg body weight/meal could be achieved with typical foods and whether culinary spices could enhance protein intake. A lunch meal test was conducted in 100 community-dwelling volunteers; 50 were served a meat entrée and 50 were served a vegetarian entrée with or without added culinary spices. Food consumption, liking and perceived flavor intensity were assessed using a randomized, two-period, within subjects crossover design. Within the meat or vegetarian treatments, there were no differences in entrée or meal intakes between spiced and non-spiced meals. Participants fed meat consumed 0.41 g protein/kg body weight/meal, while the vegetarian intake was 0.25 g protein/kg body weight/meal. The addition of spice to the vegetarian entrée significantly increased liking and flavor intensity of both the entrée and the entire meal, while spice addition only increased flavor for the meat offering. Culinary spices may be a useful tool to improve the liking and flavor of high-quality protein sources among older adults, especially when used with plant-based foods, although improving liking and flavor alone are insufficient to increase protein intake.

Predictors of vitamin A rich food consumption among women living in households growing orange-fleshed sweetpotatoes in selected regions in Uganda.

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) has serious public health consequences including morbidity and mortality for populations in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), especially for children under 5 years and pregnant women. LMICs are at greater risk of VAD, in part due to low levels of consumption of vitamin A-rich foods most of which are plant-based, such as orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP), with lower bioavailability than animal sources of the vitamin A. Food-based approaches such as biofortification of OFSP, including promoting the consumption of vitamin A-rich biofortified staple crops, has been shown to be potentially effective in improving the status of vitamin A and other micronutrients. This study examined vitamin A-rich food consumption and its predictors among women of reproductive age from OFSP-growing households in two regions of Uganda. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 617 OFSP growing households, focusing on women in the reproductive age group from the northern and eastern regions of Uganda. Households were not receiving any VAD-related intervention at the time of the survey. Quantitative data included vitamin A-rich food consumption, knowledge on vitamin A, and rich food sources dietary intake, using a 7-day food frequency questionnaire. Vitamin A consumption and risk of deficiency were estimated using the Hellen Keller International guide. The majority of women in this study were either pregnant (80%) or lactating (17%). More than 70% of the study population had a weighted vitamin A rich food consumption mean score of <6 days per week, indicating a high risk of VAD. Knowledge about vitamin A [b (SE) = -0.18 (0.50), p < 0.001] was significantly and inversely associated with vitamin A rich food consumption. Components of food insecurity such as availability, affordability, utilization, and changing food preferences may contribute to the unexpected inverse relationship between knowledge and consumption of vitamin A rich foods. Scaling up biofortified food initiatives, including OFSP, can improve consumption of vitamin A rich foods with effective strategies to comprehensively address consumption barriers such as lack of nutrition education, cooking skills, and storage facilities, as well as low production levels and perceived contamination of biofortified foods.

Effect of a community-based nutrition intervention program about dietary immunonutrients during COVID-19 pandemic

Background: The global agitation caused by the coronavirus disease of 2019 has emerged the need to make today’s population more aware of immune health to protect against disease and illness. Thus, we conducted a community-based nutrition intervention program that puts forward immunonutrition in the limelight.Objectives: To study the effects of a community-based nutrition intervention program on (a) the significance of immunonutrients, (b) its rich sources and (c) its role to boost immunity against viral infections and diseases among a local community in Chennai city.Material and Methods: This study used the pretest-posttest design consisting of pre-and post-survey conducted from 400 active participants selected by the random sampling method. Pretest and posttest involved the assessment tools like the 4-point Likert scale and 7-item food frequency questionnaire. The employed intervention strategies include the distribution of informative pamphlets and offering individual nutrition counselling that highlights the benefits of consuming immunonutrients- rich foods. Results: The mean pretest score based on the perception of participants on the importance of immunonutrients was 2.022±0.856. Significant associations between age, education level, and socioeconomic status with the perception levels of the participants were observed (P&lt;0.001). A mean difference of 1.1200±0.0603 was observed when compared with the posttest responses conducted three months after the intervention, showing a significant increase in their perception level (P&lt;0.001). Additionally, the consumption of immunonutrients rich foods studied using the 7-item food frequency questionnaire, also increased.Conclusions: Our intervention program was found remarkably effective for improving the awareness and consumption level of locally available, cost-effective immune-boosting foods among the participants and their intention toward healthy eating behaviour. Thus, a community-based nutrition intervention program would help upgrade awareness about the synergism of nutrition, immunity, and infection.

Protocol of a cluster randomised controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of an online parenting intervention for promoting oral health of 2–6 years old Australian children

IntroductionDental decay is a major problem among Australian children. It can be prevented through good self-care and limiting sugar intake, but many parents/caregivers lack the skills and confidence to help...

Physicochemical and functional characterization of dietary fibres from four Indian temperate rice cultivars

The health benefits associated with the consumption of fibre rich foods has diverted the focus of researchers towards development of functional foods with the incorporation of dietary fibre. Keeping this fact into consideration, dietary fibre was extracted from non-pigmented (SR-4, K-39, Mushq Budij) and pigmented (Zhag) rice cultivars of Kashmir and evaluated for physicochemical and functional properties. Zhag fibre revealed the highest total dietary fibre (76.90 g/100g), insoluble fibre (75.32 g/100g) and α-amylase inhibitory activity (61.73 g/100g). SR-4 dietary fibre had the highest soluble fibre content (1.40 g/100g), water holding (1.40 g/g) and oil holding (5.74 g/g) capacities. At neutral pH condition, cholesterol binding capacity was revealed to be the highest for SR-4 dietary fibre (9.30 mg/g). The Fourier transforms infrared spectra (FTIR) of dietary fibres revealed prominent peaks at 3250.0 cm−1, 2950.0 cm−1, 2846.0 cm−1 and 1600 cm−1 regions which were ascribed to stretching oscillations of –OH and –CH2 groups of cellulose or hemicelluloses and aromatic hydrocarbons of lignin polymer. The scanning electron micrographs of dietary fibres revealed presence of stripped fibrils. Results indicated that studied rice cultivars can be valuable sources of dietary fibres with several functional properties.

EFFECTS OF DIET ON CCL11 EXPRESSION AND AGING OF LUNGS AND TESTES OF MICE

Aging is a complex phenomenon symbolized by dynamic loss of tissue homeostasis with diminished cellular function. Along with genetic factors, many epigenetic factors as such lifestyle of an individual also affects aging. The aim of this study was to check the effect of different food habits in the process of aging using an aging biomarker CCL11. An increase in expression of CCL11 was observed in carbohydrate and fat rich foods groups. However, no effect on CCL11 expression was seen in calorie restricted diet groups. Mice fed with carbohydrates rich food gained weight, showed high levels of glucose, HDL and triglycerides while consumption of fat rich food in mice raised serum levels of anti-nuclear antibodies and LDL comparing to the control groups. Different food habits affected differently the serum levels of glucose, anti-nuclear antibodies, and lipid profile. H and E staining of testis and lungs showed that consumption of fat rich food caused emphysema, epithelial degeneration of lungs and aspermatogenesis in testes. Moreover, Calorie restricted diet showed vacuolization in testis. This study shows that food influence aging, expression levels of CCL11, physiology and morphology of lungs and testes in mice. Key words: Aging, CCL11, epigenetic factor, aspermatogenesis, dietary habits

Food advertisement influences food decision making and not nutritional status: a study among university students in Ghana

BackgroundConsumers are exposed to a wide range of advertisements through different channels daily, which tends to have an influence on their food decision making. The aim of this study was to evaluate the different forms of food advertisements students are exposed to on campus and how they influence their food choices and nutritional status.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted to find out the influence of different forms of food advertisements on students’ food choices and nutritional status. A self-reported semi-structured questionnaire was used to elicit responses from 367 students. About 51.5% of the students were females and 48.5% males. Body Mass index (BMI) was derived from weight and height measured according to standard procedures. Data was analysed and presented as frequencies and percentages. Chi-square was used to determine association between categorical variables (socio-demographic characteristics, food choices and nutritional status).ResultsThe students reported ‘use of internet’ (58.9%) as the main source of food advertisement on campus, followed by television (21.0%). A large number of students (74.9%) were affirmative about food advertisements influencing their food decision making. Those with poor nutritional status (underweight, overweight and obese) were more likely to patronize sugar sweetened beverages (10.1%) as compared to fruits and vegetables (1.4%). There was statistical significance (p = 0.003) for type of food patronized due to advertisement and the source of advertisement. However, there was no statistical significance (p = 0.832) for type of food patronized due to advertisement and BMI of students.ConclusionOwing to the increased patronage of internet and television as channels of food advertisements by students, policy makers should prioritize the designing and implementation of intervention programmes through these channels that would influence healthy food decision making and promote consumption of nutrient rich foods. As this population has high self-reported advertisements’ influence on food choices, it is vital to investigate further the influence of contextual cues such as environment and advertisement on their eating habits and dietary patterns.

Prevalence, predictors of low birth weight and its association with maternal iron status using serum ferritin concentration in rural Eastern Ethiopia: a prospective cohort study

IntroductionLow birth weight (LBW) is one of the major predictors of perinatal survival, infant morbidity, and mortality, as well as the risk of developmental disabilities and illnesses in future lives. The effect of the nutritional status of pregnant women on birth outcomes is becoming a common research agenda, but evidence on the level of low birth weight (LBW) and its association with prenatal iron status in Ethiopia, particularly among rural residents, is limited. Thus, this study aimed to assess the prevalence, predictors of LBW, and its association with maternal iron status using serum ferritin concentration in Haramaya district, eastern Ethiopia, 2021.MethodsA community-based prospective cohort study design was conducted. Of a total of 427 eligible pregnant women followed until birth, 412 (96.48%) were included in the final analysis. Iron status was determined using serum ferritin (SF) concentration from venous blood collected aseptically from the ante-cubital veins analyzed on a fully automated Cobas e411 (German, Japan Cobas 4000 analyzer series) immunoassay analyzer. Iron deficiency(ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) were classified as having SF less than 15 μg/L and SF less than 15 μg/L and Hb level of < 11.0 g/dl during the first or third trimester or < 10.5 g/dl during the second trimester as well, respectively. Birthweight was measured within 72 h of birth and < 2500 g was considered LBW. Birthweight was measured within 72 h of birth and < 2500 g was considered as LBW. A Poisson regression model with robust variance estimation was used to investigate the factors associated with LBW and the association between maternal iron status and LBW. An adjusted prevalence ratio with a 95% confidence interval was reported to show an association using a p-value < 0.05.ResultsAbout 20.2% (95% CI: 16%-24%) of neonates were born with LBW. The prevalence of LBW was 5.04 (95% CI = 2.78–9.14) times higher among women who were iron deficient during pregnancy compared to those who were normal. The neonates of women who were iron deficient during pregnancy had lower birth weight (aPR=5.04; 95% CI = 2.78–9.14) than the neonates of women who were normal. Prevalence of LBW was higher among mothers who were undernourished (MUAC < 23cm) (aPR = 1.92; 95% CI= 1.33–2.27), stunted (height <145cm) (aPR=1.54; 95% CI=1.04–2.27) and among female neonates (aPR=3.70; 95% CI= 2.28–6.00). However, women who were supplemented with iron and folic acid (IFAS) during pregnancy had a 45% decreased chance of delivering low birth weight (aPR= 0.55; 95% CI=0.36–0.84).ConclusionWe found that LBW is of public health significance in this predominantly rural setting. ID during pregnancy is found to have a negative effect on birth weight. IFA supplementation, the maternal under-nutrition, height, and sex of neonates were identified as predictors of low weight at birth. To improve maternal nutritional status, health interventions must address targeted strategies promoting desirable food behavior and nutritional practices. These include; promoting the consumption of diversified and rich iron food to improve the maternal nutritional status. A continued effort is needed in enhancing universal access and compliance with IFA supplementation to improve maternal health. Intervention strategies that are complementary and comprehensive across the vulnerable periods for women during pregnancy and their neonates that are based on a life-cycle approach are suggested.

Consumption of Iron Rich Food, Supplement Intake and Prevalence of Anaemia Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinical in Selected Hospitals in Enugu State

ObjectivesIncrease prevalence of anaemia in pregnancy in spite consumption of iron rich foods and micronutrient supplementation is worrisome. Hence, this study investigated the consumption of iron rich food, supplement intake and prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in selected hospitals in Enugu State.MethodsThe study employed a cross-sectional study design with multistage random selection of 449 pregnant women (PW) attending antenatal clinic in health facilities in Enugu State, Nigeria. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and biochemical test for Haemoglobim level using a standard procedure. Data was analyzed using SPSS 23. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square and Pearson correlation to establish the relationship between variables. A p-value < 0.05 was considered as the level of significance.ResultsThe result shows that about 42.1% of the pregnant women were between the age group 26–35years and 30.4% earned < N20,000 ($50) monthly. Less than half of the PW consumed vegetable, fruits, beef and fish ≥ 4 times weekly. Less than half took folic acid, B-complex vitamins and ferrous sulphate twice daily, 36.9% had Anaemia (27.8% mild; 5.3% moderate; and 3.8% severe anaemia) and 76.8% had malaria. There was significant relationships between iron rich consumption, supplement intake especially iron supplement and prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in this study (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe study revealed poor consumption of iron rich food and poor compliance to supplements intake among pregnant women which accounted for the high prevalence of anaemia in the study population.Funding SourcesThe research is self funded.

Predictors of Vitamin A-rich Food Consumption Among Women From Selected Regions in Uganda

ObjectivesVitamin A deficiency has serious public health consequences for populations in low and middle-income countries, especially for children under five years and pregnant women. The objective of this paper was to characterize vitamin A-rich foods consumption and its predictors among women from selected regions in Uganda. MethodsA baseline cross-sectional survey was conducted by the International Potato Centre among 617 sweet potato growing households, focusing on women in the reproductive age group from the northern and eastern regions of Uganda. Data included vitamin A-rich food consumption, dietary intake using a food frequency questionnaire, and a 24-hour recall. Vitamin A consumption was computed using the Hellen Keller International guide. ResultsThe majority of women in this study were either lactating (79.6%) and/or pregnant (16.8%). More than 70% of the study population had a weighted vitamin A-rich food consumption mean score of < 6 days per week, indicating a high risk of vitamin A deficiency of the population. Knowledge about vitamin A (b(SE) = –0.18 (0.50), p < 0.001) inversely predicted vitamin A-rich food consumption. Variables including individual dietary diversity, household size, educational attainment and age were not associated with vitamin A rich food consumption. ConclusionsThe study provides evidence on the association between nutrition knowledge and consumption of Vitamin A-rich foods, suggesting that development and delivery of biofortified foods such as orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (an initiative of the International Potato Center), can further improve vitamin A status when combined with nutrition education. Funding SourcesInternational Potato Center/Uganda and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.