Consumption Of Traditional Foods Research Articles

Drivers and health implications of the dietary transition among Inuit in the Canadian Arctic: a scoping review.

The current study undertook a systematic scoping review on the drivers and implications of dietary changes among Inuit in the Canadian Arctic. A keyword search of peer-reviewed articles was performed using PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, Academic Search Premier, Circumpolar Health Bibliographic Database and High North Research Documents. Eligibility criteria included all full-text articles of any design reporting on research on food consumption, nutrient intake, dietary adequacy, dietary change, food security, nutrition-related chronic diseases or traditional food harvesting and consumption among Inuit populations residing in Canada. Articles reporting on in vivo and in vitro experiments or on health impacts of environmental contaminants were excluded. A total of 162 studies were included. Studies indicated declining country food (CF) consumption in favour of market food (MF). Drivers of this transition include colonial processes, poverty and socio-economic factors, changing food preferences and knowledge, and climate change. Health implications of the dietary transition are complex. Micro-nutrient deficiencies and dietary inadequacy are serious concerns and likely exacerbated by increased consumption of non-nutrient dense MF. Food insecurity, overweight, obesity and related cardiometabolic health outcomes are growing public health concerns. Meanwhile, declining CF consumption is entangled with shifting culture and traditional knowledge, with potential implications for psychological, spiritual, social and cultural health and well-being. By exploring and synthesising published literature, this review provides insight into the complex factors influencing Inuit diet and health. Findings may be informative for future research, decision-making and intersectoral actions around risk assessment, food policy and innovative community programmes.

Reshaping the Traditional Pattern of Food Consumption in Romania through the Integration of Sustainable Diet Principles. A Qualitative Study

The Romanian traditional pattern of food consumption as a whole is no longer a reference point in shaping a healthy and sustainable food behavior due to the growing discrepancies between the return to traditions and the constraints of sustainable development, so the aim of this study is to provide solutions for reshaping the food pattern by incorporating the principles of sustainable diet. The research conducted is based on qualitative data and the semi-structured interview was used as method of data collection from a sample of 21 Romanians traditional food consumers. The study led to a typology of respondents that combines two consumption orientations, “healthy” and “convenience”, with two attitudes towards traditional diet, “hedonism” and “conformism”. Although respondents do not completely reject the idea of flexitarianism, they showed the tendency for overconsumption of meat-based traditional foods and a weak concern for environmental sustainability. For these reasons, a set of recommendations for a new model of sustainable diet for Romanian population, focused on the relationship between traditionality, sustainability, and health, was put forward. The research findings show the need for supporting nutritional education programs and extensive information campaigns targeted at Romanian consumers to encourage the adoption of flexitarian style and the switch to a more sustainable diet in the near future.

O6 Association of Food Security and Access to Traditional Foods Among American Indians and Alaska Natives

Background One in 4 American Indians or Alaska Natives (AIAN) are estimated to experience food insecurity. Access to traditional food sources may, in part, explain the high prevalence of food insecurity. Traditional foods were primary sources of nutrition and could often be acquired through non-market mechanisms prior to colonization. Whether and how access relates to food insecurity is unknown. Objective To assess whether access and consumption of traditional native foods is associated with food insecurity among AIAN. Study Design, Setting, Participants Cross-sectional pilot study using a paper-and-pencil questionnaire administered at a National Powwow in October 2019. Adults that self-identified as AIAN were recruited in-person. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Food insecurity was assessed with 2 items to capture the dimensions of adequate quality and sufficient quantity of foods. Native foods security was assessed with 1 validated item on a 4-point Likert scale for perceived sufficiency of native food access ranging from ‘never’ to ‘always’. Hunting, fishing, and gathering practices were also reported. Chi-squared tests were used to assess the relationship of food insecurity with native foods access and use. Results The mean age of 39 respondents was 43.5 (±13.7) years and 56.4% identified as female. Food insecurity was high, with 31% reporting insufficient quantity or compromised quality. Native foods insecurity (rated as ‘never’ or ‘rarely’) was also high, reported by 74% of respondents. Native foods insecurity was common, regardless of food insecurity status (P > .05). Fishing to access native foods was more common among those also reporting insufficient quantity (P Conclusion Though limited by sample size, this pilot study provides support for future hypotheses and investigations related to native foods and food insecurity. Future work should use mixed methods to better understand food insecurity, access to native foods, and the potential relationship with diet. Funding None.

A model of traditional functional food consumption behaviour

PurposeThis study aims to analyse the influence of descriptive norm, perceived behavioural control, perceived threat of non-communicable disease (NCD), healthy food extension education frequency, the frequency of healthy food community group meetings, healthy food-related newspapers/magazines usage frequency, healthy food-related websites usage frequency and healthy food-related social media usage frequency towards traditional functional food consumption behaviour, especially tempeh, in Indonesia.Design/methodology/approachThis study collected data from 99 respondents who consumed traditional functional food. The data were analysed using multiple regression.FindingsTraditional functional food consumption behaviour is significantly influenced by descriptive norm, perceived behavioural control and the frequency of healthy food community group meetings. The traditional functional food consumption behaviour is not affected by the perceived threat of NCD, healthy food extension education frequency, healthy food-related newspapers/magazines usage frequency, healthy food-related websites usage frequency and healthy food-related social media usage frequency.Research limitations/implicationsThis research investigated only one functional food type and employed a purposive sampling technique. Future research should be conducted in other contexts to examine the stability of the research findings.Practical implicationsTo improve traditional functional food consumption, it is essential to ensure that people can easily consume traditional functional food. It is also essential to develop an extension education strategy that involves the community's influential person/leader and healthy food community group meetings.Originality/valueThis paper is the first that investigates traditional functional foods consumption behaviour.

Dietary intake of Aboriginal Australian children aged 6\u201336\u2009months in a remote community: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundScarce literature comprehensively captures the transition to solid foods for children in remote Aboriginal Australian communities, a population expected to be especially vulnerable to nutritional inadequacy for largely socio-economic reasons. This study describes the dietary intake of children aged 6–36 months in a remote Aboriginal community during the years of solids introduction and establishment. Specifically, we aimed to explore milk feeding practices, major sources of nutrition and traditional food consumption, dietary patterns and nutrient and food group intakes, and compare these to national and international recommendations.MethodsThis dietary assessment was conducted as part of an observational, cross-sectional Child Health and Nutrition study. Three 24-h dietary recalls were completed with the parent/care-giver of each participant over 2–4 weeks, capturing a pay-week, non-pay-week and weekend day from October 2017–February 2018. Additional information collected included sociodemographic data, food security status, usual cooking practices, and attendance at playgroup.ResultsDiet histories for 40 children were included in the analysis (~ 40% of the population). Breast feeding rates were high (85%), with mothers exclusively feeding on demand. Very few participants met recommended intakes for wholegrains (n = 4, 10%), vegetables (n = 7, 18%), dairy (n = 5, 18%) and fruit (n = 13, 33%), while more children met the guidelines for meat (n = 19, 48%) and discretionary food intake (n = 28, 70%). Traditional foods were always nutritionally dense and consumed frequently (n = 22, 55% of children). Statistically significant pay-cycle differences in intakes of all macro-, and numerous micro-nutrients were observed.ConclusionsMany positive early feeding practices are currently enacted in remote Aboriginal communities including responsive and long duration breastfeeding, and nutrient-dense traditional food consumption from earliest solids introduction. However, the non-pay-week/pay-week cycle is impacting the quality and quantity of children’s diets at a time of rapid growth and development.

Exploring the Perceptions of and Experiences with Traditional Foods among First Nations Female Youth: A Participatory Photovoice Study.

Traditional foods contribute to the health and well-being of Indigenous Peoples. Many Indigenous Peoples within Canada have expressed a desire to consume more traditional foods; however, there are a number of barriers to doing so. Southern and urban communities face unique challenges associated with traditional food consumption. To address these concerns and build on community interests in a Haudenosaunee community in Southern Ontario, a participatory research project was initiated. This community-based study utilized Photovoice methodology to explore the perceptions of and experiences with traditional foods among local youth. Participants ranging in age from 15–22 (n = 5) took photos of their local food environments, including locations where foods were acquired, consumed, prepared, or shared during two seasons of the year. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect participants’ stories behind 8–10 self-selected images. A thematic analysis was subsequently utilized to identify patterns and themes illustrated by the photos and interview content. The youth conveyed contextual understandings of traditional foods and a preference for these items, despite their limited consumption, preparation or harvesting of these foods. The youth also identified the important influence of families and communities on their individual perceptions and experiences with traditional foods. Recommendations to reduce barriers to traditional food choices among youth are made.

A Qualitative Analysis of the Accessibility and Connection to Traditional Food for Aboriginal Chronic Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients.

ABSTRACTBackgroundDue to the lack of resources in remote Aboriginal communities within the Northern Territory of Australia, Aboriginal people requiring chronic maintenance hemodialysis often must relocate from their home communities to Darwin city permanently to receive ongoing care. This phenomenon can cause distressing isolation from important traditional food, land, and family.ObjectiveThe aim was to identify the relation to traditional food from an Aboriginal perspective and the enablers and barriers to accessing traditional food post-relocation from remote regions of the Northern Territory, Australia, to the urban city of Darwin.MethodsThis was a qualitative study design with a total of 12 Aboriginal participants (4 males, 8 females) receiving ongoing hemodialysis at the Nightcliff Renal Unit. Participants had all relocated from a remote region to Darwin. Interviews were conducted between July and September 2018 in Darwin, Australia. Data interpretation was conducted by an Aboriginal researcher and co-authors with a combined 30 y of experience conducting research with Aboriginal people in a health context. Data analysis comprised an inductive thematic analysis approach with an indigenist knowledge interpretation lens to construct, reaffirm, and protect Indigenous views.ResultsTraditional food was an important part of participants’ identity and strongly connected to social, emotional, spiritual and physical health, and well-being. Access to traditional food post-relocation is associated with enablers and barriers including mobility, local knowledge, social support networks, commercial access, and economics.ConclusionsDialysis patients who are dislocated from remote Aboriginal communities to Darwin experience clear disruption to traditional food access, consumption, availability, and knowledge dissemination to the younger generations.

Anemia, iron status, and associated protective and risk factors among children and adolescents aged 3 to 19 years old from four First Nations communities in Quebec

ObjectivesAnemia and iron deficiency (ID) are frequent among Indigenous children of Canada, but few data are available in Quebec. The present study aimed to characterize anemia and ID prevalence and associated protective and risk factors among First Nations youth in Quebec.MethodsThe 2015 First Nations (JES!-YEH!) pilot study was conducted among children and adolescents (3 to 19 years; n = 198) from four First Nations communities in Quebec. Blood and urine samples and anthropometric measurements were collected. Hemoglobin (Hb), serum ferritin (SF), plasma hs-CRP, and urinary cotinine levels were measured. Factors associated with anemia and ID (including traditional and market food consumption) were assessed using an interview-administered food frequency questionnaire, based on which nutritional intakes were calculated. Structural equation models were used to test associations.ResultsThe prevalence of anemia and ID was elevated (16.8% and 20.5% respectively). Traditional meat, fruit, and fruit juice (natural and powdered)—via their positive association with vitamin C intake—were the only food variables positively associated with SF (coefficient [95% CI] 0.017 [0.000, 0.114]; 0.090 [0.027, 0.161]; and 0.237 [0.060, 0.411]). Male sex was also associated with higher SF (0.295 [0.093, 0.502]). Inflammation status (hs-CRP > 5 mg/L) was inversely associated with Hb (− 0.015 [− 0.025, − 0.005]), whereas SF was positively associated with Hb (0.066 [0.040, 0.096]). Fruit and juice consumption was also positively associated with Hb, via vitamin C intake and SF (0.004 [0.001, 0.010]; 0.008 [0.003, 0.017]).ConclusionsInterventions fostering healthier food environments as well as higher consumption of traditional meats and foods naturally rich in vitamin C, which is known to enhance iron absorption, and fighting inflammation could contribute to decrease the high prevalence of anemia and ID in this young Indigenous population.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) levels in urine samples collected in a subarctic region of the Northwest Territories, Canada.

Traditional food consumption for Indigenous peoples is associated with improved nutrition and health but can also pose potential risks via exposure to contaminants. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are compounds of interest due to their widespread presence (e.g., their metabolites are detected in up to 100% of the Canadian population) and their toxicological potential. To better understand the range of exposures faced by Indigenous populations in northern Canada and to address a contaminant of emerging concern identified by the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme, a multi-year biomonitoring study investigated levels of PAH exposure in subarctic First Nations communities of the Northwest Territories, Canada. Secondary data analysis of banked samples from a subset of the cross-sectional study was done. PAHs and cotinine markers in the urine samples (n = 97) of participants from two regions from the Mackenzie Valley (Dehcho and Sahtú) was completed by liquid and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Also, participants completed a 24-hr recall food survey. When compared according to age/sex categories, the GM of several biomarkers (1-hydroxypyrene, 1-naphthol, 2-hydroxyfluorene, 2-hydroxyphenanthrene, 2-naphthol, 3-hydroxyfluorene, 3-hydroxyphenanthrene, 4-hydroxyphenanthrene, 9-hydroxyfluorene, 9-hydroxyphenanthrene) appeared higher than observed for the general Canadian population. The PAHs levels observed were, however, below clinical levels associated with adverse health outcomes. Altogether, these elevated biomarkers are metabolites of pyrene, naphthalene, fluorene and phenanthrene. Statistically significant non-parametric associations were observed between several biomarkers and i) the consumption of cooked meat in the last 24 h; and, ii) smoking status (self-reported status and adjusted on urine cotinine level). This work is the first to report PAH levels in a northern Canadian population and provides local baseline data for monitoring the effects of changes to climate and lifestyle over time. These findings will support regional and territorial decision makers in identifying environmental health priorities.

Tackling the question of micronutrients intake as one of the main levers in terms of Inuit food security.

The Inuit population living in North Canada is facing a drastic change in lifestyle, which has brought about a dramatic nutrition transition characterized by a decrease in the traditional foods consumption and an increasing reliance on processed, store-bought foods. This rapid dietary shift leads to a significant public health concern, as wild-harvested country foods are rich in many micronutrients including vitamins, trace elements and minerals while the most frequently eaten Western foods mainly provide energy, fat, carbohydrates and sodium. This review addresses the emerging strategies to tackle food insecurity in this population. Recent studies indicate that diets with a higher fraction of traditional foods (and a lower fraction of ultra-processed foods) exhibit a better Healthy Eating Index. This provides a basis to develop new dietary policies anchored in contemporary food realities. In Northern remote communities, improving food security requires holistic approaches. A mixed strategy that targets the revitalization of traditional foods systems and local food production initiatives seems the most promising strategy, to meet the dietary needs in terms of micronutrients, with respect to the cultural identity of local populations.

Food frequency questionnaire assessing traditional food consumption in Dene/Métis communities, Northwest Territories, Canada

ABSTRACT Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQ) can be used to document food consumption and to estimate the intake of contaminants for Indigenous populations. The objective of this project was to refine and implement an FFQ to estimate the consumption of traditional locally harvested foods for Dene/Métis in the Northwest Territories, Canada. The strategy consisted of: 1) refining the FFQ through three focus groups and, 2) implementing the FFQ in Indigenous communities. Participants were asked to complete the FFQ using an iPad to document the types of traditional foods consumed over the past 12 months, as well as the consumption frequency, the portion size, and the preparation methods. Focus groups supported the refinement of the FFQ on the format, the list of foods, and the preparation methods listed in the questionnaire. The refined FFQ was then implemented with participants (n = 237). Findings indicated that the traditional foods most frequently consumed were moose, whitefish and lake trout. Participants who consumed fish and land animals reported, on average, a portion size for one serving of between 126 and 143 g, depending on age and sex. These findings increase knowledge of the current traditional food consumption of Dene/Métis communities and will support the assessment of contaminant exposure.

Cultural Dimensions of Diabetes Management: a Qualitative Study of Middle Eastern Immigrants in the U.S.

This study examined how aspects of culture, social support, isolation, and loneliness are perceived as influences in chronic illness management by pre-diabetic (Glycated hemoglobin A1c levels between 5.7 and 6.4) or Type 2 diabetic patients (A1c levels between 6.4 and 8). Twenty-eight Middle Eastern immigrants in the greater Philadelphia area were interviewed using a semi-structured approach. Results were consistent with other research which suggests that patients benefit from family and community support in the management of their illness. However, findings also suggest that even in the presence of strong family and social support, patients report increased feelings of isolation and loneliness because they have to manage a complex illness that requires many lifestyle changes. For immigrant suffering from chronic illnesses, social gatherings, especially those that center on the consumption of traditional ethnic food, can be highly stressful because they need to avoid such foods as part of their daily treatment regimen. The results of this study have significant implications for patients, physicians, and psychologists who can benefit from an increased sensitivity to patients' challenges in illness management by understanding how cultural factors affect compliance in diabetes treatment regimens.

Potential for smart food products in rural Myanmar: use of millets and pigeonpea to fill the nutrition gap.

The present study examined the potential for 'Smart Food' with respect to contributing to the Sustainable Development Goal 2 of ending malnutrition by 2030, using a small-scale capacity building case study in Oe Be Village, Myingyan district, Mandalay region, Myanmar. Within the study site, refined white rice is the major staple, followed by vegetables and animal source food in inadequate quantities. The protein intake in this particular dry zone community meets only 50% of the daily requirement and even less for those children aged less than 23 months. Therefore, to determine the acceptance and opportunity for legumes and millets which are produced locally, nutritious formulations were introduced for various age groups. In addition, a sensory evaluation of the recipes was conducted to test the acceptance of the nutritious products. Two weeks of the inclusion of millets and pigeonpea in the diets of children aged 6-23 months had a positive impact on wasting, stunting and underweight (P=0.002, 0.014 and 0.023, respectively). Moreover, the acceptability of these new food products by the children was found to be high. These results indicate an unexplored opportunity for specific millets rich in iron, zinc and calcium, as well as for pigeonpea rich in protein, if prepared in a culturally acceptable way. The impact and acceptability of this small scale and short-term intervention indicate the potential for Smart Food products in filling the nutrition gap arising from the traditional food consumption habits in the dry zones of Myanmar. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Dietary patterns and breast cancer in Colombia: an ecological study.

BackgroundThe role that diet plays in the development of breast cancer is unclear and breast cancer continues to increase in Colombia and worldwide. The objective of this study was to assess the association between patterns of dietary consumption and the incidence of breast cancer.MethodsAn ecological study was conducted in 24 geodemographic units in which 95% of the women of Colombia live. The association between breast cancer rate (dependent variable) and three dietary patterns established with factor analysis (traditional/starch, fiber/dairy and snack) was investigated using simple and multiple linear regression. The use of variables related to socioeconomic context and the duration of breastfeeding allowed for the control of possible confounding. All information was derived from concurrent national surveys or was obtained directly over a period of time close to the period during which the study was conducted.ResultsThere is an inverse relationship between breast cancer rate and illiteracy rate (β=−2808.3), duration of breastfeeding (β=−3354.1), adherence to traditional/fiber dietary patterns (β=−30467) and adherence to the snack dietary pattern (β=−43612). The goodness of fit for the model was R2=84%.ConclusionsIncreasing the duration of breastfeeding, ensuring education to promote health and following traditional food consumption patterns, regardless of what foods are consumed, can protect against the development of breast cancer.

Alaska Native Traditional Food and Harvesting Activity Patterns over 10 Years of Follow-Up

ABSTRACTBackgroundAlaska Native (AN) traditional foods and associated harvesting activities are beneficial to human health.ObjectiveThis study assessed longitudinal self-reported traditional food use and harvesting activities among Alaska Native and American Indian (AN/AI) participants in the Alaska Education and Research Towards Health (EARTH) study.MethodsIn 2004–2006, southcentral Alaska EARTH study participants (n = 1320) completed diet and activity questionnaires which were repeated in 2015–2017; results were compared between participants who completed both questionnaires (n = 388).ResultsIn the follow-up questionnaire, >93% of participants reported eating ≥1 traditional food in the past year. The top 3 traditional foods were fish (75%), moose (42%), and shellfish (41%). Women were more likely than men to consume traditional foods, especially fish, gathered berries, shellfish, and seal oil (P < 0.05). Participants aged ≥60 y in the original cohort were significantly more likely to consume fish and shellfish at follow-up, whereas those aged 40–59 y were the most likely of the 3 age groups to consume seal oil (P < 0.05). Between the original cohort and follow-up, there was a significant decline in the mean number of traditional foods eaten from 6.3 to 5.5, as well as reduced consumption of multiple traditional foods (P < 0.001). Over 59% of participants reported ≥1 traditional harvesting activity in the past year; this proportion did not significantly change between baseline and follow-up. Picking berries/greens (44%), cutting/smoking fish or meat (33%), and fishing (30%) were the most common activities. Participation in traditional harvesting activities was greater among women than men (P < 0.05), but did not differ by age.ConclusionsLongitudinal follow-up demonstrated that AN/AI people maintained participation in traditional harvesting activities, but the variety of traditional foods declined significantly among both men and women. Promotion of traditional foods and harvesting activities that serve as protective factors against chronic diseases may benefit this population.

An empirical assessment of food security on First Nations in Canada

AbstractUsing data generated from surveys conducted on First Nations throughout Canada, we use regression analysis to examine factors influencing food insecurity. To our knowledge, this is the first time a regression‐based analysis has been conducted to examine food insecurity on First Nations in Canada. As expected, income is inversely related to the likelihood that one reports their household as experiencing food insecurity. In addition, individuals in extremely remote areas are more likely to report their household as experiencing food insecurity. Although traditional food consumption is prevalent, we do not find evidence that it is associated with reductions in the prevalence of self‐reported household food insecurity. We find that gender and mental health are associated with perceived household food insecurity. Although this study is novel, for reasons and limitations detailed in the paper, it should be viewed as an initial effort to establish potential relationships that underscore one of the most important issues facing Canada: the high prevalence of food insecurity in First Nations communities.

Local traditional foods contribute to diversity and species richness of rural women's diet in Ecuador.

To evaluate the dietary diversity and the nutrient contribution of traditional foods (locally cultivated and wild) by conducting a food intake study in rural Ecuador. Repeated 24 h recalls over a 14 d interval and frequency of consumption served to simulate the usual diet by the Multiple Source Method. Data on missing visits (n 11) were imputed using multivariate imputation by chained equations. The intakes of three macro- and six micronutrients were reported. Nutrient Adequacy Ratios, Mean Adequacy Ratio (MAR), Dietary Species Richness (DSR) and Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women were used as measures of dietary quality. A linear quantile mixed model was used to investigate the association between DSR, local species, MAR, age, education and occupation. Guasaganda, Cotopaxi (Ecuador). Rural, indigenous adult women, non-pregnant and not breast-feeding. The studied diet had MAR of 0·78. Consumption of traditional foods contributed 38·6 % of total energy intake. Daily requirements for protein, carbohydrates, Fe and vitamin C were reached. An extra level of consumption of local species was associated with an increase in median MAR for macronutrients of 0·033 (P < 0·001). On the other hand, an extra level of consumption of local species was associated with an increase in median MAR for micronutrients of 0·052 (P < 0·001). We found statistical evidence that traditional foods contribute to adequate intakes of macro- and micronutrients and dietary diversification in the studied population. Future public health interventions should promote the cultivation and consumption of traditional foods to increase the quality of the local diet.

Mothers' beliefs about indigenous and traditional food affordability, availability and taste are significant predictors of indigenous and traditional food consumption among mothers and young children in rural Kenya.

To examine mothers' and young children's consumption of indigenous and traditional foods (ITF), assess mothers' perception of factors that influence ITF consumption, and examine the relationship between perceived factors and ITF consumption. Longitudinal study design across two agricultural seasons. Seven-day FFQ utilized to assess dietary intake. Mothers interviewed to assess their beliefs about amounts of ITF that they or their young children consumed and on factors that influence ITF consumption levels. Seme sub-County, Kenya. Mothers with young children. Less than 60 % of mothers and children consumed ITF at time of assessment. Over 50 % of the mothers reported that their ITF consumption amounts and those of their children were below levels that mothers would have liked for themselves or for their young children. High cost, non-availability and poor taste were top three reasons for low ITF consumption levels. Mothers who identified high cost or non-availability as a reason for low levels of ITF consumption had significantly lower odds of consuming all ITF except amaranth leaves. Mothers who identified poor taste had significantly lower odds of consuming all ITF except green grams and groundnuts. Similar relationships were noted for young children's ITF consumption levels. A majority of the mothers reported that they and their children did not consume as much ITF as the mothers would have liked. Further studies should examine strategies to improve availability and affordability of ITF, as well as develop recipes that are acceptable to mothers and children.

Consumption of Traditional and Indigenous Foods and Their Contribution to Nutrient Intake among Children and Women in Botswana

ABSTRACT In Botswana, traditional diets are gradually being replaced by westernized diets high in energy-dense and nutrient- poor, while micro nutrient deficiencies among the population remain. We determined the consumption of traditional and indigenous foods (TIF) and their contribution to nutrient intake among children and women in Botswana. TIF accounted for relatively high percentages of energy intake in children (41%) and women (36%) respectively. The mean intake of vitamin A in children and vitamin A and zinc in women was high from TIF compared to non-TIF. Research attention to determining the full potential of TIF in contributing to nutrition and health is warranted.

Uwarunkowania zachowań konsumentów na rynku żywności ekologicznej

Poznanie zmieniających się potrzeb konsumentów jest ważnym elementem budowania przewagi konkurencyjnej przedsiębiorstwa. Celem artykułu jest przedstawienie zachowań konsumentów na lokalnym rynku produktów ekologicznych. W artykule przedstawiono zagadnienia związane z rynkiem żywności ekologicznej. Zdefiniowano i scharakteryzowano pojęcie produktu ekologicznego, omówiono kontrolę i certyfikację produkcji ekologicznej oraz czynniki wpływające na jakość żywności i popyt na produkty ekologiczne. Przeprowadzono badanie ankietowe na rynku lokalnym mające na celu scharakteryzowanie uwarunkowań zachowań konsumentów na rynku żywności ekologicznej. Na podstawie przeprowadzonych badań ankietowych i analizy danych statystycznych można zauważyć, że współczesny konsument jest świadomy tego co kupuje. Jakość i skład produktu to najważniejsze czynniki, które wpływają na podejmowane przez nich decyzję. Konsumenci coraz częściej rezygnują z konsumpcji żywności tradycyjnej na korzyść produktów ekologicznych.