Food Availability Research Articles

Non-market food production can contribute to diverse dimensions of food security according to key informants in northern New England

ABSTRACT Recent studies have found that growing or wild-harvesting some of one’s own food is associated with food security in high-income societies. Yet this research has not established causal relationships, and it measures household food security using indicators that assess only access to market food. To disentangle how non-market food production interacts with food security, we interviewed 26 key informants who play central roles in communities of gardeners, hunters, fishers, foragers, and homesteaders in northern New England, U.S.A. These informants indicated that non-market food production relates ambiguously to short-term food access in high-income societies where market food is cheap relative to wages. But non-market production can enhance all other recognized dimensions of food security: availability, adequacy, acceptability, agency, utilization, stability, and sustainability. Causation can run the other way, too: food insecurity was said to increase the likelihood and intensity of engagement in non-market food production. Yet poverty can deprive food-insecure households of the equipment, money, skills, and land access needed for successfully producing their own food. Overall, our informants portrayed non-market food production as a skills-based safety net for reliably feeding oneself from the landscape through personal and societal crises, from the distant past to the climate-change future.

Costly, confusing, polarizing, and suspect: public perceptions of plant- based eating from a thematic analysis of social media comments

IntroductionA key approach to fostering more sustainable food systems involves shifting dietary patterns towards increased plant-based eating. However, plant-based eating remains low among Canadians. The objective of this research was therefore to explore public perceptions of plant-based eating in a Canadian context.MethodsA qualitative design was used to analyze social media comments posted on Canadian news source Facebook articles between January 16th, 2019 – July 16th, 2020. Investigating perceptions of plant-based eating on social media may capture a broader sample of the population than can be captured using other qualitative methods. Template analysis, a type of codebook thematic analysis, was used to generate themes and subthemes using NVivo software.ResultsNine articles were selected for inclusion and a total of n = 4,918 comments were collected. Five themes and 19 subthemes related to plant-based eating were generated and presented with quotations. Themes included: (1) The ethics of food; (2) The affordability and accessibility of food; (3) Distrust of food system stakeholders; (4) Beliefs related to dietary behavior, health, and the environment; and (5) Sensory aspects of plant-based proteins.DiscussionFindings suggest that addressing food affordability and accessibility, increasing public food literacy, using non-judgmental approaches, and increasing food system transparency and communication may be strategies to foster plant-based eating. Results of this study provide insight for the development of more effective public health messaging about plant-based eating and help inform future research and interventions to address barriers related to plant-based eating and promote consumption.

A method for evaluating hunger and thirst in monkeys by measuring blood ghrelin and osmolality levels.

Hunger and thirst drive animals' consumption behavior and regulate their decision-making concerning rewards. We previously assessed the thirst states of monkeys by measuring blood osmolality under controlled water access and examined how these thirst states influenced their risk-taking behaviour in decisions involving fluid rewards. However, hunger assessment in monkeys remains poorly performed. Moreover, the lack of precise measures for hunger states leads to another issue regarding how hunger and thirst states interact with each other in each individual. Thus, when controlling food access to motivate performance, it remains unclear how these two physiological needs are satisfied in captive monkeys. Here, we measured blood ghrelin and osmolality levels to respectively assess hunger and thirst in four captive macaques. Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we identified that the levels of blood ghrelin, a widely measured hunger-related peptide hormone in humans, were high after 20 h of no food access (with ad libitum water). This reflects a typical controlled food access condition. One hour after consuming a regular dry meal, the blood ghrelin levels in three out of four monkeys decreased to within their baseline range. Additionally, blood osmolality measured from the same blood sample, the standard hematological index of hydration status, increased after consuming the regular dry meal with no water access. Thus, ghrelin and osmolality may reflect the physiological states of individual monkeys regarding hunger and thirst, suggesting that these indices can be used as tools for monitoring hunger and thirst levels that mediate an animal's decision to consume rewards.Significance statement Standard methods for behavioral and neurophysiological experiments in non-human primates rely on controlled access to food or fluid rewards to motivate their performance. We previously assessed the thirst state of monkeys by measuring blood osmolality, the most widely used hematological index of hydration status. Here, we assessed the hunger state of monkeys by measuring blood ghrelin levels, a widely measured hunger-related peptide hormone in humans, using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We measured these indices and found that they reflected the hunger and thirst states of the monkeys before and after consuming dry meals, with no relation to each other. Thus, these two physical indices can be utilized to monitor hunger and thirst in primates.

Length-Weight relationship and condition factor of Lutjanus peru and L. guttatus from the Gulf of California Mexico.

Fulton’s condition factor (k) and the length-weight relationship (LWR) are the most important biological tools with respect to basic aspects of fish population dynamics; they are applicable to strategic plans for the conservation and management of fisheries. A total of 478 snappers Lutjanus peru and L. guttatus were analyzed in Santa Rosalía, Baja California Sur, in the Gulf of California. The total length of Lutjanus peru ranged from 21 to 55 cm, and weight ranged from 215 to 1,920 g, whereas total length of L. guttatus ranged from 21 to 59 cm, and weight ranged from 290 to 1,675 g. The LWR and condition factor were estimated for the two species and intraspecific factors were analyzed (sex, season, maturity stage) using Bayesian hierarchical models with random effects. The parameters of the LWR equation were similar for the two snapper species (α≈0.026 and β ≈ 2.8); they both presented negative allometric growth (p(β<3)>85%). The L. peru growth rate was greater in the warm season (p(βwarm>βcold)≈97%), whereas this difference was not as evident in L. guttatus (p(βwarm<βcold)≈72%). The condition factor k was greater than 1 for all categories in the two species (p(μk)=100%), which suggests that they keep a good body condition. This indicates that L. peru and L. guttatus in Santa Rosalía experience environmental conditions that benefit their body condition, as a function of year-round food availability. This information is useful for future conservation studies and for monitoring snapper captures, as most L. peru individuals caught were sexually immature.

Food service management perspectives on reducing sodium content in foods served: Opportunities and challenges

Abstract Between Fall 2017 and Spring 2018, the Los Angeles County Sodium Reduction Initiative interviewed food service management leaders and staff from eight public and private institutions in Southern California (three universities, four hospitals, and one senior meal program) to identify opportunities and challenges in reducing sodium content for the foods they sell, serve, and produce. Interviews were transcribed, collated, and analyzed using content analysis with thematic sorting and coding. Interviewees identified several opportunities: (1) group purchasing through a large organizational membership; (2) a supportive organizational culture; (3) organized strategies to replace high-sodium products; and (4) access to software resources to manage food inventories. Challenges included (1) negative customer/staff receptivity to low-sodium options; (2) lack of kitchen infrastructure/equipment; (3) low availability of healthy foods; and (4) limited program evaluation capacity. Collectively, these findings provide practice-based insights into how these factors contributed to sodium reduction efforts in these institutions.

Culturally responsive care in haemodialysis: A scoping review.

To describe how clinicians provide culturally responsive care to culturally diverse people with kidney failure in haemodialysis centres. Culturally diverse individuals receiving in-centre maintenance haemodialysis have unique cultural needs. Unmet cultural needs can impair and profoundly affect their experiences. Given culturally responsive care has the potential to enhance the experiences of culturally diverse people, it is vital to understand how clinicians provide culturally responsive care. A scoping review was undertaken using Arksey and OMalleys framework. Five databases: Medline and CINAHL Complete (EBSCO), PsycINFO, Embase (OVID) and ProQuest Theses and Dissertation databases were searched for research literature published in English between 1990 and 2023. Narrative synthesis was used to synthesise the data. From the 17,271 records screened, 17 papers reporting 14 studies met the inclusion criteria. Narrative synthesis revealed two themes: (i) communication enablers and barriers including linguistic differences, professional and lay interpreter use; and (ii) the importance of culture, which encompassed acknowledging cultural priorities, accommodating cultural food preferences and access to cultural training. While competing priorities associated with haemodialysis may be a challenge for clinicians, recognising the significance of cultural care needs and accommodating them in care is important. Demonstrating respect towards cultural diversity and providing person-centred care by facilitating the unique cultural needs of people with kidney failure in haemodialysis is imperative. Culturally responsive care is complex and multidimensional. Individuals' cultural care needs should be acknowledged, respected, and accommodated in care. No patient or public contribution. The study protocol was registered in the Open Science Framework. https://osf.io/uv8g3.

Self-Sufficiency and Availability of Food in a New Subject of the Russian Federation: Status and Prospects

Self-Sufficiency and Availability of Food in a New Subject of the Russian Federation: Status and Prospects

Data Mining Forecasting Methods for Predicting the Availability of Sustainable Rice Commodities in Bali Province

This research aims to prepare the capacity of local governments to provide sufficient strategic food production, especially rice, which is the commodity most consumed by the people of Gianyar Regency every year. This research is descriptive research with a quantitative approach. The data used in the analysis is secondary data in the form of rice production data (tons), rice production (tons), harvested area (ha), public consumption of rice commodities (kg) and population (people) from 2018 to 2022. obtained from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) and the Bali Province Agriculture and Food Security Service. The results of this research show that the forecasting method using the Backpropagation algorithm can be used to provide an approach to forecasting rice harvest area, rice production, rice production, community consumption levels, and population in 2023 and 2024 in Gianyar Regency. The Backpropagation architectural design uses 12 input layers, 10 hidden layers, and 1 output with Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) results of 0.22 and Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD) of 339 with a very good forecasting category. The average ratio of normative per capita consumption to food availability, especially rice commodities in Gianyar Regency in 2023 will experience a high deficit condition with a Cnorm Ratio value (z) = 1.52 and in 2024 will experience a high deficit condition with a Cnorm Ratio value (z) = 1.57. The forecasting method using the Backpropagation Algorithm can still be developed by focusing on each district by calculating the overall food commodities in that district.

Natural soundscapes of lowland river habitats and the potential threat of urban noise pollution to migratory fish

Migratory fish populations have experienced great declines, and considerable effort have been put into reducing stressors, such as chemical pollution and physical barriers. However, the importance of natural sounds as an information source and potential problems caused by noise pollution remain largely unexplored. The spatial distribution of sound sources and variation in propagation characteristics could provide migratory fish with acoustic cues about habitat suitability, predator presence, food availability and conspecific presence. We here investigated the relationship between natural soundscapes and local river conditions and we explored the presence of human-related sounds in these natural soundscapes. We found that 1a) natural river sound profiles vary with river scale and cross-sectional position, and that 1b) depth, width, water velocity, and distance from shore were all significant factors in explaining local soundscape variation. We also found 2a) audible human activities in almost all our underwater recordings and urban and suburban river parts had elevated sound levels relative to rural river parts. Furthermore, 2b) daytime levels were louder than night time sound levels, and bridges and nearby road traffic were much more prominent with diurnal and weekly patterns of anthropogenic noise in the river systems. We believe our data show high potential for natural soundscapes of low-land river habitat to serve as important environmental cues to migratory fish. However, anthropogenic noise may be particularly problematic due to the omnipresence, and relatively loud levels relative to the modest dynamic range of the natural sound sources, in these slow-flowing freshwater systems.

Reproductive ecology of the critically endangered pancake tortoise (Malacochersus tornieri) in the wild

Reproduction of the pancake tortoise in the wild has remained poorly known over the decades. This study fills the knowledge gap by investigating the reproductive ecology of the species in its natural habitats in Kenya. Data were collected using the time‐constrained search‐and‐seize method, group‐level scan sampling, radio tracking, and camera‐trapping. Our observations revealed a total of 19 mating events that occurred between December and April, predominantly during the rainy seasons. Mating duration averaged 15.2 ± 2.4 min. Male–male aggression was observed during the mating season, with the dominant male keeping off all other males and mating with the resident females. Nest preparation events occurred between April and June. Nine nesting events were recorded, but in only five of them was an egg deposited. The nests were dug in loose soil, appeared almost circular, and measured 8.4 ± 0.9 cm wide and 7.0 ± 0.1 cm deep (n = 7). The average clutch size was one egg. The eggs were white, hard‐shelled, oval, and elongated measuring 4.4 ± 0.4 cm long, 2.7 ± 0.04 cm wide and weighed 17 ± 0.6 g (n = 3). Incubation period lasted 177 ± 5.7 days (n = 2), and hatching coincided with the onset of the short rainy season in November, aligned with the availability of abundant food for the tortoises. The hatchlings were minimally wider than long, having an average straight carapace length of 4.5 ± 0.6 cm, an average width of 4.5 ± 0.4 cm, and on average weighed 14.7 ± 3.7g, (n = 9). They remained near the nest site for 4–5 days before relocating to tiny rock crevices away from the adult tortoise crevices. Egg and hatchling predation was high, with four of the total of six eggs, observed after they were laid, being destroyed. Three juveniles, out of nine, were also eaten by predators. These findings contribute useful information for the formulation of effective conservation and management strategies for this critically endangered species.

The integral role of de novo lipogenesis in the preparation for seasonal dormancy

Animals can alter their body compositions in anticipation of dormancy to endure seasons with limited food availability. Accumulation of lipid reserves, mostly in the form of triglycerides (TAGs), is observed during the preparation for dormancy in diverse animals, including insects (diapause) and mammals (hibernation). However, the mechanisms involved in the regulation of lipid accumulation and the ecological consequences of failure to accumulate adequate lipid stores in preparation for animal dormancy remain understudied. In the broadest sense, lipid reserves can be accumulated in two ways: the animal either receives lipids directly from the environment or converts the sugars and amino acids present in food to fatty acids through de novo lipogenesis and then to TAGs. Here, we show that preparation for diapause in the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) involves orchestrated upregulation of genes involved in lipid metabolism with a transcript peak in 8- and 10-d-old diapause-destined insects. Regulation at the transcript abundance level was associated with the accumulation of substantial fat stores. Furthermore, the knockdown of de novo lipogenesis enzymes (ACCase and FAS-1) prolonged the preparatory phase, while the knockdown of fatty acid transportation genes shortened the preparatory phase. Our findings suggest a model in which the insects dynamically decide when to transition from the preparation phase into diapause, depending on the progress in lipid accumulation through de novo lipogenesis.

A Desert Mirage, Myth of Detroit’s Food Desert

This piece challenges the contemporary view of the city of Detroit as a “food desert”. Despite a low number of traditional supermarkets, the city of Detroit has developed a unique web of food networks. Only 10% of Detroit qualifies as a food desert, considering these alternative modes of food viability. However, these initiatives often go unnoticed, perpetuating misconceptions and biases against the city and its residents. Detroit’s relationship with food access is much more nuanced, as the city faces food insecurity along more racial lines. Although alternative food networks contribute to a more nuanced understanding of Detroit's food access, the issue of food security persists in various pockets of the city. Communities that experience food insecurity within the city are most often occupied by minority groups. The piece highlights the unresolved issues of Detroit's issue of food security, as many of the city’s minority communities struggle with food insecurity related to a turbulent past of racism and xenophobia. This paper will examine the disparity in the city’s food security as well as the resulting health burden incurred by the city. Additionally, this paper will examine potential mitigation strategies in addressing this issues. Ultimately, this paper will determine the history and current status of Detroit's food insecurity, how it affects the city's residents, and potential strategies to mitigate any disparities in food security.

Estimating body condition of Apennine brown bears using subjective scoring based on camera trap photographs

AbstractThe assessment of animal body condition has important practical and management implications for endangered wildlife populations. The nutritional condition of a population can be evaluated in a non-invasive way using photogrammetry techniques, avoiding direct manipulation. This study evaluates the utility of using body condition scoring (BCS) based on the visual assessment of subcutaneous fat and muscle from the body contour as a non-invasive method to quantify body condition in free ranging bears from camera trap photographs. Photographs of Apennine brown bears (Ursus arctos marsicanus), taken between 2007 and 2009 in the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park (PNALM, Italy), were used to evaluate the potential of this technique. BCS assessment was performed on 754 photographs representing 71 independent observations. Forty-eight of these photographs were selected to also score quantitative body ratios using a standardised measure of torso height. BCS varied seasonally, as expected by food availability and brown bear nutritional physiology, and it was also positively correlated to all three body ratios. Our findings indicate that BCS assessment is a good proxy for body condition, and that camera trap data can be effectively used to assess and monitor the nutritional condition of bear populations, such as the critically endangered one in central Italy.

Factors and Perceptions Associated with Post-Pandemic Food Sourcing and Dietary Patterns among Urban Corner Store Customers in Baltimore, Maryland

Objective. Diet-related disease is rising, disproportionately affecting minority communities in which small food retail stores swamp supermarkets. Barriers to healthy food access were exacerbated by the pandemic. We examined the following: (1) individual- and household-level factors in a sample of Baltimore community members who regularly shop at corner stores and (2) how these factors are associated with indicators of dietary quality. Design. Cross-sectional data were collected using an online survey to capture sociodemographics, anthropometrics, and food sourcing, spending, and consumption patterns. Concurrent quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted in Stata 18 and ATLAS.ti. Setting. This study was set in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Participants. The participants included adults (n = 127) living or working in Baltimore who identified as regular customers of their neighborhood corner store. Results. The respondents were majority Black and low-income, with a high prevalence of food insecurity (62.2%) and overweight/obesity (66.9%). Most (82.76%) shopped in their neighborhood corner store weekly. One-third (33.4%) of beverage calories were attributed to sugar-sweetened beverages, and few met the recommended servings for fruits and vegetables or fiber (27.2% and 10.4%, respectively). Being Black and not owning a home were associated with lower beverage and fiber intake, and not owning a home was also associated with lower fruit and vegetable intake. Food insecurity was associated with higher beverage intake, while WIC enrollment was associated with higher fruit and vegetable and fiber intakes. Open-ended responses contextualized post-pandemic food sourcing and consumption in this setting. Conclusions. This paper helps characterize the consumers of a complex urban food system. The findings will inform future strategies for consumer-engaged improvement of local food environments.

Comparative Analysis of Morphometric and Meristic Characters in Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758), Nile Tilapia across Diverse Ecological Zones in Nigeria

The present study investigated the comparative analysis of morphometric and meristic characteristics in Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) from six lakes in different ecological zones across Nigeria. A total of 347 samples were collected. Twenty-nine morphometric characters were measured to the nearest 0.01 cm using Vernier calipers and nine meristic characters were counted in all the collected individuals. The results of the univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that all observed morphometric and meristic characters were significantly different (P=0.05) across the study sites. Notably, O. niloticus from Asejire Lake had significantly higher values in all the morphometric characters. The multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) identified three morphometric and four meristic characters as the most discriminating traits among the studied populations. These findings align with previous research highlighting the utility of morphometric and meristic data in delineating fish populations based on habitat differences and genetic compositions. Significant differences in head-related (head length), swimming-related (anal fin length and caudal peduncle length), and feeding-related (both left and right gill raker) measurements further underscored environmental influences on morphological variation. The study suggests that ecological factors such as food availability and environmental conditions contribute to the observed variations. This research provides valuable insights into the population dynamics and adaptation strategies of O. niloticus in diverse aquatic environments across Nigeria

The Role of Parenting and Socio-Cultural Practices in Addressing Stunting in Food-Insecure West Timor

Stunting, a consequence of chronic malnutrition, has detrimental effects on child development. This qualitative study explores socio-cultural factors and family practices related to stunting prevention in food-insecure areas of West Timor, Indonesia. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, questionnaires, focus groups, and observations with mothers (n = 20), healthcare workers, officials, traditional figures, and religious leaders. Identified parenting practices spanned childcare, immunization, hygiene, sick child care, and feeding. Support for pregnant and postpartum mothers was crucial. Socio-cultural influences emerged in three themes: child food intake, care during pregnancy, and maternal care after childbirth. This study underscores the combined impact of food insecurity and socio-cultural factors on stunting. Culturally sensitive interventions addressing food availability and these practices are essential for effective stunting prevention.

Socio-Ecologic Influences on Weight Trajectories Among Children with Obesity Living in Rural and Urban Settings.

Background: Childhood obesity is a risk factor for poor cardiovascular, metabolic, and respiratory health. The studies examining influences of socio-ecologic factors on weight trajectories using longitudinal data are limited, often examine single measures (e.g., proximity to parks), and have not examined the specific trajectories of children with obesity. Methods: We examined influences on weight among 1518 children, 6-12 years of age, who had obesity using body mass index (BMI) criteria. BMI slope trajectories were categorized as decreasing, flat, or increasing, with a median of 2.1 years of follow-up. We examined socio-ecologic exposures, stratified by rural and urban settings, using census tracts to map indices, including food access, proximity to parks, normalized difference vegetation index, and area deprivation index (ADI). We used ordinal logistic regression to examine the associations between the socio-ecologic factors and BMI trajectories. Results: Among the 1518 children, 360 (24%) had a decreasing BMI trajectory with the remainder having flat (23%) or increasing (53%) trajectories. Children in rural areas were more likely to live in high disadvantage areas, 85%, compared with urban children, 46%. In the multivariable ordinal model, living in a lower ADI census tract had a 0.78 (95% CI 0.61-0.99) lower odds of being in an increasing BMI slope group, and no other socio-ecologic factor was associated. Conclusions: The area deprivation index captures a range of resources and social context compared with the built environment indicators, which had no association with BMI trajectory. Further work examining how to develop effective interventions in high deprivation areas is warranted.

Socio-Ecologic Influences on Weight Trajectories Among Children with Obesity Living in Rural and Urban Settings.

Background: Childhood obesity is a risk factor for poor cardiovascular, metabolic, and respiratory health. The studies examining influences of socio-ecologic factors on weight trajectories using longitudinal data are limited, often examine single measures (e.g., proximity to parks), and have not examined the specific trajectories of children with obesity. Methods: We examined influences on weight among 1518 children, 6-12 years of age, who had obesity using body mass index (BMI) criteria. BMI slope trajectories were categorized as decreasing, flat, or increasing, with a median of 2.1 years of follow-up. We examined socio-ecologic exposures, stratified by rural and urban settings, using census tracts to map indices, including food access, proximity to parks, normalized difference vegetation index, and area deprivation index (ADI). We used ordinal logistic regression to examine the associations between the socio-ecologic factors and BMI trajectories. Results: Among the 1518 children, 360 (24%) had a decreasing BMI trajectory with the remainder having flat (23%) or increasing (53%) trajectories. Children in rural areas were more likely to live in high disadvantage areas, 85%, compared with urban children, 46%. In the multivariable ordinal model, living in a lower ADI census tract had a 0.78 (95% CI 0.61-0.99) lower odds of being in an increasing BMI slope group, and no other socio-ecologic factor was associated. Conclusions: The area deprivation index captures a range of resources and social context compared with the built environment indicators, which had no association with BMI trajectory. Further work examining how to develop effective interventions in high deprivation areas is warranted.

Determinants of the adoption of climate smart agriculture practices by smallholder wheat farmers in northwestern Ethiopia

Frequent climate variability and change had the strongest direct influences on the availability and accessibility of food through reducing agricultural productivity and cropping patterns. Despite the Ethiopian government having made substantial efforts to boost production and productivity through the introduction of Climate Smart Agriculture Practices (CSAPs), the implementation of these practices by smallholder wheat farmers has remained low. This study, therefore, tried to investigate the determinants of the adoption of CSAPs in Northwestern Ethiopia. The primary data were gathered from 385 randomly selected wheat producers (including 702 plot-level observations). The CSAPs considered in this investigation were wheat row planting, crop rotation, and improved wheat varieties. The factors that influence the adoption of CSAPs were determined using a multivariate probit (MVP) model. The results revealed that the age of the sampled wheat producer farmers, education level of sampled wheat farmers, livestock holding, contact with development agents, credit access, off-farm activities participation, distance to input supply institution, slope of the plot, and soil fertility status of the plot were the major determinants of the adoption of CSAPs. The study suggested that policy-makers and stakeholders should strengthen farmers’ skills by providing sufficient and effective short-term training. Moreover, encouraging mixed crop-livestock production systems, strengthening credit access, development agents, and access to near-input supply institutions are required to scale-up the adoption of CSAPs.

Ornithogenic sedimentary profiles of n-alkanes and PAHs constrain breeding penguin population dynamics at Cape Bird, Ross Island, Antarctica, over the past 1,500 years

Ornithogenic sediment may contain important paleoecological information concerning past bird population dynamics. In this paper, we analyse the distribution of n-alkanes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in two sedimentary profiles collected from abandoned penguin colonies at Cape Bird, Ross Island, Antarctica. The geochronology of the sediment profiles was determined using 210Pb and AMS 14C dating techniques, and spans the past 1500 years. We observe low levels of n-alkanes (0.93–2.67 μg g−1) and PAHs (20.5–46.8 ng g−1) concentrations dominated by short-chain n-alkanes, low-molecular-weight and alkyl PAHs. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) shows that the PC 1 scores for n-alkanes and PAHs are significantly correlated with the input intensity of penguin guano and penguin bioelements. Using these proxies in combination with Generalized Additive Model (GAM), we reveal that breeding penguin population growth reaches a historical peak during the Medieval Climate Anomaly (MCA) prior to 1550 CE. This growth in population size corresponds to the extent of sea ice cover and the activity of the local atmospheric-ocean circulation. Warming induced by El Niño and the positive phase of the Southern Annular Mode, along with the expansion of ice-free zones and increased oceanic nutrient and food availability, are considered primary factors contributing to the growth of breeding penguin populations. Additionally, variations in sea ice extent and Amundsen Sea Low significantly influence penguin population dynamics. Our study suggests that n-alkanes and PAHs may be valuable organic proxies for reconstructing historical changes in breeding penguin populations, with the local sea ice extent and atmospheric-oceanic circulation exerting a major influence on Antarctic penguin population dynamics.