Nutritional Intake Levels Research Articles

The Overview of Child development During the Covid-19 Pandemic

During the Covid-19 pandemic, various activities to stimulate young children suddenly stopped due to the emergency condition of the Covid-19 outbreak, However, the stimulation of growth and development for young children was quite ongoing and obtained quite good results by implementing the Covid-19 health protocol. The aims of this study is to describe the growth and development of children during the Covid-19 pandemic. The research method used is qualitative research with a phenomenological approach. The data collected is by means of participants observation and in-depth interviews through FGDs. The research results obtained are that children's growth and development can be seen by monitoring in the form of anthropometric measurements at the puskesmas or public health centers, as well as passive monitoring of growth and development as seen from the KIA’s handbook to prevent mass crowds as an effort to prevent the transmission of Covid-19 . The result in this study found that most were on the growth line in the KIA’s Handbook, while for the level of nutritional intake there were still some children who were lacking in nutrition. Most of the development of gross and fine motor skills in children is in accordance with the KIA’s handbook, however there are a few whose development is not in line with the KIA’s handbook, this could be due to one of the contributing factors, namely nutritional intake. In addition there are 44.44% of children experienced the negative impact of the pandemic on their children's mental-emotional condition, 33.33% of their mental-emotional condition was not affected due to the covid 19 pandemic and 22.22% did not provide clear information. Some of contributing factors that hinder children's growth and development, one of which are nutritional status , the cooperation with health care facilities , and also the support from parents to use educative indoor games and family recreation by implementing the Covid-19 health protocol.

Relationship between Adequacy Level of Nutritional Intake, Hydration Status, and Work Fatigue with Employee Productivity of PT. PAL Indonesia (Persero)

Work productivity is a comparison between the results of work in the form of goods or services with the resources or labor used in a production process. The importance of adequate nutrition for general health and work productivity requires serious attention. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the level of adequacy of nutrient intake, hydration status, and level of fatigue with work productivity. This study is an analytic observational study with a cross-sectional design. The research population is the general engineering division workers of PT. PAL Indonesia (Persero). The sample size calculated using Lemeshow formula was obtained as many as 64 respondents. Primary data sourced from questionnaires and interviews with respondents as well as secondary data on work productivity. Data were analyzed using Chi-Square analysis. The results showed that there was a relationship between energy intake (p=0.010) and worker productivity. Iron intake was also associated with worker productivity (p=0.024). But there are no relationship between work productivity with hydration status (p=0.272) and level of fatigue (p=0.556). There is a relationship between energy and iron intake with work productivity, but there is no relationship between hydration status and fatigue level with work productivity. Researchers suggest for workers to consume variety of type and amount of food intake daily.

The association between nutritional intake one week after admission and outcome in acute ischemic stroke patients

ObjectivesAlthough associations between malnutrition status at stroke admission and poor stroke outcomes have been established, the effect of nutritional intake during the acute phase remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the associations between nutritional intake one week after admission and the outcome at three months among acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. Materials and methodsConsecutive AIS patients were investigated. Nutritional status at admission was evaluated using the Controlling Nutritional Status score, calculated from the serum albumin, lymphocyte count, and total cholesterol. We retrospectively evaluated nutritional intake (energy and protein) one week after admission, and the cutoff value of each nutritional intake level for good outcome was defined as the modified Rankin Scale 0–2 at three months after stroke onset using the receiver operating characteristic curve. ResultsOf the 205 patients, 146 patients had good outcomes. Mild initial neurological symptoms and good nutritional status at admission were associated with good outcome. The cutoff value of good outcome for protein intake was 0.812 g/kg/day (sensitivity: 0.884, specificity: 0.509) and that for energy intake was 19.0 kcal/kg/day (sensitivity: 0.918, specificity: 0.424). Those nutritional intake indicators were independently associated with good outcome after adjusting for baseline confounders, including stroke severity and nutritional status at admission (protein intake: odds ratio (OR), 4.04; 95% confidence intervals (CIs), 1.14–13.1, and energy intake: OR, 5.00; 95% CIs, 1.41–17.8, respectively). ConclusionsAdequate nutritional intake at one week after admission was independently associated with good outcome regardless of the nutritional status at admission or stroke severity.

PENGETAHUAN DAN ASUPAN ZAT GIZI IBU HAMIL (ENERGI, PROTEIN DAN ZAT BESI)

A mother’s level of knowledge about adequate nutrition dramatically influences the behavior of good food choices so that mothers can choose nutritious foods and arrange a balanced menu according to their body’s needs during pregnancy. It will have significant effect on their baby’s birth weight. This study aims to describe the mothers’ knowledge about nutrients and their nutritional intake level during pregnancy. The descriptive study was conducted on 34 respondents who had their pregnancy checked at Passo Public Health Center. The result showed that mostly the knowledge of pregnant women about nutrients was in moderate category (41,17%). Meanwhile their nutritional intake level was mostly in less category (energy 52,94%, protein 55,88% and iron 44,12%). It can be concluded that the knowledge about nutrients and the nutritional intake of pregnant women in Passo Public Health Center need to be improved to ensure mother and child health in the fututre.

Appreciating the Resilience and Stability Found in Heterogeneity: A South African Perspective on Urban Household Food Security

Urban food security has long been viewed as secondary to rural food security in Africa, and with the migration of large numbers of individuals from rural to urban settings, it has become crucial to place more focus on urban food security. More so, in Southern African peri-urban areas, where high unemployment rates amongst the youth exist. Often, the interventions toward reducing food insecurity in urban settings are taken from those previously designed for application in the rural context. In this study, we aimed to measure the status of food security and identify the factors driving and constraining household food security amongst peri-urban households in Tembisa, South Africa, with the purpose of gaining an in depth understanding of the drivers of urban food insecurity within peri-urban communities. In order to accomplish this, FANTA's Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), which measures levels of food security and the Household Dietary Diversity Scale (HDDS), which measures the level of nutritional intake of households was applied. Food prices of the formal and informal markets were monitored over a period of 6 months. A significant decline in household food access over a 4-year period (2013–2016) was observed in addition to low-quality diets. The most commonly used coping methods during periods of low income included borrowing either money or food from friends and neighbors, this was done in conjunction with various other coping strategies. Much of the declining food access was attributed to the inflation of food prices, the lack of employment, lack of formal employment and a high number of household members to breadwinner ratios. High reliance solely on financial capital remains a limitation to the livelihood of urban households. Informal markets are an imperative driver of food security in these peri-urban communities and provide improved food price stability, temporal, and geographical food access through less volatile food pricing, compared to formal markets. Furthermore, government initiatives such as social grants and school feeding schemes have proven to be critical in reducing the vulnerability to food insecurity of most households.

EFFECTS OF NON-NUTRITIVE SWEETENERS ON TOXICITY AND MATING BEHAVIOUR IN DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER

The intake of sweeteners and sweetener containing foods has been increasing day by day, leading to the development of certain health problems, survival, and reproduction. Over the past few years, there has been an enormous growth in the study of sweetener substitutes as dietary assessments help in understanding the nutritional intake levels; however, its illeffects on life history traits have not been studied. In the present study, the effect of two Non-Nutritive Sweeteners (NNS), Aspartame and Sucralose and nutritive sweetener, Sucrose are been studied on toxicity, climbing ability and mating behaviour using Drosophila melanogaster. Control flies had the least mortality rate whereas the highest mortality rate was noticed in aspartame treated flies. Based on the mortality, LD50 values were fixed for NNS for further experiments. Five days old virgin females and unmated males obtained from control and LD50 treated media (Aspartame/Sucralose/Sucrose) were used for climbing ability and mating behaviour experiment. Control flies had a significantly greater climbing ability than nutritive and NNS treated flies. Further, NNS treated flies showed the least climbing ability. The highest mating success was noticed in control flies and the least mating success was found in flies treated with NNS. Aspartame treated flies took a long time for mating whereas control flies had taken the least time for mating. Further, male courtship activities were least in flies treated with NNS whereas control flies showed the highest courtship activities. On the other hand, female rejection responses were highest in flies fed with NNS and least among control flies. Thus, these studies in Drosophila melanogaster suggest that NNS such as aspartame and sucralose have toxic effects and have negative effects on fitness such as climbing ability, mating behaviour, and mating success.

HUBUNGAN STATUS GIZI DAN PEMENUHAN ZAT GIZI DENGAN TINGKAT PRODUKTIVITAS PADA PEKERJA DI PT PELITA ADI PRATAMA DESA SEI MERBAU TANJUNG BALAI

One of the factirs that influence work productivity is the level of nutritional intake of workers as seen from the nutritional status of worker. A person with good nutrition will have better work capacity and endurance, and vice versa in worker with poor nutritional conditions and with a heavy workload will disrupt work and reduce the level of work productivity. This study aims to determine the relationship of nutritional status and nutrient fulfillment with the level of productivity in workers in Pelita Adi Pratama village, Sei Merbau Tanjung Balai in 2020. This research is a quantitative study with cross sectional design. The population in this study were all workers at PT Pelita Adi Pratama in Sei Merbau Tanjung Balai village. Samples of 34 were conducted in total sampling and data collection methods were taken by questionnaire. Bivariate data analysis used Chi Square test with a confidence level of 95%, α = 0,05. Based on the bivariate results there is a relationship between nutritional status and the level of productivity in workers (p value = 0,010), there is no relationship between the fulfillment of productivity ( p value = 0,481), there is no relationship between the fulfillment of carbohydrate nutrients and the level of productivity (p value = 0,535), there is no relationship between the fulfillment of protein nutrients with the level of productivity (p value = 0,579), there is no relationship between the fulfillment of fat nutrients with the level of productivity (p value = 0,624). It is recommended for workers to better understand and know the nutritional needs needed by each so that they can apply it in everyday life.

HUBUNGAN STATUS GIZI DAN PEMENUHAN ZAT GIZI DENGAN TINGKAT PRODUKTIVITAS PADA PEKERJA DI PT PELITA ADI PRATAMA DESA SEI MERBAU TANJUNG BALAI

One of the factirs that influence work productivity is the level of nutritional intake of workers as seen from the nutritional status of worker. A person with good nutrition will have better work capacity and endurance, and vice versa in worker with poor nutritional conditions and with a heavy workload will disrupt work and reduce the level of work productivity. This study aims to determine the relationship of nutritional status and nutrient fulfillment with the level of productivity in workers in Pelita Adi Pratama village, Sei Merbau Tanjung Balai in 2020. This research is a quantitative study with cross sectional design. The population in this study were all workers at PT Pelita Adi Pratama in Sei Merbau Tanjung Balai village. Samples of 34 were conducted in total sampling and data collection methods were taken by questionnaire. Bivariate data analysis used Chi Square test with a confidence level of 95%, α = 0,05. Based on the bivariate results there is a relationship between nutritional status and the level of productivity in workers (p value = 0,010), there is no relationship between the fulfillment of productivity ( p value = 0,481), there is no relationship between the fulfillment of carbohydrate nutrients and the level of productivity (p value = 0,535), there is no relationship between the fulfillment of protein nutrients with the level of productivity (p value = 0,579), there is no relationship between the fulfillment of fat nutrients with the level of productivity (p value = 0,624). It is recommended for workers to better understand and know the nutritional needs needed by each so that they can apply it in everyday life.

Status Gizi dan Perilaku Makan Ibu Selama Kehamilan Trimester Pertama

Background: Nutritional problems in Indonesia are one of the indirect causes of maternal and child mortality. The low nutritional status of mothers before pregnancy and during the first trimester of pregnancy results in babies with low birth weight, stunting and prematurity, pregnancy in the first trimester is the most vulnerable period, where the process of forming very important organs such as the central nerve, heart and hearing is enhanced in the next trimester.Methods: This research uses descriptive quantitative design. Respondents of the study were 50 pregnant women in the first trimester in the Salatiga Primary Health Care. Nutritional status was determined by weight gain of respondents during pregnancy, while eating behavior was measured using the SQ-FFQ Form. The 2x24 hour food recall was used to determine the level of nutritional intake of respondents.Result: The results showed that the respondents experienced a deficit of TKP, TKE, and TKK and TKL excess, while the abnormal weight gain was 44%, and KEK was 20%.Conclusion : Respondents experienced nutritional problems because their daily food intakes were less than their needs

ANALISIS FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI ANEMIA PADA IBU HAMIL DI PUSKESMAS PANCUR BATU KECAMATAN PANCUR BATU KABUPATEN DELI SERDANG TAHUN 2018

Anemia is one of the most common global health problems, spreadwide and it affects 56 million women in the world, and two thirds of them are in Asia. In the world, there is 34% of pregnant women with anemia where 75% are in developing countries. In Indonesia, 63.5% of pregnant women with anemia and around 62.3% are iron deficiency anemia. Based on the data found in Pancur Batu Health Center, Pancur Batu Subdistrict, Deli Serdang District, there were 314 pregnant women with anemia in 2017. The purpose of the research was to analyze the factors that influence anemia in pregnant women in Pancur Batu Health Center, Deli Serdang District in 2018. This research was observational analytic with crosectional design. The sample consisted of all anemia pregnant women who came to have a pregnancy check up while conducting the research as many as 65 people. Data were analyzed by using chi square test and multiple logistic regressions. From the results of multivariate analysis, birth distance p = 0.006 PR was obtained; 13,259; 95% CI (2,108-83,385), Fe tablet consumption p = 0,007 PR; 16,969 95% CI (2,137-134,762), folate intake p = 0,011; PR 19,219 95% CI (1,991-185,526). From the results of multivariate analysis, the most dominant variable influencing the incidence of anemia in pregnant women is folate intake p = p = 0.011; PR 19,219 95% CI (1,991-185,526) it means that pregnant women who lack folate intake estimate the risk of 19 times suffering from anemia compared to pregnant women who get good folate intake. It is recommended that puskesmas officers conduct counseling for pregnant women about consumption or the level of nutritional intake of pregnant women related to the intake of folate, protein, fat and kabohidrat. Pukesmas officers are expected to increase public knowledge through health counseling and family counseling related to age appropriate for pregnancy, regulate birth spacing and improve community health status especially pregnant women because pregnant women need more nutritional intake because it can help government programs to reduce maternal mortality.

Prospects of quality protein maize as feed for indigenous chickens in Zimbabwe: A review

Indigenous chickens (IC) play an important role in African rural household settings, particularly in improving their livelihoods. However, IC production is characterised by low productivity due to poor quality and quantity of feed, compounded by poor management practises. This dire situation is aggravated by the fact that IC are raised under extensive systems, supplemented with meagre grain supplements. They are a hardy poultry species and as a result most farmers assume that their nutritional requirements can be met through scavenging. To the contrary, analysis of crop contents has shown that IC nutritional intake levels are often below optimum for production. To enhance the productivity of IC, there is urgent need to explore the use of alternative nutritionally rich feed stuffs. One of such ingredients is Quality Protein Maize (QPM). Quality protein maize contains elevated levels of lysine and tryptophan, compared to non-QPM. The objective of this article is to review the prospects of QPM as feed for IC, through a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis. Due to its superior nutritional quality, QPM has the potential to enhance growth rate, carcass characteristics and immunity of indigenous chickens. However, QPM is still a new technology in Zimbabwe; most farmers are not aware of its existence. There is, therefore, need for policies and infrastructural adjustments to promote its widespread adoption. Furthermore, there is need for feeding trials as they provide concrete evidence of the benefits of this kind of maize.Key words: Carcass quality, quality protein maize, supplementary feed

Nutraceutical formulation, characterisation, and in-vitro evaluation of methylselenocysteine and selenocystine using food derived chitosan:zein nanoparticles

Selenoamino acids (SeAAs) have been shown to possess antioxidant and anticancer properties. However, their bioaccessibility is low and they may be toxic above the recommended nutritional intake level, thus improved targeted oral delivery methods are desirable. In this work, the SeAAs, Methylselenocysteine (MSC) and selenocystine (SeCys2) were encapsulated into nanoparticles (NPs) using the mucoadhesive polymer chitosan (Cs), via ionotropic gelation with tripolyphosphate (TPP) and the NPs produced were then coated with zein (a maize derived prolamine rich protein). NPs with optimized physicochemical properties for oral delivery were obtained at a 6: 1 ratio of Cs:TPP, with a 1:0.75 mass ratio of Cs:zein coating (diameter ~260 nm, polydispersivity index ~0.2, zeta potential >30 mV). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis showed that spheroidal, well distributed particles were obtained. Encapsulation Efficiencies of 80.7% and 78.9% were achieved, respectively, for MSC and SeCys2 loaded NPs. Cytotoxicity studies of MSC loaded NPs showed no decrease in cellular viability in either Caco-2 (intestine) or HepG2 (liver) cells after 4 and 72 h exposures. For SeCys2 loaded NPs, although no cytotoxicity was observed in Caco-2 cells after 4 h, a significant reduction in cytotoxicity was observed, compared to pure SeCys2, across all test concentrations in HepG2 after 72 h exposure. Accelerated thermal stability testing of both loaded NPs indicated good stability under normal storage conditions. Lastly, after 6 h exposure to simulated gastrointestinal tract environments, the sustained release profile of the formulation showed that 62 ± 8% and 69 ± 4% of MSC and SeCys2, had been released from the NPs respectively.

Relation of Nutritional Intake and Allergic Rhinitis in Infants: Using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2013~2016

Objectives: This study examined the relationship between the presence of allergic rhinitis and the nutritional intake levels of Korean infants. Methods: The study involved a total of 1,214 infant subjects aged 1~5 months from the 2013~2016 KNHNES (Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey). The Subjects were classified into two groups based on the presence of allergic rhinitis: Non-allergic rhinitis infants (NARI, n=1,088) and allergic rhinitis infants (ARI, n=126). The general characteristics and family history of allergies, nutrient intake status, nutrient supplement intake, and breast milk and baby food start period data of the two groups were compared. All statistical analyses accounted for the complex sampling design effect and sampling weights. Results: The mean age was 0.5 years old in the ARI group compared to the NARI group. In the residence, the rate of urban was higher in ARI. The family history revealed a significant difference between the two groups, particularly those of mothers rather than fathers. The nutrient intake levels were high in energy, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, iron, riboflavin, niacin, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Breastfeeding was significantly higher in the ARI group than in the NARI group. The baby food start period was 0.3 months earlier in NARI group than in ARI group. The height, body weight, and birth weight were higher in ARI group than NARI group. The result of Odds ratio analysis showed that excess energy, protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, riboflavin, and niacin intake increases the risk of allergic rhinitis. Conclusions: These results can be used as data to develop nutrition guidelines for allergic rhinitis infants.

Effects of month long ramadan fasting on anthropometric measurements and nutritional intake in healthy male subjects

Rationale: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of month-long Ramadan fasting on anthropometric measurements and nutritional intake levels in healthy adult male subjects.

Effect of nutritional intake towards Angular cheilitis of orphanage children

Introduction: Angular cheilitis is one of the oral manifestations of iron, vitamin B12, and folate deficiency. This manifestation frequently seen in people at first and second decade. The purpose of this study was to obtain the prevalence of angular cheilitis and its classifications related to the nutritional intake level in 6-18 years old children. Methods: This research was a descriptive study with 53 children between 6-18 years old from Muhammadiyah Orphanage Bandung as the samples. The oral cavity was examined clinically and their food consumption in a week was noted in Food Recall 24 hours and Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) in order to measure their nutritional intake level. Results: There are 23 children with angular cheilitis. 13% has iron and folate deficiencies, and 87% has iron, vitamin B12, and folate deficiencies. Angular cheilitis types that has been found are Type I (39%), Type II (48%) and Type III (13%). Conclusion: The prevalence of angular cheilitis in 6-18 years old children in Muhammadiyah Orphanage Bandung was moderately high, most of them were having iron, vitamin B12, and folate deficiencies. Type II angular cheilitis was the most frequently seen.

High-intensity interval training reduces abdominal fat mass in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes

AimThis study compared the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) for 16 weeks on whole-body and abdominal fat mass (FM) in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes (T2D). MethodsSeventeen women (69±1 years; BMI: 31±1kg.m−2) were randomly assigned to either a HIIT [60×(8s at 77–85% HRmax, 12s of active recovery)] or MICT (40min at 55–60% of their individual HRR) cycling program for 16 weeks, 2 days/week. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure whole-body and regional FM content, including abdominal adiposity and visceral adipose tissue. Plasma cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, glucose and HbA1c levels were measured. Levels of nutritional intake and physical activity were evaluated by 7-day self-reports. ResultsDietary energy (caloric) intake, physical activity level and total body mass did not vary in either group from the beginning to the end of the training intervention. Overall, total FM decreased and total fat-free mass significantly increased over time (by around 2–3%). Total FM reduction at the end of the intervention was not significantly different between groups. However, significant loss of total abdominal (−8.3±2.2%) and visceral (−24.2±7.7%) FM was observed only with HIIT. Time effects were noted for HbA1c and total cholesterol/HDL ratio. ConclusionWith no concomitant caloric restriction, an HIIT program in postmenopausal women with T2D (twice a week for 16 weeks) appeared to be more effective for reducing central obesity than MICT, and could be proposed as an alternative exercise training program for this population.

Severe Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia, Growth, Nutrition, and Adipokines at School Age

This study evaluated nutrition and growth in relation to plasma adipokine levels in 21 very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) children with radiographic bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), 19 VLBW controls, and 19 term controls with a median age of 11.3 years. We took anthropometric measurements; assessed plasma levels of adipsin, resistin, adiponectin, and leptin; and analyzed the children’s 3-day food records. Children with BPD had a smaller age-adjusted head circumference and more microcephaly but no other significant growth differences. Daily recommended nutritional intake levels were poorly met but did not differ between the groups. Leptin levels correlated positively with the body mass index standard deviation score in VLBW children. No other associations between adipokine concentrations and growth were found. There were negative correlations between leptin concentrations and fat intake, resistin levels and carbohydrate intake, and adiponectin, adipsin, and leptin levels and energy intake.

A Systematic Review of Global Alpha-Tocopherol Status as Assessed by Nutritional Intake Levels and Blood Serum Concentrations.

The purpose of this study is to systematically review the published literature reporting vitamin E intake levels and serum concentrations in order to obtain a global overview of α-tocopherol status. Articles published between 2000 and 2012 were considered; 176 articles referring to 132 single studies were included. Applying an RDA (recommended daily allowance) of 15 mg/day and EAR (estimated average requirement) of 12 mg/day to all populations with a minimum age of 14 years, 82 and 61 % of mean and median data points were below the RDA and the EAR, respectively. Regarding serum concentrations, globally 13 % of the included data points were below the functional deficiency threshold concentration of 12 µmol/L, mostly for newborns and children. Several prospective observational studies suggest that a serum α-tocopherol concentration of ≥30 µmol/L has beneficial effects on human health. Of the reported study populations and subpopulations, only 21 % reached this threshold globally. This systematic review suggests that the α-tocopherol status is inadequate in a substantial part of the studied populations.

A Study of Association Dining-out, Nutritional Intakes and Health Risk Factors among Korean Women using the Data of Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES Ⅵ)

The aim of this study was to investigate the association dining-out frequency, nutritional intake level and health risk factors related to metabolic syndrome among Korean women. The data in this study were obtained from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2013 (KNHANES VI). Sample of Korean women (n=3,413), aged over 20 with biochemical, dietary and health screening data, was divided into three groups according to dining-out frequency; “Rarely” (< 1 time / week), “Occasionally” (2～4 times / week) and “Frequently” (≥ 5 times / week). The results showed that there were significantly different intake levels in energy, water, protein, fat, calcium, sodium and vitamin A according to the dining-out frequency. Each dining-out frequency group was significantly associated to obesity and Low HDL Cholesterolemia. In conclusion, this study found significant association between dining-out frequency, nutritional intake and health risk factors among Korean women. Further studies are necessary to examine subdividing into age and dining-out frequency and health risk factors related to metabolic syndrome among Korean.

Commodification and Westernization: Explaining Declining Nutritional Intake in Contemporary Rural China

Despite China's rapid growth in the past decade, Chinese rural residents suffer from a continuing decline of both calorie and protein intakes. We investigate the dramatic historical changes in nutritional intake in the Chinese countryside. There are two main explanations for the decline: first, the changing demographic and economic structure contributes to a lower demand for energy compared to traditional rural society; and, second, the rising cost of non‐food essential goods could lead to a squeeze in the food budget. Using both national‐level and provincial‐level data, we find evidence for both factors. We further argue that the current abnormally low level of nutritional intake is mainly due to commodification in the context of diet westernization. Rural residents' nutritional intake declines as they divert their consumption from relatively cheap sources of energy (grain and vegetable) to more expensive alternatives (meat and poultry) under a squeezed budget. The shocking failure of sustaining a healthy rural population is a unique manifestation of the contradiction in the Chinese agrarian relations.