Micronutrient Density Research Articles

Soil Nutrient Dependency of Biochemical Pathways for Synthesis of Plant Compounds

Micronutrient deficiency has been linked to various human diseases. Crops grown in mineral-depleted soils may have reduced food quality as measured by nutrient density because of any deficient minerals and a potential impaired ability to synthesize compounds essential to human health, including vitamins. Until recently, micronutrient density was not clearly understood and may have silently crept through the food chain, exacerbating various modern human diseases. We believe investigating the critical roles of soil micronutrients, especially magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn) in vitamin synthesis and function is urgently needed.

Improving micronutrient density in basmati rice and durum wheat through summer green manuring and elemental sulfur fertilisation

Rice–wheat cropping systems feed millions of people in South and East Asia. However, cereal-based foods are inherently deficient in micronutrients. A strategy involving green manuring and elemental sulfur (S) fertilisation is an innovative approach for biofortification by enhancing bioavailability of micronutrients. We conducted an experiment with a basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.)–durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) cropping system that comprised main plot treatments of two green manure crops, Sesbania aculeata Pers. (prickly sesban) and Crotalaria juncea L. (sunhemp), and a fallow. Sulfur as bentonite-S (90% S) was applied in subplot treatments of 20 or 40 kg S ha−1 to rice, 20 or 40 kg S ha−1 to wheat, and 20 or 40 kg S ha−1 to both rice and wheat, with a control (no S fertilisation). There were three replications in a split-plot design. Results showed that micronutrient concentrations and their uptake were in the order iron (Fe) > manganese (Mn) > zinc (Zn) > copper (Cu) in both grains and straw of basmati rice and durum wheat. Compared with fallow, sunhemp green manuring increased Zn and Mn by 11%, Fe by 18% and Cu by 17% in basmati rice grain, and Zn by 21%, Mn by 8%, Fe by 12% and Cu by 8% in durum wheat grain. Compared with the no-S control, fertilisation at 40 kg S ha−1 to both rice and wheat increased Zn by 30%, Fe by 33%, Cu by 23% and Mn by 24% in basmati rice grain, as well as rice grain yield by 10%. The same treatment increased Zn by 42%, Fe by 27%, Cu by 9% and Mn by 18% in durum wheat grain, as well as wheat grain yield by 26%. Thus, green manuring and addition of 40 kg S ha−1 to both rotation crops is an effective strategy to ensure biofortification.

Priority Micronutrient Density of Foods for Complementary Feeding of Young Children (6-23 Months) in South and Southeast Asia.

Background: Given their high nutrient requirements and limited gastric capacity, young children during the complementary feeding period (6–23 months) should be fed nutrient-dense foods. However, complementary feeding diets in low- and middle-income countries are often inadequate in one or more essential micronutrients. In South and Southeast Asia infants' and young children's diets are commonly lacking in iron, zinc, vitamin A, folate, vitamin B12, and calcium, hereafter referred to as priority micronutrients.Objective: This study aimed to identify the top food sources of priority micronutrients among minimally processed foods for complementary feeding of children (6–23 months) in South and Southeast Asia.Methods: An aggregated regional food composition database for South and Southeast Asia was built, and recommended nutrient intakes (RNIs) from complementary foods were calculated for children aged 6–23 months. An approach was developed to classify foods into one of four levels of priority micronutrient density based on the calories and grams required to provide one-third (for individual micronutrients) or an average of one-third (for the aggregate score) of RNIs from complementary foods.Results: We found that the top food sources of multiple priority micronutrients are organs, bivalves, crustaceans, fresh fish, goat, canned fish with bones, and eggs, closely followed by beef, lamb/mutton, dark green leafy vegetables, cow milk, yogurt, and cheese, and to a lesser extent, canned fish without bones.Conclusions: This analysis provided insights into which foods to prioritize to fill common micronutrient gaps and reduce undernutrition in children aged 6–23 months in South and Southeast Asia.

Modeling food fortification contributions to micronutrient requirements in Malawi using Household Consumption and Expenditure Surveys.

Large‐scale food fortification may be a cost‐effective intervention to increase micronutrient supplies in the food system when implemented under appropriate conditions, yet it is unclear if current strategies can equitably benefit populations with the greatest micronutrient needs. This study developed a mathematical modeling framework for comparing fortification scenarios across different contexts. It was applied to model the potential contributions of three fortification vehicles (oil, sugar, and wheat flour) toward meeting dietary micronutrient requirements in Malawi through secondary data analyses of a Household Consumption and Expenditure Survey. We estimated fortification vehicle coverage, micronutrient density of the diet, and apparent intake of nonpregnant, nonlactating women for nine different micronutrients, under three food fortification scenarios and stratified by subpopulations across seasons. Oil and sugar had high coverage and apparent consumption that, when combined, were predicted to improve the vitamin A adequacy of the diet. Wheat flour contributed little to estimated dietary micronutrient supplies due to low apparent consumption. Potential contributions of all fortification vehicles were low in rural populations of the lowest socioeconomic position. While the model predicted large‐scale food fortification would contribute to reducing vitamin A inadequacies, other interventions are necessary to meet other micronutrient requirements, especially for the rural poor.

The nutritional impact of replacing dietary meat with meat alternatives in the UK: a modelling analysis using nationally representative data.

Dietary patterns high in meat compromise both planetary and human health. Meat alternatives may help to facilitate meat reduction; however, the nutritional implications of displacing meat with meat alternatives does not appear to have been evaluated. Here, the ninth cycle of the National Diet and Nutrition Survey was used as the basis of models to assess the effect of meat substitution on nutritional intake. We implemented three models; model 1 replaced 25 %, 50 %, 75 % or 100 % of the current meat intake with a weighted mean of meat alternatives within the UK market. Model 2 compared different ingredient categories of meat alternative; vegetable, mycoprotein, a combination of bean and pea, tofu, nut and soya. Model 3 compared fortified v. unfortified meat alternatives. The models elicited significant shifts in nutrients. Overall, carbohydrate, fibre, sugars and Na increased, whereas reductions were found for protein, total and saturated fat, Fe and B12. Greatest effects were seen for vegetable-based (+24·63g/d carbohydrates), mycoprotein-based (-6·12g/d total fat), nut-based (-19·79g/d protein, +10·23g/d fibre; -4·80g/d saturated fat, +7·44g/d sugars), soya-based (+495·98mg/d Na) and tofu-based (+7·63mg/d Fe, -2·02μg/d B12). Our results suggest that meat alternatives can be a healthful replacement for meat if chosen correctly. Consumers should choose meat alternatives low in Na and sugar, high in fibre, protein and with high micronutrient density, to avoid compromising nutritional intake if reducing meat intake. Manufacturers and policy makers should consider fortification of meat alternatives with nutrients such as Fe and B12 and focus on reducing Na and sugar content.

Knowledge, perception and utilization of biofortified cassava and orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) in selected rural areas in Nigeria

Vitamin A deficiency is a major public health problem in Nigeria. Staple crops are targeted by biofortification efforts because they possess low micronutrient density and are consumed in large quantities by a large proportion of poor households. This study was designed to assess the knowledge, perception and utilization of biofortified cassava and orange-fleshed sweet potato in selected Local government Areas in Abia and Imo States. The study was descriptive and cross-sectional in design. A total of 710 respondents were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to elicit the required information. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics(frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation)and inferential(correlation)analysis. Socio-demographic data revealed a preponderance of females, married, well-educated and working-class respondents. Monthly income above ₦29,000(US$ 70.54) and household size of 4-6 members were reported in 53.5% and 48.6% of the respondents. Study results further revealed that some (34.9%)of the respondents had good knowledge, while 46.1% and 19.0% had an average and poor knowledge of biofortified staples, respectively. Orange fleshed sweet potatoes and biofortified cassava were purchased at least once monthly by 73.7% of the respondents, however 16.5% and 27.5% of the respondents consumed these biofortified staples on a daily and weekly basis. Low positive perception towards the consumption (27.5%), benefits (39.6%) and barriers (16.9%) of utilizing studied biofortified staples was reported. A positive correlation was observed between respondents’ knowledge of biofortified staples and their benefits perception (p = 0.003), purchase (p =0.001) and consumption (p= 0.001) frequency.Therefore, while a good number of the respondents were fairly knowledgeable about the studied biofortified staples, it significantly influenced the perception and utilization of these staples, despite being reportedly low. Therefore, increased sensitization, price subsidy and availability of these biofortified staples will help improvetheir acceptance and utilization among rural households.

Evaluation of One Egg per Day on Iron and Anemia Status Among Young Malawian Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectivesYoung children with complementary feeding diets that lack diversity and have low micronutrient density are at risk of iron deficiency anemia. Our objectives were to determine the impact of supplementing diets with 1 egg/day on: (1) plasma ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), and hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations; and (2) the prevalence of iron deficiency (ID), anemia, and iron deficiency anemia (IDA). MethodsChildren age 6–9mo in the Mangochi District of Malawi were individually randomized to receive 1 egg/day for 6mo (n = 331) or continue their usual diet (n = 329). Venous blood samples were collected at enrollment and a 6mo follow-up by assessors masked to group assignment. Plasma ferritin, sTfR, c-reactive protein (CRP), and α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) were assessed using ELISA and hemoglobin was measured using Hemocue analyzers. Ferritin and sTfR were corrected for inflammation using CRP and AGP in linear regression models. Ferritin, sTfR, and hemoglobin concentrations were compared between groups using linear regression models, adjusting for baseline values. The prevalence ratios (PR) of ID (fer < 12μg/L, sTfR >8.3mg/L, or total body iron< 0mg/kg), anemia (Hb< 11g/dL), and IDA (Hb < 11g/dL and ID) were compared between egg and control groups using binomial or Poisson regression models. ResultsA total of 585 children were included in this analysis (Egg: n = 286; Control: n = 299). At enrollment, the prevalence of anemia and IDA was 61% and 55%. At the 6mo follow-up, there was no difference between groups in inflammation-adjusted ferritin (geometric mean [95% CI]; Egg: 6.52μg/L [5.98,7.10]; Control: 6.82 [6.27, 7.42]) or sTfR (Egg: 11.34mg/L [10.92,11.78]; Control: 11.46 [11.04,11.89]) concentrations. There was also no difference in mean hemoglobin concentration between groups (mean [95%CI]; Egg: 11.0g/L [10.8,11.1]; Control:11.1 [11.0,11.3]). Overall, 43% of children had anemia, 89% had ID, and 40% had IDA. No group-level differences were observed in the prevalence of anemia [PR: 1.15 (95% CI: 0.96, 1.38)], ID [PR: 0.99 (0.94, 1.05)], or IDA [PR: 1.12 (0.92, 1.36)]. ConclusionsIron and anemia indices did not differ between the egg intervention group and control group. Other interventions are needed to address the high prevalence of iron deficiency and anemia among young, Malawian children. Funding SourcesBill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Impacts of an egg intervention on nutrient adequacy among young Malawian children.

Eggs are a rich source of multiple nutrients that support child growth and development. Provision of eggs as a complementary food may improve dietary adequacy among young children at risk for undernutrition. Our objective was to test the impact of an egg intervention on the adequacy of total nutrient intakes and micronutrient density among 6‐ to 15‐month‐old Malawian children. Children 6 to 9 months old, living in Mangochi District, Malawi, were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n = 331) receiving an egg per day or a control group (n = 329) consuming their usual diet. Dietary intakes of macronutrients, vitamins and minerals were assessed using 24‐h recalls at baseline, 3‐month midline and 6‐month endline, with repeat recalls in a subsample. Usual nutrient intake and micronutrient density distributions were modelled to estimate group means and prevalence of inadequacy. Group differences at midline and endline were tested using unequal variance t tests with bootstrapped standard errors. The egg intervention resulted in higher intakes of fat and protein and lower intakes of carbohydrates. The egg group had lower prevalence of inadequacy for selenium, vitamin A, riboflavin, vitamin B5, vitamin B12 and choline. Micronutrient density inadequacy was lower in the egg group for vitamin A and choline at midline and endline, riboflavin at midline and vitamin B5 at endline. Inadequacy of nutrient intakes or density remained highly prevalent in both groups for multiple micronutrients. Though the egg intervention increased intakes of protein and several micronutrients, total intakes and micronutrient density of multiple micronutrients remained far below recommendations.

Correlação da força de preensão palmar e estado nutricional em idosas praticantes de atividade física

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a força de preensão palmar e correlação com o estado nutricional de mulheres idosas. Estudo com abordagem transversal, quantitativo com amostra composta por 60 idosas com idade &gt; 60 anos do sexo feminino, realizado no Centro de Convivência Dos Idosos, localizado em uma cidade do Nordeste Brasileiro. Foram estudadas varáveis para avaliação da composição corporal. O consumo alimentar foi avaliado por meio de Questionário de Frequência Alimentar (QFA) adaptado para idosos. Os dados da Força de Preensão Palmar (FPP) foram avaliados por meio da aplicação de formula. Para diferenças significativas adotou-se p&lt;0,05. A pesquisa recebeu aprovação ética com número de parecer 3.248.005. A idade média da amostra final foi de 67,92±7,77. Houve prevalência de sobrepeso (45%) segundo o IMC. A ingestão calórica esteve acima da recomendação (1907,38±783,07). Entre as participantes com idades entre 60 a 69 anos de idade as médias tanto de FPP-D (26,70 + 2,37) como FPP-ND (25,23 + 1,73) apresentaram-se adequadas, já entre as que possuíam idade a cima de 70 anos a média da FFP-ND (18,93 + 3,55) esteve abaixo do esperado, encontrando-se adequado apenas o valor de FPP-D (20,53 + 3,73). Os resultados obtidos neste estudo sugerem que a força muscular das idosas se mantém preservada, o que influencia no desempenho funcional dessa população. O estado nutricional inadequado com sobrepeso das idosas deste estudo, é resultante do consumo de alimentos com densidade calórica elevada e baixa qualidade de macro e micronutrientes.

Comparison of the Diet ID Platform to the Automated Self-administered 24-hour (ASA24) Dietary Assessment Tool for Assessment of Dietary Intake

Objective Collecting multiple 24-hour recalls (24HR) can be burdensome, necessitating alternative methods to assess dietary intake in the research setting. Method This cross-sectional study compared the use of the Diet ID™ online platform with three unannounced 24HR assessed via the Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour recall (ASA24) among participants in the Nutritious Eating with Soul (NEW Soul) study. NEW Soul participants (n = 68; 100% African American, 79% female, mean age 50.7 ± 9.6 years) were randomized to follow one of two healthy soul food diets: vegan or omnivorous. For the present study, data from both groups were combined. Energy intake, dietary quality (Healthy Eating Index), and macro-/micronutrient densities per 1000 kcals, as assessed by either the averaged values of the three 24HR or the Diet ID. Descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations, and Spearman rank correlations) summarized each nutrient as measured by the Diet ID and ASA24. Bland-Altman plots were used as the main method to assess agreement between the two measures. Results Nutrients from the Diet ID were generally higher than the 24HR except for the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) score (69.6 ± 12.2 ASA24 vs 51.1 ± 34.5 Diet ID). Diet ID reported 950 kcals higher energy intake than ASA24, with the difference being most pronounced at lower ASA24-reported energy intake. There were significant correlations among measures for HEI score, protein, carbohydrates, cholesterol, potassium, copper, thiamin, and vitamins B12 and E. There was higher reporting of nutrients using Diet ID compared to the 24HR. Diet ID is a rapid way to assess dietary intake. Conclusions Future studies should consider comparing these two methods with objective assessments of energy and nutrient intake and using multiple instruments to ensure that the strengths of all methods are included.

Low-carbohydrate ketogenic diets in body weight control: A recurrent plaguing issue of fad diets?

The most appropriate type of diets to maintain or lose body weight over the medium to long term has been a matter of controversy and debates for more than half a century. Both voluntarily and coercive food restriction, resulting in negative energy and macronutrient balance and hence weight loss, have not been designed to be maintained for the long term. By contrast, when a classical and traditional type of alimentation is consumed in ad lib conditions (e.g., the Mediterranean "diet"), it generally provides an appropriate nutritional density of essential macronutrients and micronutrients; it is hence appropriate for long-term use, and it provides several benefits for health if the compliance of the individuals is maintained over time. In this short review, we focus on four specific aspects: first, the need to agree on a clear definition of what is "low" versus "high" in terms of total carbohydrate intake and total fat intakes, both generally inversely related, in a representative individual with a certain lifestyle and a certain body morphology; second, the importance of discussing the duration over which it could be prescribed, that is, acute versus chronic conditions, focusing on the comparison between the fashion and often ephemeral low-carbohydrate diet (acute) with the well-recognized traditional Mediterranean type of alimentation (chronic), which includes lifestyle changes; third, the particular metabolic characteristics induced by the low-carbohydrate (high fat) diet, namely, the scramble up of ketone bodies production. The recent debate on ketogenic diets concern whether or not, in iso-energetic conditions, low-carbohydrate diets would significantly enhance energy expenditure. This is an issue that is more "academic" than practical, on the ground that the putative difference of 100-150 kcal/day or so (in the recent studies) is not negligible but within the inherent error of the methodology used to track total energy expenditure in free living conditions by the doubly labeled water technique. Fourth, the potential medical risks and shortcomings of ingesting (over the long term) low-carbohydrate ketogenic diets could exacerbate underlying renal dysfunction, consecutive to the joint combination of high-fat, high-protein diets, particularly in individuals with obesity. This particular diet promotes metabolic acidosis and renal hyperfiltration, which ultimately may contribute to a significant reduction in life expectancy in middle-age people.

What Does the Taste System Tell Us About the Nutritional Composition and Toxicity of Foods?

One of the distinctive features of the human taste system is that it categorizes food into a few taste qualities - e.g., sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami. Here, I examined the functional significance of these taste qualities by asking what they tell us about the nutritional composition and toxicity of foods. I collected published data on the composition of raw and unprocessed foods - i.e., fruits, endosperm tissues, starchy foods, mushrooms, and meats. Sweet taste is thought to help identify foods with a high caloric or micronutrient density. However, the sweetest foods (fruits) had a relatively modest caloric density and low micronutrient density, whereas the blandest foods (endosperm tissues and meats) had a relatively high caloric and high micronutrient density. Salty taste is thought to be a proxy for foods high in sodium. Sodium levels were higher in meats than in most plant materials, but raw meats lack a salient salty taste. Sour taste (a measure of acidity) is thought to signify dangerous or spoiled foods. While this may be the case, it is notable that most ripe fruits are acidic. Umami taste is thought to reflect the protein content of food. I found that free L-glutamate (the prototypical umami tastant) concentration varies independently of protein content in foods. Bitter taste is thought to help identify poisonous foods, but many nutritious plant materials taste bitter. Fat taste is thought to help identify triglyceride-rich foods, but the role of taste versus mouthfeel in the attraction to fatty foods is unresolved. These findings indicate that the taste system provides incomplete or, in some cases, misleading information about the nutritional content and toxicity of foods. This may explain why inputs from the taste system are merged with inputs from the other cephalic senses and intestinal nutrient-sensing systems. By doing so, we create a more complete sensory representation and nutritional evaluation of foods.

Biofortification of Zn and Fe in Chickpea through Agronomic Intervention in Medium Black Soils of Karnataka

Background: Bio-fortification, the process of integrating nutrients into food crops, provides a sustainable and economic way of increasing the density of micronutrients in important staple crops. Agronomic bio-fortification is the easiest, practicable and fastest way for bio-fortification of pulse grains with Fe, Zn, or other desirable micronutrients. Increasing micronutrient rich foods and improving dietary diversity will substantially reduce micronutrient disorders.Methods: A field experiment was conducted during the post rainy seasons of 2015, 2016 and 2017 at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Kalaburagi, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur (Karnataka) to know the effect of soil and foliar fertilization of Zn and Fe on chickpea genotypes. Two genotypes (Annigeri 1 and JG 11) and six fertilization treatments (Control, 0.5% Zn, 0.1% Fe, Zn + Fe, seed treatment with 2 g Zn kg-1 seeds and soil application of Zn) were tested in medium black soils in split plot design with three replications.Result: The pooled data of three seasons indicated that the genotype JG 11, performed better than Annigeri 1 in terms of seed yield (1309 kgha-1), net returns (₹ 31634ha-1) and B: C ratio (2.52). On biofortification of Zn and Fe, foliar fertilization of Zn @ 0.5% + Fe @ 0.1% at flowering stage recorded significantly higher grain yield (1321 kgha-1), net returns (₹ 31179ha-1) and B: C ratio (2.44) over rest of the treatments. Further, foliar fertilization of Zn + Fe had significant influence on nutrient concentration (Zn and Fe) in chickpea grains. Thus, it could be concluded that combined biofortification of Zn + Fe to chickpea crop could be the viable agronomic intervention for getting higher productivity and nutritional security.

The global burden of chronic and hidden hunger revisited: New panel data evidence spanning 1990–2017

Gödecke, Stein and Qaim (2018) (GSQ) recently analysed the 1990–2010 trend and determinants of the global burden of chronic and hidden hunger. We reanalyse and extend GSQ's study and demonstrate that after 2010, significant reductions in the burden of hunger were achieved. In contrast with GSQ, we find that (i) hidden hunger is more prevalent than chronic hunger; (ii) cereal availability and the supply of vegetables and fruits matter; and (iii) gender equality only affects hidden hunger. We further provide evidence on the importance of spatial spillovers in GDP affecting the burden of hunger. Policy makers should therefore prioritize (i) enhancement of micronutrient density of cereals; (ii) diversification of production systems and consumer diets; and (iii) development of nutrition-sensitive food value chains.

Development and validation of a meal quality index with applications to NHANES 2005-2014.

The Meal Balance Index (MBI) assesses the nutritional quality and balance of meals. It is a score between 0 and 100 that takes into account both shortfall and excess nutrients, adjusted for the energy content of the meal. In the present study the score was applied to 147849 meals reported in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) 2005-2014 in order to evaluate its validity and compare against exemplary meals designed as part of 24h diets that meet US dietary guidelines. Meals from exemplary menu plans developed by nutrition experts scored on average 76±14 (mean ± standard deviation) whereas those of NHANES participants scored 45±14. Scores of breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, considered jointly as independent variables, were moderately but positively and significantly associated with the Healthy Eating Index (Pearson correlation 0.6). MBI scores were significantly associated with the density of positive micronutrients (e.g. Vit A, Vit C) and favorable food groups (e.g. fruits, whole grains) not directly included in the MBI algorithm. The MBI is a valid tool to assess the nutritional quality of meals reported in the US population and if applied to culinary recipe websites could potentially help users to understand which meals are nutritionally balanced. Choice of more balanced individual meals can guide healthier cooking and eating.

Alcohol consumption among students and its relationship with nutritional intake: a cross-sectional study.

Excessive alcohol consumption during reproductive years may impact the integrity of developing eggs and sperm, potentially affecting the life-long health of future children. Inadequate diets could aggravate these preconception effects of alcohol. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of excessive alcohol consumption and explore whether weekly alcohol intake is associated with energy and nutrient intake and adequacy of micronutrient intake among students. Cross-sectional survey using a validated and reproducibility-tested FFQ. University of Agder, Norway, in 2018. 622 students (71 % female). More than 80 % reported having consumed alcoholic beverages the past 4 weeks. One-third of men and 13 % of women exceeded the upper recommended limit of 14 UK alcohol units/week. An inverse association between increasing alcohol intake and energy-adjusted micronutrient intake was evident for thiamine, phosphate, Fe, Zn and Se in men, and for vitamin A, β-carotene, vitamin E and C, thiamine, vitamin B6, folate, P, Mg, K, Fe, Zn and Cu in women. A substantial proportion had vitamin D, folate, Fe and I intakes below average requirement regardless of alcohol consumption level. The combination of prevalent alcohol use, decreasing micronutrient density of diet across alcohol consumption level and a high probability of micronutrient inadequacy indicate reason for concern in a preconception public health perspective. Our findings call for investigations into young adults' knowledge, reflections and beliefs regarding diet and alcohol use to understand how these behaviours could be improved ahead of parenthood.

Reorientation of aquaculture production systems can reduce environmental impacts and improve nutrition security in Bangladesh.

Aquatic foods are a critical source of human nutrition in many developing countries. As a result, declines in wild-caught fish landings threaten nutritionally vulnerable populations. Aquaculture presents an opportunity to meet local demand, but it also places pressure on natural resource inputs and causes a range of environmental impacts. Here, we examine whether current aquaculture systems in Bangladesh can be reoriented to address prevailing nutritional deficiencies while minimizing these environmental impacts. Current fish farming practices, even when optimized, cannot fully supply the same essential micronutrient densities of zinc, iron and calcium as wild-caught fish. However, when the proportion of highly nutrient-dense small indigenous fish species (SIS) was increased to at least 30% of the total output in any of the 14 aquaculture production systems analysed, these systems were able to meet or surpass the nutrient densities of average wild-capture fisheries. Extensive aquaculture systems that co-produce fish and rice had the lowest environmental burdens in six out of seven metrics examined when the composition of all aquaculture systems was modified to include 50% SIS. Nutrition-sensitive aquaculture that provides greater human health benefits and minimizes environmental impacts is a key societal challenge that requires targeted interventions and supportive policies.

Dietary Variation among Children Meeting and Not Meeting Minimum Dietary Diversity: An Empirical Investigation of Food Group Consumption Patterns among 73,036 Children in India

Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD) is a widely used indicator of adequate dietary micronutrient density for children 6-23 mo old. MDD food-group data remain underutilized, despite their potential for further informing nutrition programs and policies. We aimed to describe the diets of children meeting MDD and not meeting MDD in India using food group data, nationally and subnationally. Food group data for children 6-23 mo old (n=73,036) from the 2015-16 National Family Health Survey in India were analyzed. Per WHO standards, children consuming ≥5 of the following food groups in the past day or night met MDD: breast milk; grains, roots, or tubers; legumes or nuts; dairy; flesh foods; eggs; vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables; and other fruits and vegetables. Children not meeting MDD consumed <5food groups. We analyzed the number and types of foods consumed by children meeting MDD and not meeting MDD at the national and subnational geographic levels. Nationally, children not meeting MDD most often consumed breast milk (84.5%), grains, roots, and tubers (62.0%), and/or dairy (42.9%). Children meeting MDD most often consumed grains, roots, and tubers (97.6%), vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables (93.8%), breast milk (84.1%), dairy (82.1%), other fruits and vegetables (79.5%), and/or eggs (56.5%). For children not meeting MDD, district-level dairy consumption varied the most (6.4%-79.9%), whereas flesh foods consumption varied the least (0.0%-43.8%). For children meeting MDD, district-level egg consumption varied the most (0.0%-100.0%), whereas grains, roots, and tubers consumption varied the least (66.8%-100.0%). Children not meeting MDD had low fruit, vegetable, and protein-rich food consumption. Many children meeting MDD also had low protein-rich food consumption. Examining the number and types of foods consumed highlights priorities for children experiencing the greatest dietary deprivation, providing valuable complementary information to MDD.

Effect of Soil Management Practices and Slope on Soil Fertility of Cultivated Lands in Mawula Watershed, Loma District, Southern Ethiopia

Soil degradation is a serious problem challenging food security in Ethiopia. To halt degradation and restore impoverished soils, the government has initiated soil management practices in the affected areas. Still, there is little information on the impact of these practices in terms of improvement in soil fertility of cultivated lands under different soil and climatic conditions. Accordingly, the study was carried out to study the effect of soil management practices, viz, soil bund (SB), application of farm yard manure (FYM), soil bund integrated with FYM (SBFYM), and vis-a-vis no management practice (NM), on soil fertility under upper (20%–30%) and lower (2%–10%) slope ranges at Mawula watershed, Loma district, Southern Ethiopia. Twenty-four composite soil samples (4 practices × 2 slope ranges × 3 sites) drawn from the surface layer (0–20 cm) were analysed for different physical and chemical properties indicative of soil fertility. The data were analysed statistically in a randomized complete block design. All the soil management practices improved significantly the different aspects of physical and chemical fertility (soil texture, bulk density, total porosity, moisture content, organic carbon, and contents of macro and micronutrients, viz, N, P, K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu). The practice SBFYM was significantly superior to FYM and SB. The order of performance was SBFYM &gt; FYM &gt; SB &gt; NM. The usefulness of soil management practices was further corroborated by the farmers’ response (based on semistructured questionnaires), as 83% of them perceived the practices well and opted for their adoption. As such, the soil management practices, notably SBFYM, merit their implementation on a large scale to improve fertility and productivity of degraded lands.

Historical Reflection of Food Processing and the Role of Legumes as Part of a Healthy Balanced Diet.

The purpose of food processing has changed over time. High-intensity industrially processed food often exhibits higher concentrations of added sugar, salt, higher energy, and lower micronutrient density than does similar food or meals prepared at home from raw or minimally processed food. Viewing the evolution of food processing from history, one could make out three major transitions related to human socioeconomic changes. The first transition was marked by the change from hunting and gathering to settled societies with agriculture and livestock farming. The second and third transitions were associated with the Industrial Revolution and with market liberalization, global trade and automation, respectively. The next major transition that will influence food processing and shape human nutrition may include the exploitation of sustainable and efficient protein and food sources that will ensure high-quality food production for the growing world population. Apart from novel food sources, traditional food such as legumes and pulses likewise exhibit great potential to contribute to a healthy balanced diet. The promotion of legumes should be intensified in public dietary guidelines because their consumption is rather low in high-income countries and increasingly displaced as a traditional staple by industrially processed food in low- to middle-income countries.