Nutrition Program Research Articles

A Study Protocol for an Interprofessional Model of Care to Prevent and Treat Chronic Disease Using a Nutrition Program Based on Whole Food, Plant-Based Eating Pattern

A Study Protocol for an Interprofessional Model of Care to Prevent and Treat Chronic Disease Using a Nutrition Program Based on Whole Food, Plant-Based Eating Pattern

Traditional Indigenous Foods in Child Nutrition Programs and USDA FoodData Central (FDC)

Traditional Indigenous Foods in Child Nutrition Programs and USDA FoodData Central (FDC)

Examining the 2021 Cash Value Benefit Increase and WIC Participant Food Purchases

IntroductionThe Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides nutritious foods to more than six million low-income families. In June 2021, WIC increased the amount of money provided for fruits and vegetables (FV), but studies have not investigated whether this increase changed WIC participant FV purchases. The objective was to estimate the association between the FV funding increase and WIC shopper FV purchases. MethodsThis evaluation uses longitudinal food transaction data from 496 stores in a grocery store chain in North Carolina between June 2020 and April 2022 and a propensity score weighted difference-in-differences (DID) approach to estimate the association between the FV funding increase and FV and other food group purchases. Analyses were conducted in 2023 and 2024. ResultsWIC shoppers’ WIC-eligible FV purchases increased by $12.4 per shopper per month (Adjusted Confidence Interval (ACI), $12.0 to $12.9) after the FV benefit increase, which was $9.3 (ACI, $8.7 to $10.0) more than non-WIC shoppers. The monthly volume and unique varieties of FV purchased also increased more among WIC shoppers relative to non-WIC shoppers (DID 67.1 ounces (ACI, 61.9 to 72.3) and DID 2.1 varieties (ACI, 2.0 to 2.3)). There were also increases in the volume of processed foods (DID 22.0 ounces (ACI, 17.2, 26.9)) and sugar-sweetened beverages (DID 49.1 ounces (ACI, 33.4, 64.9)) purchased among WIC shoppers relative to non-WIC shoppers. ConclusionsIncreased WIC FV funding was associated with greater FV purchases. Research is needed to understand the effects of this policy on total dietary intake.

Strengthening Multisectoral Nutrition Program: Evidence and Lessons Learned for Establishing Nutrition Governance Through Policy Implications in Bangladesh

Strengthening Multisectoral Nutrition Program: Evidence and Lessons Learned for Establishing Nutrition Governance Through Policy Implications in Bangladesh

Policy Brief Optimizing the First Thousand Days of Life (1000 HPK) Policy Program as an Effort to Prevent Stunting in Indonesia: Literature Review

Introduction: 1000 HPK is a food insecure group which includes pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and children under two years old. Thus, nutrition program policies are the focus of the 1000 HPK group in efforts to prevent stunting. Objective: The aim of this research was to carry out a literature review to determine the Policy Brief for Optimizing the First Thousand Days of Life (1000 HPK) Policy Program as an Effort to Prevent Stunting in Indonesia. Method: This research looked for journals used in the literature review, journals used in the literature review were obtained through international journal provider databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scince Direct. Researchers wrote appropriate keywords, namely 1000 HPK, stunting, and Policy Brief. Result: After conducting literature, the researcher obtained five articles that were relevant to the research topic, namely about 1000 HPK, stunting, and Policy Brief. Based on indicators, the 1000 HPK program has not yet reached the target in Indonesia, which is caused by the availability of human resources and infrastructure in implementing the 1000 HPK program at the Community Health Center which is still inadequate. Conclusion: Presidential Regulation number 42 of 2013 concerning the National Movement to Improve Nutrition was issued to support efforts to increase stakeholder participation and awareness in a planned and coordinated manner to accelerate nutritional improvements in the first 1000 days of life (1000 HPK) in efforts to accelerate nutritional improvements in the first 1000 days of life (1000 HPK) prevent stunting.

Partnering With Vegan Restaurants to Deliver Nutrition Programs: Adapting Through Recruitment Setbacks

Partnering With Vegan Restaurants to Deliver Nutrition Programs: Adapting Through Recruitment Setbacks

A WIC Agency Drip Marketing Campaign Is Well Received and Improves Program Participation and Retention: A Quasi-Experimental Study

BackgroundLittle is known about text messaging’s influence on child retention in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the influence of WICBuzz, a WIC agency drip marketing texting campaign, on retention and participation compared with a comparison WIC agency and to assess WIC participants’ perceptions of the campaign’s added value. DesignA quasi-experimental design, with pre- and postimplementation measurement, was used to compare innovation and comparison groups’ outcomes. Outcome evaluation integrated quantitative analysis of WIC management information system data and survey data of WICBuzz recipients’ perceptions. Participants/settingData obtained for baseline (2019 calendar year) and implementation periods (March 1, 2020, to February 28, 2021), included WIC participation for children who were WIC active at the beginning of each period. WIC agency sample sizes were 6780 to 7452 children from 5189 to 5832 households (baseline) and 4599 to 5004 children from 3186 to 4297 households (implementation). InterventionWICBuzz, a drip marketing text message campaign with targeted nutrition education and WIC brand awareness messages was the intervention. The comparison agency received standard WIC care. Main outcome measuresMain outcome measures included recertification (re-enrollment during the implementation period), timely recertification (within 60 days of prior certification’s termination), retention (WIC active at the study period’s end), household WIC participation (continuous benefit issuance), and WICBuzz recipients’ WIC perceptions. Statistical analyses performedStatistical analysis included propensity score weighting and difference-in-difference modeling. Thematic analysis using a deductive approach was used to analyze the process evaluation findings. ResultsThe influence of WICBuzz on outcomes included 6.7% (95% CI 3.8% to 9.5%) higher recertification, 7.4% (95% CI 4.5% to 10.3%) higher retention, and 10.9% (95% CI 8.0% to 13.8%) higher participation compared with the comparison agency. Most WICBuzz recipients reported added value regarding WIC knowledge and perceptions. ConclusionsWIC text message campaigns can improve participation and retention and improve participant perceptions of WIC’s value.

Strengthening Delivery Platforms of National Nutrition Programs in Subnational Geographies in India Improved Coverage of Interventions and Child Growth

Strengthening Delivery Platforms of National Nutrition Programs in Subnational Geographies in India Improved Coverage of Interventions and Child Growth

Addressing the Twin Threats: Combating Child Stunting and Poverty Among Indonesian Farmworker Families

This study identifies the underlying factors contributing to child stunting and poverty among Indonesian farmworker households. We use logistic regression and the Indonesian Family Life Survey to measure this study. The findings indicate that social and demographic factors significantly influence poverty among farming families. Families with more farming businesses and land ownership are less likely to be poor. However, there is no significant link between agricultural productivity and child stunting. Positive factors for child nutrition include exclusive breastfeeding for at least two years and a father's higher education level. In contrast, older maternal age and larger household size increase the likelihood of child stunting. The study highlights the importance of social and demographic factors in addressing poverty and child health in agricultural settings. Parental education and breastfeeding practices play crucial roles in preventing stunting. To address these issues, policies should focus on educating parents about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding and early childhood nutrition. Supporting farming families by increasing agricultural productivity and land ownership is essential. Developing targeted nutritional programs for children in larger households and those with older mothers can help prevent stunting.

An Optimization Tool to Formulate Diets within a Supplementary Nutrition Program for Children

BackgroundIn large supplementary feeding programs for children, it is challenging to create and sustain contextual, acceptable, nutritionally complete, and diverse supplemental foods. For example, the Indian Supplementary Nutrition Program (SNP) supplements the dietary intake of children, pregnant and lactating women, and severely acutely malnourished (SAM) children by offering dry take home rations (THRs) or hot cooked meals (HCMs) across India, but an optimization tool is necessary to create local contextual recipes for acceptable and nutritionally adequate products. ObjectivesThis study aimed to create a linear programming (LP) model to optimize diverse food provisions for a SNP to meet its program guidelines, using locally available foods, within budgetary allocations. MethodsA LP algorithm with appropriate constraints was used to generate an optimal THR based on raw foods, or an optimal weekly HCM menu comprised of a lunch meal with mid-morning snacks, based on user choices of foods and recipes. The database of foods used was created by a prospective survey conducted across all states of India for this purpose, such that the recipe and food optimization was diverse and specific to the guidelines for each beneficiary group. ResultsAn interactive web-based app, which can optimize feeding programs at any population level, was developed for use by program implementers and is hosted at https://www.datatools.sjri.res.in/SNP/. In the Indian example analyzed here, the recommended optimized diets met the guidelines for diversified and nutritionally complete SNP provision but at a cost that was almost 25% higher than the present Indian budget allocation. ConclusionsThe optimization model developed demonstrates that contextual SNP diets can be created to meet macronutrient and most essential micronutrient needs of large-scale feeding programs, but appropriate diversification entails additional costs.

Short-Term Postnatal Overfeeding Induces Long-Lasting Cardiometabolic Syndrome in Mature and Old Mice Associated with Increased Sensitivity to Myocardial Infarction.

Perinatal nutritional disturbances may "program" an increased cardio-metabolic risk in adulthood; however, few experimental studies have explored their effects on mature and/or old animal. This study aims to investigate the influence of postnatal overfeeding (PNOF) on cardiac function, sensitivity to ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) injury in vivo, glucose metabolism, and metabolic profile of pericardial adipose tissue (PAT) in young (4 months), adult (6 months), old (12 months), and very old (18 months) male mice. Two days after birth, PNOF is induced by adjusting the litter size of C57BL/6 male mice to three pups/mother, while the normally fed (NF) control group is normalized to nine pups/mother. After weaning, all mice have free access to standard diet. Glucose/insulin tests and in vivo myocardial I-R injury are conducted on mice aged from 2 to 12 months, while echocardiography is performed at all ages up to 18 months. PNOF mice exhibit an early and persistent 10-20% increase in body weight and a 10% decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction throughout their lifespan. In PNOF mice aged 4, 6, and 12 months, glucose intolerance and insulin resistance are observed, as well as a 27-34% increase in infarct size. This is accompanied by a higher PAT mass with increased inflammatory status. Short-term PNOF results in nutritional programming, inducing long-lasting alterations in glucose metabolism and cardiac vulnerability in male mice, lasting up to 12 months.

Effect of Vitamin C, D3, Ca Supplements and Olive Paste Enriched with Mountain Tea on Health Biomarkers in Postmenopausal Women with Osteopenia or Osteoporosis: A Prospective Interventional Study

Low dietary intake of calcium, vitamin D, vitamin C and magnesium has been associated with increased risk of osteoporosis. The purpose of the study was to evaluate changes in several bone health indicators and metabolic biomarkers in postmenopausal women with high osteopenia or osteoporosis, followed by a nutritional intervention program. In total, 115 apparently healthy postmenopausal women (52 ± 8 years old) were randomized into four groups: group I (n = 40) received daily 1000 mg vitamin C, 100 mcg vitamin D3, 500 mg calcium(Ca) and 300 mg magnesium (Mg); group II (n = 42) received daily 100 mcg vitamin D3, 500 mg Ca and 300 mg Mg; group III (n = 18) received daily 5 mg bisphosphonates, 100 mcg vitamin D3, 500 mg Ca and 300 mg Mg; and group IV (n = 15) received daily about 364 mg polyphenols via an innovative functional food (50 g olive paste enriched with mountain tea extract) along with 100 mcg vitamin D3, 500 mg Ca and 300 mg Mg. Groups I–III received supplementation for a year whereas group IV received supplementation for 5 months. Changes in bone health indicators and metabolic biomarkers were assessed at the beginning and at the end of the study. Anthropometric indices and whole-body bone mineral density (BMD) were also evaluated at the beginning and at the end of the intervention period. The results revealed improved elevated levels of 25(OH)D3 in groups II, III and IV (+3.71% and +1.45% and +5.62%, respectively). Significant positive changes were recorded for whole-body BMD in all four study groups. Significant beneficial changes for total cholesterol were observed in group IV (−2.07%, p < 0.05) and positive changes in group I for HDL biomarkers (+61.62%, p < 0.05). Additional larger-scale clinical trials and intervention studies are considered essential to fully investigate and elucidate associations between dietary components and biochemical indices of bone health.

The Relationship Between Nutrional Status And Event Early Menarche In Children Aged 9-12 Years

Background: Nutritional status in girls can affect children's sexual maturity. Overnutrition status in girls can lead to earlier menarche, this is related to the fulfillment of the nutritional needs needed by the body, especially in the reproductive organs which are well fulfilled so that the hormones estrogen and progesterone function optimally so that the menarche process can run faster than normal age. Methods: This study uses a quantitative methodology based on a cross-sectional design. Using a complete sampling technique, this research draws its sample from 63 participants. Nutrient intake is the one that stands alone. Time to first menstrual period is the dependent variable. Statistical tests were conducted using the Spearman rank test based on data collected through weighing, measuring height, and giving questionnaires to respondents. Results: With a p-value of 0.003 (p<0.05), this study demonstrated a negative connection between nutritional health and the incidence of early menarche. Conclusion: This study discovered that early menarche was linked to poor nutritional status among 9–12-year-olds in SD Negeri Karangawen 1 in Demak Regency. it is recommended that nutritional education and intervention programs be implemented for young girls, particularly those aged 9-12, in SD Negeri Karangawen 1 in Demak Regency to improve their nutritional status and address issues related to early menarche.

The Role of Food Policy and Global Nutrition Programs in Combating Malnutrition

The Role of Food Policy and Global Nutrition Programs in Combating Malnutrition

Fatty Acids in Dry Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.): A Contribution to Their Analysis and the Characterization of a Diversity Panel.

Dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a crop of high nutritional interest widespread throughout the world. This research had two objectives. On the one hand, the development and validation of an analytical method to quantify fatty acids in dry beans based on the extraction and derivatization in a single step and later quantification by gas chromatography. On the other, its application to characterize the fatty acid content in a diversity panel consisting of 172 lines. The method was successfully validated in terms of accuracy, precision and robustness. Among the 14 fatty acids that constitute the fatty acid profile of dry bean, the most quantitatively important were linolenic acid, the major fatty acid in all cases, with an average value of 6.7 mg/g, followed by linoleic acid (3.9 mg/g), palmitic acid (2.9 mg/g) and oleic acid (1.5 mg/g). The concentrations of fatty acids in dry bean were influenced by the gene pool, with the Mesoamerican gene pool showing a higher content of palmitic, stearic, linoleic and linolenic acids and the Andean gene pool a higher level of cis-vaccenic acid. Also, the expression of fatty acid content showed high heritability. The information generated constitutes a robust database of interest in food technology, nutrition and breeding programs.

An evaluation of Congressional Budget Office's baseline projections of USDA mandatory farm and nutrition programs

AbstractThe Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projections of USDA's mandatory farm and nutrition program outlays are important in shaping US agricultural policy. Using CBO projections and observed outcomes from 1985 through 2020, we examine the degree to which projections of farm, supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP), and child nutrition program outlays are unbiased, efficient, and informative. We find that projections for farm and child nutrition program outlays are unbiased, SNAP outlays are unbiased at short‐term but are downward biased beyond a 3‐year horizon. All three series of projections are inefficient. SNAP and child nutrition program outlay projections are informative up to a 5‐year horizon, but the farm program outlay projections are informative for only a 1‐year horizon. Disaggregated farm program data since 2008 suggests that the uninformativeness principally stems from conservation and commodity program projections. The findings may be valuable to CBO, as they continue to improve projections, and to projection users, in adjusting their expectations.

Strategi Optimalisasi Dana Desa untuk Mencegah dan Menanggulangi Stunting di Desa Sindangsari, Kabupaten Serang

Overcoming the problem of stunting is a big challenge that requires cross-sector collaboration and increasing public awareness. Stunting is influenced by various factors, with children aged 36-47 months having the highest risk. Lack of maternal knowledge regarding nutrition and quality antenatal and postnatal services are risk factors for stunting. Sindangsari Village, Serang Regency, has allocated village funds for nutrition and health programs, especially through the Healthy Kitchen program. This program not only provides nutritious food, but also empowers people to understand the importance of balanced nutrition. However, challenges such as delays in disbursement of funds and community resistance to the stunting label still need to be overcome. Through a holistic and participatory approach, it is hoped that these programs can be effective in preventing and overcoming stunting at the local level. This research aims to explore strategies for optimizing Village funds in preventing and overcoming stunting in Sindangsari Village, Serang Regency. Qualitative methods are used with a descriptive focus, observing real social conditions using data collection techniques through observation, interviews and documentation. Data analysis was carried out through data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. It is hoped that the research results will provide an in-depth understanding of how best to utilize Village funds to overcome stunting, especially in the local context of Sindangsari Village.

Predicted Interventions for Improving the Nutritional Status of Vulnerable Groups of Uttarakhand: Evidence from Comparison between NFHS-5 and NFHS-4 Survey

Background: Nutritional status is an indicator of the overall well-being of a people. In view of this effect, a study was undertaken to compare the nutritional status of vulnerable groups (viz women of reproductive age group 15 to 49 years, pregnant women’s, adolescent girls and children aged 6 to 59 months of Uttarakhand. Methods: The data of the state under study was compared with national data. NFHS 4 and 5 data were used to analyse the health and nutritional trend of the identified groups over the reporting period of 5 years, to identify interventions and to help formulate policies for improving the nutritional status of the state. Result: The decreasing trend in the case of underweight women and the increasing trend in the percentage of overweight women were noted in every district. In the case of anemia among children aged 6 to 59 months, most of the districts had managed to reduce the prevalence of anemia in the last 5 years. Most of the districts have seen a decreased trend in anemia among pregnant women and among adolescent girls aged 15 to 19 years. The study reveals that the nutritional status of the vulnerable population of Uttarakhand has improved over the last five years, however, still, some districts (Tehri Garhwal, Dehradun, Chamoli, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarkashi and Rudraprayag) need special attention. A comparison of the improvement between the state and national data depicts that the state of Uttarakhand performed better than the nation in all categories except in reducing the cases of undernutrition in women. It may be postulated from the study that health and nutritional programmes have been effective in meeting their targets to a great extent. However, to further improve the condition of the population, district-specific developmental programmes need to be formulated, with a special focus on eradicating undernutrition among women.

Association between social jetlag and weight and fat reduction in dieting

Objectives: Social jetlag (SJL), the discrepancy between an individual’s inherent circadian rhythm and external social schedule, is associated with obesity. This study aimed to investigate whether SJL also influences body weight and body fat loss during dieting. Methods: This was an observational study from 2015 to 2018 with participants who had joined an exercise and nutrition program at a private personal training gym. Data from 11,829 individuals provided by the gym along with their sleep logs were analyzed. Differences in change in body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (%body fat) were compared by the degree of SJL. Regression was conducted for the change in BMI and %body fat on SJL, adjusted for gender, age, engagement duration in the program, initial BMI, initial %body fat, chronotype, and dietary intakes. Results: The subjects comprised 3,696 men and 8,133 women with a mean age of 40.4 years. Greater SJL was associated with a lower efficacy of BMI and %body fat reduction. The change in BMI (+ 0.56 / hour: SJL) and %body fat (+ 1.40 / hour: SJL) was associated with SJL after adjusting for each variable including dietary intake. Conclusion: SJL was associated with the effect of exercise and nutrition instruction on BMI and body fat reduction, even after adjustment for covariates related to dietary intake. Maintaining consistent sleep–wake rhythms may be crucial for enhancing the efficacy of weight loss programs.

THE POTENTIAL OF PATIN FISH (Pangasius hypophthalmus) PROTEIN CONCENTRATE IN ADDRESSING OF STUNTING

Background: Stunting has become a health problem in developing countries such as Indonesia. This can provide an effect on body composition, decreasing albumin levels and immunity status. Patin fish is well-known to have a high level of protein concentration and has a positive-effect on stunting. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the nutrient compound of Patin fish protein concentrate. Methods: The research method used is experimental laboratories. The test was carried out by Association of Official Agricultural Chemists method (AOAC) 2012. Results: The results showed that Patin Fish Protein Concentrate have high protein contain. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to gather scientific evidence regarding the effects of height protein intake on improving nutritional status, linear growth, and health outcomes in children with stunting. The literature review findings indicate that Patin Fish protein concentrate holds promise as a good protein source in enhancing the nutritional status and growth of stunting children. Additionally, Patin Fish protein concentrate may provide supplementary benefits in increasing intake of omega-3 fatty acids crucial for brain development and cognitive function in children. Conclusion: However, further experimental research is warranted to validate the findings of this literature review and assess the potential of Patin Fish protein concentrate in nutritional intervention programs for effectively addressing stunting.