Rice Consumption Research Articles

OsHMA3 overexpression works more efficiently in generating low-Cd rice grain than OsNramp5 knockout mutation

ObjectiveCadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic metal element and a carcinogen to humans. Rice is prone to taking up Cd from paddy fields and accumulating it in grain, which raises health concerns for rice consumers. OsNramp5 is a major transporter for Cd and manganese (Mn) uptake in rice, whereas OsHMA3 is a tonoplast-localized transporter involved in Cd detoxification in vacuoles. In this study, we compared the efficiency of OsNramp5 knockout mutation and OsHMA3 overexpression in reducing Cd content in rice grain.ResultsThe grain Cd content of the OsNramp5 knockout mutants was significantly lower than that of the wild-type rice T5105. However, these mutants still had much higher grain Cd content than the previously reported OsNramp5 mutants or the OsHMA3 overexpression lines developed in our previous study. Pyramiding the OsNramp5 mutant allele and the OsHMA3 transgene in a single line did not result in an additional reduction in grain Cd content. The OsNramp5 gene in T5105 has a haplotype II promoter, and its knockout mutation also partially reduced Mn content in rice grain. Our results demonstrate that OsHMA3 overexpression works more efficiently in generating low-Cd rice grain than OsNramp5 knockout mutation without affecting Mn uptake in rice.

Dietary Intake and Micronutrient Adequacy among Adults in Rural Sri Lanka: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Baseline Survey.

To characterize food group consumption, assess the contribution of food groups to energy and micronutrient intake, and estimate usual nutrient intake among adults in rural Sri Lanka. A baseline survey (Dec 2020-Feb 2021) was conducted as part of an agriculture-based, nutrition-sensitive resilience program evaluation. Dietary intake was assessed using telephone-based 24-hour recalls (n=1283), with repeat recalls from 769 participants. Mean daily intake of food groups and their contribution to energy and nutrient intakes were calculated. The National Cancer Institute method was used to estimate usual intakes and the prevalence of adequate micronutrient intake (PAI). Differences by sex, district, and wealth were assessed using t-tests and ANOVA. Forty-five rural villages throughout Sri Lanka. Men and women from households in the program evaluation study area. On average, grains and coconut milk provided 56% and 12% of energy, respectively. Rice, fish, dairy, and pulses were the primary sources of micronutrients. Participants consumed 118±117g vegetables and 71±243g fruit per day. PAI was <25% for calcium; zinc; niacin; folate; and vitamins B6, B12, and C, reflecting low consumption of animal-source foods (ASF; 80 g/day), whole grains, fruits, and vegetables (F&V). Significant differences in food group consumption by sociodemographic subgroup were observed among districts and wealth quintiles. We observed high consumption of rice and coconut milk and low prevalence of micronutrient adequacy. We recommend increasing ASF, whole grain, and F&V consumption to close nutrient gaps, as well as research to identify effective solutions to increase micronutrient intake.

Comparison Between Food Security in Indonesia and Thailand: Rice Export and Import

This paper examines the food security of Indonesia and Thailand, focusing on rice production, consumption, population, exports, and imports. Despite rice being a staple food in both countries, Thailand has achieved a surplus in rice production and serves as a major exporter, while Indonesia faces challenges in meeting its rice demand due to high population growth and inefficient production systems. Thailand’s success is attributed to its advanced agricultural infrastructure, strict quality control, and robust government support. Conversely, Indonesia, although having a larger arable land area, struggles with inefficient farming practices and high rice consumption, leading to a reliance on rice imports, primarily from Thailand. This study uses a comparative analytic design, relying on secondary data from government reports, academic journals, and trade databases. The findings suggest that Indonesia can improve its food security and move toward self-sufficiency by adopting Thailand’s practices, including modernization of farming techniques, policy support, and infrastructure development. The paper emphasizes the need for strategic investments in agricultural modernization and policy adaptation to bridge the production-consumption gap in Indonesia

Evaluating the bioavailability of rare earth elements in paddy soils and their uptake in rice grains for human health risk.

Rare earth elements (REEs) are a critical global focus due to their increasing use, raising concerns about their environmental distribution and human exposure, both vital to food safety and human health. Surface soil (0-30cm) and corresponding rice grain samples (n = 85) were collected from paddy fields in Taiwan. This study investigated the total REE contents in soil through aqua regia digestion, as well as their labile forms extracted using 0.05M ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), 0.10M hydrogen chloride (HCl), and 0.01M calcium chloride (CaCl2). The REE concentrations in the rice grains (Oryza sativa L.) were also analyzed. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of REEs through rice consumption for males was 1.3 times higher than that for females. Children under 12years of age, regardless of gender, had the highest EDI of REEs compared to other age groups. High rice consumption and a high proportion of children are potentially at higher risk for elevated REE exposure. The transport of REEs from soil to rice demonstrated their shift of fractionation by the lower ratio of light REEs and heavy REEs in rice grain compared to soil and their upper continental crust (UCC)-normalized patterns. Empirical equations were developed to estimate the concentrations of REEs in rice grains based on soil pH, clay content, organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, dithionite-citrate-bicarbonate extractable iron, and labile REEs. This study provides critical insights into the health risks of REEs, clarifying their human exposure and the bioavailability from paddy soil to rice.

The Effect of Price, Public Purchasing Power And Consumption Level on Rice Commodity Inflation in Pangkalpinang City

The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of price, purchasing power and consumption level on rice commodity inflation in Pangkalpinang City. Rice is a staple food in Indonesia, including in Pangkalpinang, so weakening prices and purchasing power can significantly affect consumption and inflation levels. The method in this study uses a quantitative method with secondary data sourced from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) and other related agencies in Pangkalpinang City. Data analysis in this study uses regression analysis which aims to determine the relationship between price variables, purchasing power, consumption and inflation. The results of the study indicate that there is a significant influence between rice prices and people's purchasing power on rice consumption levels and inflation in Pangkalpinang. The results of this study are expected to be a reference for local governments and related parties in formulating effective policies to maintain price stability and public welfare, as well as mitigating the negative impacts of inflation.

Lower Cadmium Bioavailability and Toxicity in Japonica Rice than in Indica Rice: Mechanisms and Health Implications.

Cadmium (Cd) is efficiently transferred from soil to food crops, notably rice. Research indicates that indica rice grains may accumulate more Cd than japonica cultivars; however, differences in Cd bioavailability (the fraction of ingested rice Cd absorbed into the systemic circulation) and toxicity remain unexplored, thus hindering a comprehensive understanding of exposure and health risks. To address this, a mouse bioassay was conducted to evaluate the relative bioavailability (RBA) of Cd in 35 samples each of japonica and indica rice, determining which type exhibits lower Cd bioavailability. The results revealed a significantly lower mean Cd-RBA in japonica rice (49.6 ± 7.8%) compared to indica rice (65.6 ± 12.2%). This disparity is attributed primarily to the 1.25- and 1.37-fold higher concentrations of calcium (Ca) and iron (Fe) in japonica rice, which enhanced Ca and Fe absorption from the intestine and reduced duodenal expression of Ca and Fe transporters by 1.8-5.9 times in mice consuming japonica rice, thereby decreasing Cd transcellular transport. Additionally, japonica rice consumption promoted beneficial gut probiotics (Bifidobacterium pseudolongum and Lactobacillus reuteri) and metabolites, particularly short-chain fatty acids and peptides, potentially increasing mineral absorption and reducing Cd uptake. Moreover, mice fed japonica rice exhibited 1.35-1.47 times higher gene expression of intestinal tight junctions, enhancing intestinal barrier function and reducing extracellular Cd transport. Consequently, consuming Cd-containing japonica rice was associated with lower oxidative stress, inflammation, and cancer risks in mice compared to indica rice consumption. This study significantly enhances our understanding on the health risks associated with Cd in different rice subspecies.

Assessing aflatoxin exposure in the United Arab Emirates (UAE): Biomonitoring AFM1 levels in urine samples and their association with dietary habits.

Aflatoxins, known for their carcinoginc properties and produced by Aspergillus fungi, pose a substantial threat to public health, particularly in regions with hot and humid climates, where individuals are exposed to these toxins through contaminated food. The primary objective of this study was to assess the extent of aflatoxin exposure in the Emirate of Sharjah employing Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) as a biomarker in urine samples from adult participants. Furthermore, this study aimed to explore the relationship between dietary habits and AFM1 levels in order to establish a potential link. In a cross-sectional study design, a total of 144 adults (73 females and 71 males) were recruited for participation. The urine samples obtained from participants were subjected to analysis for AFM1 concentrations utilizing the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Additionally, structured questionnaires were administered to collect information on the dietary and lifestyle habits of the participants. To explore the relationship between dietary factors and AFM1 levels, various statistical analyses, including linear regression and the Mann-Whitney U test, were performed. AFM1 was detected in 69 % of the samples under invstigation, wherein males exhibited a higher mean level (0.912 ng/mg creatinine) in comparison to females (0.676 ng/mg creatinine). The overall mean concentration of AFM1 was determined to be 0.792 ng/mg creatinine. It is worth noting that there was a significant correlation between rice consumption and heightened AFM1 exposure among males, while no such correlation was observed among females. This study conducted in the UAE provides novel perspectives on aflatoxin exposure, shedding light on the gender-specific correlation between rice consumption and aflatoxin levels among males. These findings hold significant implications for guiding public health interventions and underscore the pivotal role of ongoing surveillance and stringent food safety regulations in mitigating the hazards associated with aflatoxin contamination.

The effect of co-ingesting rice and liquid on glycemic response and gastric emptying in healthy subjects.

Postprandial glycemic response is closely associated with gastric emptying rate. However, the effects of combining carbohydrates with liquid on gastric emptying and glycemic response are complicated. Here, we investigated the effect of co-ingesting rice and liquid in different ways on gastric emptying and glycemic response in healthy subjects. We performed a randomized crossover study in 12 healthy females. Three types of test meal were prepared: 150 g white rice (rice), 150 g white rice served alongside 200 mL of green tea (rice + tea), and 150 g white rice with 100 mL green tea poured over and served alongside 100 mL green tea (blend). After eating the test meal, measurements of postprandial glucose were performed, and breath samples for gastric emptying evaluation using (1-13C)-labeled sodium acetate breath test were collected for 120 min. Consumption of rice with liquid (both "rice + tea" and "blend") induced significantly higher postprandial glycemic responses, in addition to significantly higher gastric emptying rates, than eating rice only. There were significant positive correlations between gastric emptying rate and postprandial glucose response. Our findings demonstrated that compared with eating rice only, drinking liquid when eating rice causes an increase in postprandial blood glucose levels due to accelerated gastric emptying.

Consuming probiotics protects against cadmium exposure from rice consumption while promotes gut health: An assessment based on a mouse model.

Cadmium (Cd) in rice constitutes a global health risk. It is crucial to develop strategies that not only reduce the bioavailability of Cd in rice but also confer additional health benefits. One potential approach involves the consumption of probiotics, which can bind Cd in the intestines and enhance gut health. The effects of consuming Akkermansia muciniphila, Bifidobacterium pseudolongum, and Psychrobacter sp. on the bioavailability of Cd in rice and gut health were evaluated using in vivo mouse bioassays and in vitro Cd immobilization assays. In mice fed Cd-contaminated rice without dietary calcium (Ca) and iron (Fe) supplementation (i.e., under conditions of mineral deficiency), the intake of these probiotics insignificantly reduced Cd accumulation in the kidneys and livers, although it did promote Cd excretion via feces. This outcome was primarily due to the competition for Ca and Fe between the probiotics and the host, which led to increased intestinal expression of Ca and Fe transporters under mineral-deficient conditions, thereby mitigating the probiotics' ability to reduce Cd bioavailability. Conversely, in mice fed Cd-contaminated rice with adequate dietary Ca and Fe (i.e., under conditions of mineral adequacy), probiotic intake significantly decreased Cd concentrations in the kidneys by 60.0%-72.0% compared to the control group exposed to Cd. Additionally, probiotic consumption fostered the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and strengthened intestinal tight junctions, reducing the inflammatory response in the intestines. These findings suggest that combining probiotics with sufficient Ca and Fe intake can effectively reduce dietary Cd exposure and enhance gut health.

Toxic heavy metals of agricultural products in developing countries and its human health risk assessment: A study from Iran.

Food toxicity through heavy metals, particularly from cereal consumption, poses significant threats to human health. This study studied various toxic heavy metals (Pb, As, Cr, Cd, Co, Hg, and Ag) in cereal products and their human health risk assessment in Ilam province, Iran. This study analyzed 30 samples of the most commonly cultivated cereals (wheat, rice, corn, pea, and lentil) in Ilam province. ICP-MS was used to measure the concentrations of selected toxic heavy metals. According to the obtained results, only the rice samples had concentrations of As and Pb that exceeded Iran's national standards. Monte Carlo simulation showed that the 95th percentile (P95th) values of hazard quotient (HQ) for As in wheat and rice, Hg in wheat, and Pb in rice were above 1. Moreover, P95th values of incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) for As in wheat and rice were above 10-4 The findings showed that the consumption of wheat and rice in the Ilam province was a potential source of exposure to As, Pb, and Hg. This study recommends the necessity of monitoring heavy metals in cereal products to protect human health.

Rice intake among infants and toddlers from the Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study 2016.

The Food and Drug Administration's Closer to Zero Action Plan aims to reduce toxic element exposure from foods infants and toddlers eat. Rice has been identified as a source of inorganic arsenic in the diets of infants and toddlers. Evaluate consumption of rice and rice-containing foods from the Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study (FITS) 2016. FITS was a national cross-sectional survey conducted in 2016. Dietary intakes were collected by trained nutritionists using multiple-pass 24-h recalls by telephone with parents and caregivers of infants and toddlers. Participants from FITS 2016 (n=2635) are from a national sample weighted to be representative of US infants and toddlers 0-24 months of age. Rice grain consumption among infants and toddlers and distribution of rice grain consumed was determined using one day intakes. Per capita mean grams rice/day from infant cereal was determined for infants 0-12 months. Sources of rice were identified from 24-h dietary recalls. A percent of rice grain was assigned to each food source and descriptive statistics were used to estimate intakes and distributions. Percent consuming rice or rice-containing foods was highest for infants 6-11.9 months (58.2%), including snacks (32.1%), infant cereal (27.9%), baby food purees (11.1%) and cooked rice (7.7%). Among infants 6-11.9 months of age that consumed rice, mean intake of rice from all sources was 11.9 ±0.8g/d (mean±SE) and although most frequently reported, snacks provided the least quantity of rice (2.0±0.2g/d). For infants 0-11.9 months of age mean per capita rice intake from infant cereal was 3.3±g/day. Older infants consume rice from a variety of foods. Rice-containing snacks contribute minimal quantities of rice to the daily diet. To reduce exposure to inorganic arsenic, infants should be offered a variety of grains as part of a well-balanced diet.

Exploring the Social-Economic Approach on the Production Level of Rice: Panel Data Analysis from 34 Province in Indonesia

The social-economic approach in rice production emphasizes the importance of understanding and solving social and economic problems related to the agricultural sector. The Ongoing economic changes, competition for resources from other sectors, environmental changes and the increasing commercialization of rice farming mean that the way rice is produced in the future will be very different. The aim of this research is to determine the influence of the relationship between rice productivity and economic indicators on maintaining sustainable food security. This research uses the HDI variable instrument as an intervening variable using panel data from 34 provinces in Indonesia in 2018-2023, which was tested using the REM, CEM, and FEM models. It is known that simultaneously, economic indicators, namely land area, productivity, inflation, poverty index, rice consumption, and population, have an effect on the amount of rice production; however, in partial testing through sub structural model 1 testing, it was found that productivity and rice consumption had no impact on the intervening variables HDI and sub structural test 2 found that partial inflation, poverty index, rice consumption, and population had no effect on the amount of rice production. Despite a series of tests, the results remained consistent. In the future, it is necessary to develop a new vision for rice farming, such as exploring food security and technology, and drafting strategic policy reforms, considering global trends and the unstable economic scenario.

Enhancing the Productivity and Economic Feasibility of Transplanted Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Through Foliar Application of Nano Fertilize

One of the world's most important field crops, rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a staple diet for millions of people and is ranked second only to wheat. In Asia, rice consumption is projected to increase by over 51% by 2025 compared to the base year 1995. To sustain the growing population while considering environmental health, soil health, and the economic well-being of farmers, nano fertilizers could serve as an ideal alternative to traditional chemical fertilizers. Keeping this in mind a field experiment was conducted during the Kharif season of 2019-2020 at the Main Experimental Station of Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture &amp; Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (U.P.), to evaluate the impact of foliar application of nano fertilizers on transplanted rice. The experiment aimed to compare different fertilizer treatments on rice productivity, nutrient uptake, and economic returns. Six treatments were tested, including T₀ (Control), T₁ (100% NPK &amp; 100% Zinc application - RDF), T₂ (50% N, 100% P &amp; K + 2 sprays of Nano Nitrogen), T₃ (0% Zn, 100% NPK + 2 sprays of Nano Zinc), T₄ (50% N &amp; 0% Zn, 100% P &amp; K + 2 sprays of Nano N mixed with Nano Zn), and T₅ (50% N &amp; 0% Zn, 100% P &amp; K + 2 sprays of Nano N mixed with Nano Zn &amp; Nano Cu), arranged in a Randomized Block Design with four replications. The results revealed that the highest grain yield was recorded in T₅, which involved the foliar application of Nano Nitrogen (Nano N), Nano Zinc (Nano Zn), and Nano Copper (Nano Cu) with 50% nitrogen (N) and 0% zinc (Zn), along with 100% phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). This treatment produced a yield that was statistically comparable to T₄ (50% N &amp; 0% Zn, 100% P &amp; K + 2 sprays of Nano N mixed with Nano Zn) and T₃ (0% Zn, 100% NPK + 2 sprays of Nano Zinc). Treatment T₅ also yielded the highest gross return (Rs. 119,841 ha⁻¹), net return (Rs. 64,711 ha⁻¹), and benefit-cost ratio (2.17). Additionally, the nitrogen (%), phosphorus (%), potassium (%), copper (%), and zinc (ppm) contents in both the grain and straw were significantly higher under T₅. These findings suggest that the foliar application of Nano N, Nano Zn, and Nano Cu in combination with reduced nitrogen and zinc can enhance nutrient uptake and improve the overall productivity and profitability of rice cultivation in central Uttar Pradesh.

Randomized controlled trial protocol to analyze the effects of rice with different contents of resistant starch on chronic constipation

The trend of the aging population worldwide is becoming increasingly severe. As people age, constipation becomes increasingly common in older adults, causing varying degrees of physical and psychological harm to them. Dietary intervention is a common nonpharmacological therapy. Resistant starch is a type of dietary fiber that can regulate the gut microbiota and alleviate chronic constipation. However, few studies have explored the effects of different types of rice on chronic constipation in older adults. This protocol aims to evaluate the effects of rice with different contents of resistant starch on chronic constipation in old adults. This trial is a double-blind, two-arm randomized controlled trial. Older adults with chronic constipation residing in long-term care facilities will be recruited. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive A rice (resistant starch: 11-20%) or receive B rice (resistant starch: 0.1-0.5%). Both groups will adopt the serving of individual dishes, and the nutrition experts calculated the consumption of rice in the two groups according to the different conditions of each older person to ensure that the number of calories in the meal remained unchanged and that the other dietary components remained unchanged. The intervention will last for a total of 24 weeks. Participants will undergo follow-up via questionnaires at 6, 12, and 24 weeks during the intervention. The primary outcome will be constipation symptoms assessed by the Wexner questionnaire. The secondary outcomes will be quality of life, depression, anxiety and sleep quality. This is the first randomized controlled trial on the effects of rice with different contents of resistant starch on chronic constipation in older adults. It is expected that this study, if proven effective in relieving constipation symptoms in older adults, will provide evidence-based constipation care for medical staff.Trial registration number: retrospectively registered on Chinese Clinical Trial Registry.

Occurrence and Exposure Assessment of Zearalenone in the Zhejiang Province, China.

This study aims to examine the hazards of zearalenone (ZEN) to humans and assess the risk of dietary exposure to ZEN, particularly in relation to precocious puberty in children from the Zhejiang Province. The test results from five types of food from the Zhejiang Province show that corn oil has the highest detection rate of 87.82%. The levels of ZEN do not exceed the existing safety standards in any sample investigated in this study. According to the data from the Food Consumption Survey of Zhejiang Province residents, rice is the primary source of ZEN exposure, accounting for 55.85% of total exposure among all age groups. Based on the 50th exposure percentile, it would take 6.25 years of rice consumption to reach 1 year of safe ZEN exposure. Overall, the majority of the residents in the Zhejiang Province have a low risk of exposure to ZEN. In an extreme case (based on the 95th exposure percentile), the total ZEN exposure from the studied foods with respect to children aged ≤6 years and 7-12 years is 0.38 μg/kg b.w. and 0.26 μg/kg b.w., respectively-both exceeding the safety limit of 0.25 μg/kg b.w. set by the European Food Safety Authority, indicating a potential risk of exposure. Precocious puberty assessments show that ZEN exposure levels in children in the Zhejiang Province are significantly lower than those associated with precocious puberty; thus, precocious puberty is unlikely to occur in this area. Given ZEN's estrogenic effect, it is necessary to monitor the level of ZEN in different food items, revise the relevant standards as needed, and focus on exposure to ZEN in younger age groups.

Preferensi Konsumen Terhadap Atribut Eksternal Produk Beras Organik di Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta Special Region Province is the region displayed by Google Trends for the highest searches for the word “organic rice” on the period June 2019 – May 2020. Consumer preferences are very important because they are closely related to increased consumption. Organic rice business actors need to know the purchasing decision process and consumer preferences scientifically in determining the right marketing strategy and can be competitive in the market. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to analyze the purchasing decision process and the combination of organic rice attributes that are in accordance with the preferences of organic rice consumers in Yogyakarta. This study has a sample size of 111 respondents domiciled in Yogyakarta. The sampling method was carried out by purposive sampling. The analysis methods used are descriptive analysis and conjoint analysis. The results of the study show that the combination of organic rice attributes that are in accordance with the preferences of organic rice consumers in Yogyakarta is organic rice with an organic certificate with a utility value of 0.298; white with a utility value of 0.615; soft claims with a utility value of 0.157; and vacuum-packed with a utility value of 0.167. Future suggestions are given to farmers, agricultural extension workers, and organic rice entrepreneurs to have integrity with each other to develop the organic rice business.

Geospatial Analysis of Average Rice Consumption in South Kalimantan and Central Kalimantan

This study aims to analyze the per capita rice consumption pattern and the factors that affect it at the regency/city level in South Kalimantan and Central Kalimantan. This study uses per capita rice consumption data, rice prices, and per capita income data by regency/city in South Kalimantan and Central Kalimantan in 2023. The data used is sourced from the Central Statistics Agency for National Socio-Economic Survey activities in March 2023 as well as data on food price developments by the National Food Agency. Regression analysis was used to identify the relationship between rice consumption per capita and rice prices and per capita income. Furthermore, a geospatial approach is applied to understand the variation of rice consumption and the factors that affect it in each regency/city. The results showed that there was a significant relationship between per capita rice consumption and rice price and per capita income with a determinant coefficient, R2 = 0.49 (higher than the determination coefficient in the usual regression analysis (R2 = 0.35)) The rice price elasticity of -0.40 showed that the increase in rice prices could reduce per capita rice consumption but did not have a major impact. Meanwhile, from the estimated results, the amount of income elasticity of -0.33 indicates that the increase in income will reduce rice consumption. But in fact, rice must be a normal commodity with a positive income elasticity. But it does not apply to all income levels. At a relatively high incomes level and food needs through rice have been met in good quantity, the increase in income no longer has a positive influence which is reflected in the increasing quantity of demand for rice. Even at a higher income level, it is possible that the quantity of demand for rice will decrease. The need for food is no longer met by rice but, by using the potential income, people have other alternatives through noodles, bread, and ready-to-eat foods such as fried rice, ketupat, lontong, satay, and others.

Developing Methylmercury-Targeted Strategies to Safeguard Rice Consumers

Developing Methylmercury-Targeted Strategies to Safeguard Rice Consumers

Nutritious Rice Consumption among Urban Consumers in Naypyitaw, Myanmar

Myanmar faces considerable nutrition challenges, including high rates of anemia, stunting, and wasting, alongside a growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases. Given the country’s high per capita rice consumption, nutritious rice offers a culturally compatible intervention to address these issues. This study investigates the factors associated with choices of nutritious rice among consumers in Naypyitaw, Myanmar. Data were collected from 481 participants and analyzed using a binomial logit model. Results indicate that only 17% of consumers have chosen nutritious rice in the past three years. Higher education levels, increased income, presence of health-vulnerable household members, and positive health behaviors—such as regular exercise, higher fruit intake, and attention to nutritional labeling—were found to significantly increase the likelihood of nutritious rice consumption. Conversely, perceived barriers related to availability and affordability significantly hinder consumption. Findings underscore the need for improvements in consumer knowledge and awareness of health benefits of nutritious rice, as well as policies supporting increased affordability and accessibility, to foster greater consumption and improve dietary health in Myanmar.

Sustainable healthy diets in China: a multidimensional framework and assessment

In China, the urgent need to formulate food policies that address both nutritional health and climate challenges has become increasingly apparent. This study constructs a theoretical framework and a multi-objective programming model that takes into account income disparities, aiming to delineate a sustainable healthy diet for Chinese residents and pinpoint key areas for dietary transformation. Our findings reveal that a sustainable healthy diet in China should involve moderate adjustments to staple foods, such as reducing rice consumption in favor of alternatives like flour and other grains. The diet should emphasize low-fat consumption, increased intake of fruits and vegetables, and a balanced intake of animal products by reducing meat, poultry, eggs, and fish, while ensuring sufficient consumption of chicken, shrimp, and dairy products. Furthermore, it recommends reducing alcohol consumption and limiting high-calorie snacks like cakes. This proposed diets achieves multiple objectives: it can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the food system by 12.8%, decrease food expenditure by 1.1%, and significantly improve dietary quality. However, the study also highlights a trade-off between consumer interests and environmental benefits across different income groups. For the low-income group, minimal dietary changes result in a 2.0% increase in food expenses and an 11.1% increase in greenhouse gas emissions. Conversely, while the diet may slightly misalign with the preferences of middle and high-income groups, these groups benefit from reductions in food expenses (ranging from 0.4 to 4.8%) and greenhouse gas emissions (ranging from 14.5 to 23.4%). Thus, initiating reforms from the consumer end of the food system and guiding dietary patterns towards a healthier and more sustainable pattern through targeted food policies could be a crucial strategy for addressing nutritional and environmental challenges. However, it is essential to balance environmental benefits with ensuring the welfare of different income groups within China’s diverse economic landscape. This calls for differentiated policies to safeguard the wellbeing of the population.