Source Of Micronutrients Research Articles

Arthropod Foraging in a Temperate Mountain Hummingbird Ensemble

Arthropods are hummingbirds’ principal source of nitrogen, fatty acids, and micronutrients. Despite the nutritional importance of arthropods for hummingbirds, our understanding of the factors influencing their consumption and their relative role as an energy source remains limited. Here, we aimed to describe the use of arthropods by a hummingbird ensemble in a seasonal temperate mountain ecosystem in West Mexico during one annual cycle. We compared arthropod capture attempt rates among six different humming species. Also, we investigated the impact of seasonal variation in food availability on the arthropod capture attempt rates of the White-eared Hummingbird (Basilinna leucotis), the sole species observed foraging for arthropods in all seasons. We found that hummingbirds ingested arthropods from different orders (Araneae, Hemiptera, Psocoptera, Hymenoptera, and Diptera), with arthropod capture attempt rates varying wildly among species. The arthropod capture attempt rates of the White-eared Hummingbird showed a significant positive correlation with arthropod availability, peaking during the warm-dry season when floral nectar was scarce and arthropod availability was high. Our data show that arthropod ingestion is crucial for some hummingbird species, mainly when nectar availability is limited or absent in the environment.

Changes in per capita and aggregate apparent consumption of livestock-derived foods in Canada from 1960–2020

Abstract Food systems are a major driver of resource depletion and environmental degradation globally, with livestock-derived food production accounting for a disproportionate fraction of these impacts. At the same time, meat, eggs, and dairy products are important sources of protein, energy, and micronutrients in human diets. Higher rates of red and processed meat consumption has, however, also been linked to increased heath risks in high-income countries. Given the important role that livestock-derived foods play in both planetary and human health, it is important to understand patterns in their consumption and how these have changed over time. Here, we report and assess changes in Canadian apparent consumption of livestock-derived foods, as both mass of edible unprocessed products and total contained protein, between 1960 and 2020. We used Statistics Canada food availability data, as it is the closest available proxy for historical consumption data. The animal foods included are dairy, eggs, and chicken, turkey, pork, and beef meat, with results expressed in kilograms of boneless meat, shell-less eggs, and total milk solids per capita per year. Total national apparent livestock food consumption was also calculated, by multiplying annual per capita availability by national population, for each year included in this analysis. Results indicate that, over the last six decades, apparent per capita consumption of livestock-derived foods in Canada has remained surprisingly constant, peaking in the 1970s at 108 kg/person/year, and varying narrowly between 91–101 kg/person/year for the most recent 35 years. The composition of Canadians’ livestock-derived food intake, however, does appear to have changed markedly, with apparent consumption of beef declining since its zenith in the late 1970s, while the apparent consumption of chicken meat has grown rapidly. Substantial reductions in the consumption of livestock foods in Canada are required to stay within planetary boundaries.

Understanding Behavioral Drivers of Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation and Vitamin A- and Iron-Rich Food Consumption among Women and Adolescent Girls in Niger.

This study examined drivers and barriers to iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation and consumption of iron- and vitamin A-rich foods among women of reproductive age (WRA) and adolescent girls in Niger. This was an exploratory qualitative study using focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews. This study was conducted in the rural areas of three districts in Maradi and Zinder regions of southern Niger. The study included a purposive sample of 56 WRA (15-49 years), 34 non-pregnant adolescent girls (10-14 years), 105 family members and community leaders, 32 health workers, and 12 national and regional level stakeholders. Respondents demonstrated widespread knowledge of recommendations for IFA during pregnancy and had positive attitudes toward supplements. However, supply barriers were significant, and adherence was limited by side effects, among other constraints. Despite knowledge about and positive attitudes towards micronutrient source foods, respondents reported that limited food access was an overriding constraint to increasing consumption. WRA were seen as nutritionally vulnerable, however husbands were often not able to provide sufficient nutritious food and there was a cultural expectation that wives serve themselves food last. Adolescent girls were not seen as nutritionally vulnerable and there was little family support for their consumption of nutritious foods. Projects should work with local actors to develop multi-pronged solutions that address supply and access barriers for IFA and micronutrient-rich foods and to improve social support for nutrition.

A Literature Review of Nutrition Knowledge Measurement Items Used in Persons Living with Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders.

To identify and describe diet and nutrition knowledge measurement tools/items used among adults with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D). Conducted a literature search for publications measuring diet/nutrition knowledge using items or tools in persons with SCI/D. Eligible articles were published in 1992-2022, in English, and assessed SCI/D participants' nutrition knowledge. Articles were reviewed for study design, questionnaire validation, sample characteristics, item content, and whether nutrition knowledge was general or SCI/D-specific. Of 48 articles examined, five were included in the review. None of the nutrition knowledge questionnaires were validated in persons with SCI/D. Only one study assessed nutrition knowledge in nonathletes with chronic SCI/D, and this study excluded individuals with tetraplegia. The other studies either solely recruited athletes (n = 2; one included participants with amputation) or individuals with acute SCI/D (n = 2). Common item topics included calories/energy, sources of micronutrients and macronutrients and their effects on the body, and nutrition literacy. One questionnaire included non-SCI/D-specific nutrition items for persons with disabilities. Only one (unvalidated) questionnaire contained SCI-specific nutrition knowledge items, which only assessed whether more energy, fiber, and water are needed following acute SCI/D. Studies that assess nutrition knowledge among persons with SCI/D are rare and are typically observational or cross-sectional, with limited information on important SCI/D subgroups. Items relevant to unique needs of persons with SCI/D are sparse. A validated questionnaire that measures knowledge of SCI-specific nutrition, that is relevant to this population, and that can be parceled out by subgroup is needed.

Advances in Nanotechnology for Sustainable Agriculture: A Review of Climate Change Mitigation

Currently, one of the main challenges is the mitigation of the effects of climate change on the agricultural sector. Conventional agriculture, with the intensive use of herbicides and pesticides to control weeds and pests, and the improper use of mineral fertilizers, contributes to climate change by causing increased greenhouse gases and groundwater pollution. Therefore, more innovative technologies must be used to overcome these problems. One possible solution is nanotechnology, which has the potential to revolutionize the conventional agricultural system. Active nanoparticles can be used both as a direct source of micronutrients and as a delivery platform for bioactive agrochemicals to improve crop growth, yield, and quality. The use of nanoparticle formulations, including nano-pesticides, nano-herbicides, nano-fertilizers, and nano-emulsions, has been extensively studied to improve crop health and shelf-life of agricultural products. Comprehensive knowledge of the interactions between plants and nanoparticles opens up new opportunities to improve cropping practices through the enhancement of properties such as disease resistance, crop yield, and nutrient use. The main objective of this review is to analyze the main effects of climate change on conventional agricultural practices, such as the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. It also focuses on how the introduction of nanoparticles into conventional practices can improve the efficiency of chemical pest control and crop nutrition. Finally, this review examines in depth the last 10 years (2014–2024) of scientific literature regarding the use of nanoparticles in agriculture to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Determination of the Content of Polyphenols, Flavonoids, Tannins, Mineral Elements and Antioxidant Activity of Almonds Obtained from Cashew Nuts (Anacardium occidentale, Anacardiaceae) from Center Côte d'ivoire

Aims: Anacardium occidentale from the Anacardiaceae family, is a plant whose almonds have been widely consumed in Côte d'Ivoire in recent years. In addition, almonds are a matrix containing approximately 22-24% fat; which gives it great interest in terms of valorizing its nutritional properties. Study Design: This is how the nuts were harvested at the beginning of 2023 in Sessenouan, a village in Bouaké, in central Côte d'Ivoire. Cashew nuts were obtained from ripe fruits of the Anacardium occientale. After recovering the almonds, they were dried and then well preserved for the various analyses; which analyses were carried out at the Chemistry laboratory of the Felix Houphouët-Boigny Polytechnic Institute in Yamoussoukro, a city located 95 kilometers from Bouaké. Place and Duration of Studies: After the harvest in April 2023 and the recovery of the almonds, the analyses were carried out from June to September 2023. Methodology: The quantification of total polyphenols, total flavonoids, condensed tannins and mineral elements was done by classical dosage methods; As for the antioxidant activity of the almond extract, it was evaluated with respect to DPPH using vitamin C as a control. Results: This study showed that the almonds of Anacardium occidentale (Anacardiaceae) from central Côte d'Ivoire contain appreciable levels of total polyphenols (21000 ± 1,330 µg EAG/g), total flavonoids (36000 ± 2,660 µg EQ/g), condensed tannins (19.813 ± 0.02 µg EAT/g) and minerals: K (458.61 ± 1.01 mg/100g), Mg (300.72 ± 0.57 mg/100g), P (142.51 ± 0.15 mg/100g), Ca (31.73 ± 0.32 mg/100g). Conclusion: The analysis of these results indicates that the almonds of Anacardium occidentale from Côte d’Ivoire are a source of micronutrients and can therefore be used in both herbal medicine and human nutrition in our developing countries. Future work will focus on the chemical and physical properties of the fat extracted from the almonds.

Evaluation of nutrient composition of selected small indigenous fish species in Bangladesh and potential contribution to nutrient intakes

Small indigenous fish (SIF) are recognized as easily available, and abundant source of macronutrients and micronutrients in Bangladesh. The current investigation was undertaken to assess the existing heavy metal, mineral, vitamin, and others nutrient content of small indigenous freshwater fish in Bangladesh. Eight indigenous fish (Mola, Tengra, Baim, Punti, Chanda, Guchi, Koi, and Taki) were selected for this study. The AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer), ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry), and the Association of Official Analytical Chemists methods outlined were used to determine the proximate compositional analysis of fish. The highest fat content was found in koi fish. Protein was highest in both baim and taki fish. Iron, zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin B12 content were highest in mola fish. Highest calcium and phosphorus were found in the chanda and taki fish. The study concludes that small indigenous fish are valuable sources of fat, protein, ash, iron, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin B12, which are important for maintaining good health. Our findings suggest that small indigenous fish could serve as a viable option for addressing the nutritional needs for the children (6–23 m age), and Pregnant and lactating women in Bangladesh as a tool to fight malnutrition.

Glacial interglacial variations in the natural iron fertilization during the low sea ice periods along the eastern continental margin of Antarctica

The Southern Ocean sequesters atmospheric CO2 through biological pumps, though its driving factors are debated. Modern productivity is regulated by natural iron fertilization from micronutrient influx through dust, regeneration, and Antarctic glaciers and sea ice melting (ice melt). The productivity along the eastern Antarctic continental margin was low during the last glacial period and gradually increased through the deglacial to Late Holocene, marked by distinct productivity peaks. The micronutrients also varied similarly, with reduced glacial influx and an increase in the Holocene, which may cause productivity peaks. Therefore, the coherence of enhanced productivity and micronutrient influx is considered as enhanced iron fertilization period. The productivity peaks declined within ∼1.5 kyr, mostly due to the Ekman transport and sea ice formation. Along with ice melt, the independent weathering pattern that responds with glacial- interglacial ice volume changes suggest the source of micronutrients is not terrigenous. Shelf interaction of oceanic currents can influence the water column nutrient stock significantly, while its utilization occurs during reduced ice periods (low sea ice and high glacier melting) for productivity. Therefore, enhanced natural iron fertilization periods are considered as ice low periods that occurred in a periodicity of 2 kyrs, at ∼7.5 kyr BP, ∼5.5 kyr BP, ∼4 kyr BP, ∼ 2.5 kyr BP, and ∼0.5 kyr BP, likely due to the combined effects of atmospheric and oceanographic factors driven by the high amplitude regional temperature variability during the mid to late Holocene.

Application of selenium for enrichment of wheat flour to obtain a quality final product in accordance with consumer characteristics

Enrichment of flour with microelements and vitamins increases its nutritional value and can solve the urgent problem of improving the health of the population of Kazakhstan through the daily consumption of food products obtained from such flour, for example, bread, bakery, pasta and confectionery products, which are almost always on the tables of Kazakh consumers . Natural sources of many vital micronutrients, unfortunately, are not always available to some categories of our people, so consuming processed products from fortified flour will help compensate for the deficiency of some microelements, for example, iron, iodine and zinc. However, the need to enrich flour with other microelements, no less important for the human body and which are present in products not often consumed by Kazakhstanis, has become the goal of our research, namely an element such as selenium, the main function of which in the body is to maintain the immune system and the formation of thyroid hormones. The article presents the results of research on the development of technology for enriching wheat flour with selenium with the study of the baking properties of fortified flour. The research methodology was based on experimental methods, including the preparation of samples for research, instrumental methods for determining the physicochemical parameters of raw materials, intermediate products and finished products, as well as expert methods for determining the organoleptic properties of the final product. It has been established that the highest and first grades of flour are almost completely absent of any mineral substances, which confirms the conclusion that existing grain processing technologies transfer the mineral elements originally present in the grain into plant waste, which means it needs to be enriched. It has been established that selenium must be used in a form that ensures its safety for the human body - L-Selenomethionine. It has been established that to ensure the body’s daily requirement of selenium, the selenium-flour ratio is 0.15 mcg per 100 g. To control the selenium content in products, it has been established that the most suitable method is Raman spectroscopy using a Romanov microscope - a spectrometer, which allows determine selenium in spectra from 465 to 2900, which confirms the sensitivity of the method to microconcentrations of the element under study. It has been established that the consumer characteristics of finished products obtained using traditional technology from flour enriched with selenium are consistent both in organoleptic and physico-chemical indicators.

Managing nutrition-biodiversity trade-offs on coral reefs

Coral reefs support an incredible abundance and diversity of fish species, with reef-associated fisheries providing important sources of income, food, and dietary micronutrients to millions of people across the tropics. However, the rapid degradation of the world's coral reefs and the decline in their biodiversity may limit their capacity to supply nutritious and affordable seafood while meeting conservation goals for sustainability. Here, we conduct a global-scale analysis of how the nutritional quality of reef fish assemblages (nutritional contribution to the recommended daily intake of calcium, iron, and zinc contained in an average 100g fish on the reef) relates to key environmental, socioeconomic, and ecological conditions, including two key metrics of fish biodiversity. Our global analysis of more than 1,600 tropical reefs reveals that fish trophic composition is a more important driver of micronutrient concentrations than socioeconomic and environmental conditions. Specifically, micronutrient density increases as the relative biomass of herbivores and detritivores increases at lower overall biomass or under high human pressure. This suggests that the provision of essential micronutrients can be maintained or even increase where fish biomass decreases, reinforcing the need for policies that ensure sustainable fishing, and that these micronutrients are retained locally for nutrition. Furthermore, we found a negative association between micronutrient density and two metrics of fish biodiversity, revealing an important nutrition-biodiversity trade-off. Protecting reefs with high levels of biodiversity maintains key ecosystem functions, whereas sustainable fisheries management in locations with high micronutrient density could sustain the essential supply of micronutrients to coastal human communities.

Mechanism of selenium-enriched Bacillus subtilis alleviating perfluorohexanoic acid toxicity in Carassius auratus through the microbiota–gut–brain axis

The extensive production and use of perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) have established it as an emerging environmental pollutant on a global scale. Selenium has been shown to exert substantial antagonistic effects on harmful substances. Concurrently, probiotics may confer advantageous effects on the host's brain function by orchestrating modulation within the microbiota–gut–brain axis. However, despite the promising properties of selenium-enriched Bacillus subtilis, uncertainties persist regarding its impact on PFHxA and underlying mechanisms. This study evaluated the potential alleviating effects of selenium-enriched B. subtilis on brain damage in Carassius auratus exposed to PFHxA from the perspective of the microbiota–gut–brain axis. Supplementation with selenium-enriched B. subtilis significantly mitigated brain damage and memory loss in C. auratus. Nissl staining of the brain revealed that selenium-enriched B. subtilis mitigated neuronal damage induced by PFHxA. TUNEL staining of the intestine showed that selenium-enriched B. subtilis mitigated PFHxA-induced apoptosis, thus mitigating intestinal injury. Moreover, our study uncovered additional layers of complexity in the microbiota–gut–brain axis, as enhancements were noted in the gut microbiota. Concurrently, alterations in the expression of neurotransmitters and biomarkers associated with emotions, such as 5-hydroxytryptamine, Dopamine, Corticotropin Releasing Factor, Substance p, and ghrelin, highlighted the profound impact of selenium-enriched B. subtilis on the intricate interplay between gut health and emotional well-being. Expanding our focus to the molecular level, we found that supplementation with selenium-enriched B. subtilis further inhibited cellular apoptosis through the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) / Tyrosine Kinase receptor B (TrKB) / Protein Kinase B (AKT) / Glycogen synthase kinase3β (GSK-3β) pathway. In conclusion, supplementation with selenium-enriched B. subtilis is a promising strategy to mitigate PFHxA-induced brain damage in C. auratus, offering a multifaceted approach through the microbiota–gut–brain axis. In addition, our study introduces the potential of selenium-enriched B. subtilis as a valuable source of micronutrients for fish, opening new avenues for developmental considerations in aquaculture practices.

Nutrient-Dense African Indigenous Vegetables and Grains in the FAO Food Composition Table for Western Africa (WAFCT) Identified Using Nutrient-Rich Food (NRF) Scores.

Nutrient profiling (NP) models that assess nutrient density of foods can help remedy micronutrient deficiencies. We used NP methods to identify the most nutrient-rich foods in the 2019 FAO/INFOODS Western Africa Food Composition Table (WAFCT). The WAFCT had complete data for 909 foods. Three versions of the well-established Nutrient-Rich Food (NRF) model were used: (1) the original NRF9.3 based on 9 micronutrients (protein, fiber, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin D); (2) a new NRF6.3 based on 6 priority micronutrients (iron, zinc, calcium, folate, vitamin A, vitamin B12); and (3) NRF 15.3, based on 15 nutrients to encourage (NRF6.3 nutrients + vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, copper, and magnesium). Data analyses used one-way ANOVAs and independent t-tests, with significance at α = 0.05. Animal-source foods were rated higher by NRF6.3 priority micronutrient and NRF15.3 NP models than by the NRF9.3 model. African indigenous vegetables had higher protein content and higher nutrient density compared to non-indigenous vegetables, and African indigenous grains had higher nutrient density compared to non-indigenous grains. Though animal-source foods received some of the highest scores, NP models adapted to the West African context showed that African indigenous vegetables and grains were also nutrient rich. Indigenous foods could be important sources of priority micronutrients for the region.

Guidance on scientific principles and data requirements for the safety and relative bioavailability assessment of new micronutrient sources.

Following the adoption of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on food information to consumers, the European Commission requested EFSA to update its 'Guidance on safety evaluation of sources of nutrients and bioavailability of the nutrient from the sources' regarding the scientific principles and data requirements for the scientific assessment of all new forms of micronutrients and to derive a conversion factor for new micronutrient sources or forms of micronutrients to be authorised for addition to foods, including food supplements. This guidance outlines the scientific principles that the NDA Panel will consider for the assessment of the safety and the quantification of the relative bioavailability of new sources of micronutrients, which applicants are requested to consider when preparing their applications. It also outlines the data requirements for dossiers. Applicants should integrate the data presented in different sections to provide their overall considerations on how the information provided supports the safety of the new micronutrient source and the quantification of its relative bioavailability compared to a reference source under the proposed conditions of use. As preparatory work for the development of this guidance, EFSA launched an Expert Survey and held an online workshop on 9th March 2023 inviting scientific input from stakeholders and scientific experts, the report of which is now available online in the EFSA's webpage.

Impact of Nutrition Supplementation on linear growth among 12–18 months children of Belagavi city: A randomized control trial

BackgroundAdequate nutrition is one of the most important factors influencing growth & immunity. Bovine colostrum (BC) is the first milk produced after birth of a calf and is a rich natural source of macronutrients, micronutrients, immunoglobulins, growth factors and peptides with anti-microbial activity. ObjectiveThe current study was conducted to test the hypothesis whether BC supplementation would lead to an increase in linear growth of children of age 12–18 months. The secondary objectives were 1) To measure biomedical parameters among 12–18 months children in the 2 groups, i.e., BC and control group. 2) To assess the acceptability and tolerability of BC among children. Materials & methodsA double blinded randomized control trial was conducted among children in the age group of 12–18 months. A total of 78 participants were included and were randomly divided into experiment and control groups. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical parameters were measured before and after intervention. The acceptability and tolerability of BC was assessed through a questionnaire filled by the mothers of study participant. ResultsThere was a significant difference observed in Body mass index (BMI), Chest circumference and Mid upper arm circumference in the BC group but there was not any significant difference found in biochemical parameters. Mothers of study participant reported high acceptability and no side effects of the intervention. ConclusionSupplementation of BC in children's diet lead to improved anthropometric outcomes in children of Belagavi city and was acceptable by them.

Education and Training on Making Carrot Hard Candy and Dragon Fruit Soft Candy for Stunting Prevention

Stunting is a form of chronic malnutrition associated with prolonged nutritional deficiencies. One crucial way to meet the nutritional needs of young children is by consuming vegetables and fruits, which are primary sources of micronutrients. Vegetables and fruits are vital for the body as sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, essential for achieving a healthy diet according to balanced nutrition guidelines. Vitamins are particularly crucial for maintaining body health. Carrots (Daucus carota L) and dragon fruit (Hylocereus sp.) are highly nutritious vegetables and fruits, containing high levels of carotene, vitamin A, B, C, and various minerals. Providing education and training to individuals and community groups, especially those at risk, aims to enhance knowledge, foster healthy habits and behaviors, and ultimately prevent stunting in the community. This community service project consists of preparation, observation, and implementation stages. The project involved 30 participants from the community and the PKK women's group in Kerang Village, Takeran District, Magetan Regency, East Java Province. The results indicated high participant enthusiasm, as seen from their active engagement. The community learned about the benefits of carrot hard candy and dragon fruit soft candy and understood the process of making these nutritious candies. From a low level of understanding before the education, there was an increase in understanding, and the community's low skill level improved after the training.

Tracking Trace Elements Found in Coffee and Infusions of Commercially Available Coffee Products Marketed in Poland.

Coffee is a source of micronutrients, including iron, zinc, copper, and manganese. It may also contain toxic metals, such as lead and cadmium. The effects of coffee on the human body may vary depending on its composition. The objective of this study was to assess the quality of ground and instant coffee with regard to the content of selected trace elements. The concentrations of trace elements, including copper, iron, manganese, and zinc, were determined by ICP-AES, while the levels of lead and cadmium were quantified by GF-AAS methods. Furthermore, the degree of coverage of the recommended intake of elements and the risk assessment for human health (EDI, THQ, PTMI, and TWI) were determined. Our findings indicate that the consumption of a cup of coffee provides the body with only small amounts of these elements. A coffee prepared from 6.33 g of ground coffee beans provides 0.08-1.52% of the RDA value, while a coffee prepared from 6.33 g of instant coffee provides 0.46-13.01% of the RDA, depending on the microelement. The low transfer to the brew (Pb = 7.1%; Cd = 30.0%) of the analyzed ground coffees renders them safe for the consumer, even at a consumption of six cups per day. The percentage of benchmark dose lower confidence limit (BMDL0.1) in the case of lead did not exceed 0.9%. The estimated value did not exceed 0.2% of the provisional tolerable monthly intake of cadmium (PTMI). None of the analyzed coffees exhibited any risk regarding the trace elements.

Women-Led Pulse Agriculture for Enhanced Household Nutrition Security in East African Countries

Pulse crops are significant sources of starch, fiber, protein and micronutrients for the human population. Four East African countries (Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda) have huge potential of pulse production but are constrained by several challenges in the production-consumption chain. This scoping review has assessed the challenges and opportunities related to women-led, nutrition-sensitive pulse agriculture in the four East African countries. This scoping review is based on data from major scientific databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, which are commonly used for research purposes, as well as grey literature. The criteria used were studies conducted in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, or Rwanda; grey literature which includes reports, theses, and other unpublished materials that may be relevant to a particular topic (years 2010 to 2023); observational studies, including case-control, cohort, and cross-sectional studies that assessed pulse crop production and consumption; and those published in English. Evidence from these countries shows that the historical gender gap and low level of participation by women in the sector have had adverse effects on the production of pulses. There are also social and cultural barriers that severely constrain women’s role in pulse agriculture, such as poor knowledge of the benefits of pulses, constraining cultural practice and gender-based norms in the pulse sector, limited access to market, land and finance, underdeveloped delivery/supply chain and extension services, less developed value addition culture, and the stigma of pulse consumption. This study identifies multiple avenues to ameliorate the identified socioeconomic, cultural and policy constraints, including promoting women-led pulse production through increasing access to financing for small-scale pulse crop farmers, improving market access through better marketing and distribution networks, and investing in infrastructure to support pulse production and consumption.

Beef Consumption Is Associated with Higher Intakes and Adequacy of Key Nutrients in Older Adults Age 60+ Years: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2018 Analysis.

Beef is an important source of high-quality protein and several micronutrients, including iron, zinc, and B vitamins. We determined beef intake and its relationship with intakes of nutrients and their adequacy using 24 h dietary recall data from 5868 older adults. Usual intakes from foods were determined using the National Cancer Institute method, and the percent of the population below the estimated average requirement or above adequate intake was estimated. A high percentage of older adults did not meet nutrient recommendations for vitamin D (96%), choline (96%), vitamin E (84%), potassium (70%), calcium (63%), magnesium (60%), vitamin C (46%), vitamin A (39%), zinc (21%), vitamin B6 (19%), and folate (15%). About 68% of older adults were beef consumers with a mean intake of 56 g/day. Beef consumers had higher (p < 0.05) intakes of energy, protein, calcium, iron, phosphorus, selenium, sodium, zinc, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B12, and choline, and a higher (p < 0.05) proportion met nutrient recommendations for protein, calcium, copper, zinc, thiamin, folate, and vitamin B12 than non-consumers. Consumers of fresh, ground, and processed beef also had generally higher intakes and lower inadequacies of many nutrients depending on the beef type. In conclusion, older adults generally had poor nutrient adequacy from their diets, while beef consumers had higher nutrient intakes and adequacy for certain key nutrients, which are inherently generally available from beef or from foods consumed with beef.

Diversity of plant-based food consumption: A systematic scoping review on measurement tools and associated health outcomes

Plant-based foods encompass all food products derived from plant sources, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, herbs and spices, and nuts and seeds, plant-based fats and oils (e.g. olive oil) and plant-based beverages (e.g. tea and coffee). Consumption of diverse plant-based foods is a dietary pattern that has gained significant attention amongst the public, due to its perceived benefits for maintenance of health(1). Plant-based foods provide a rich source of macronutrients, micronutrients and non-nutrient bio-actives that are often reported to improve health outcomes. Despite this, there are no standard definitions of plant-based diversity, or consensus on methods of measurement in nutrition research studies. The objective of the current research was to conduct a scoping review of the literature to identify studies investigating plant-based food diversity and it’s impact on human health outcomes, and to subsequently characterize a) definitions of plant-based diversity used, b) methods used to assess plant-based food intake, c) methods used to assess plant- based food diversity, and d) health outcomes assessed and key findings.Eligible studies were those investigating the relationship or impact of plant-based food diversity on any health related or lifestyle outcome, by any study design, in high income countries only. Studies were identified by systematic searches of two electronic databases and manual searches of reference lists. No restrictions were applied for language or year of publication. The review was performed in line with the guidelines for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (2).Forty-four studies were eligible for inclusion in this review. The majority of studies were observational in design (39/44; 87%) and included fruits and vegetables only in their definitions of plant-based food diversity (32/44, 72%). Methods of measurement of both plant-based food intake and diversity varied greatly among studies, with only four studies (9%) utilizing a tool validated for assessment of plant-based food diversity in their population of interest. Health outcomes included dietary intake and behaviour, socioeconomic factors, cardiometabolic risk factors, and cancer risk,. No randomized controlled trials investigating the impact of plant food diversity on health outcomes were identified.There is a need for a consensus definition of “diverse plant-based foods” incorporating all relevant foods from plant sources (e.g. legumes, nuts, herbs). Robust measurement tools and reporting guidelines for the assessment of plant-based food diversity in nutrition research studies will help to standardize research in this area. Within countries, an assessment of standard levels of intake of plant-based foods would be beneficial, in identifying whether diverse plant-based eating may be a target for dietary improvement. Observational studies report associations between plant-based food diversity and health outcomes, that warrant investigation in future randomized controlled trials.

Andean Lima Bean Ecology and Its Potential Contribution to Food Security

ABSTRACTThe Andean lima bean (ALB) (Phaseolus lunatus L.), also known as “Pallar” in Peru, is a large, semi‐flat, kidney‐shaped rarely investigated legume. This ancestral legume lacks in‐depth scientific reports and is mainly cultivated in the coastal region of the Ica valley. Its consumption dates back to ancient times, as evidenced by archaeological finds from pre‐Columbian civilizations in Peru, and it is still part of the Peruvian diet today. ALB has been domesticated and adapted to climate change in arid territories and under peculiar agronomic conditions in Peru, making the crop tolerant to various stresses, including drought. Like the common bean, ALB is an important source of protein, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and micronutrients that are essential for a nutritious diet. However, the information on its diversity, particularly the native varieties that are the ancestors of the commercial lima bean “Pallar de Ica,” is scarce. Therefore, this review consisted of synthesizing and analyzing important aspects of the little known ALB, such as its morphological description, domestication, response to climate change, nutritional composition, and relevance to food security and potential for cultivation to address food shortages.