Starchy Staples Research Articles

Dietary Diversity, Micronutrient Adequacy and Bone Status during Pregnancy: A Study in Urban China from 2019 to 2020.

Diet quality during reproduction is crucial to maternal and infant health. However, the association between dietary diversity and bone health of pregnant women remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the dietary quality of Chinese urban gravidas using the dietary diversity score (DDS), and to explore the relationship of the DDS with micronutrient adequacy and bone health. In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed data from 775 pregnant women aged 18 years or older in urban China. Dietary diversity was assessed using the Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD-W) indicator. A 24-h dietary recall was used to collect diet data and to calculate the MDD-W and the nutrient intake. Bone health was measured using quantitative ultrasound and assessed by the speed of sound (SOS). Pearson's correlation coefficients between the DDS and the nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR) were calculated. A multivariable linear regression model was used to estimate the effect size of the DDS on the SOS. The mean DDS was 6.61 ± 1.53 points and 91.0% of participants reported the consumption of five or more food groups. Women in the diverse diet subgroup (DDS ≥ 7 points) were more likely to consume all kinds of food except starchy staples and had higher NARs. Pearson's correlation coefficients between the DDS and the NAR ranged from 0.161 to 0.484. For participants in the second trimester, those with a diverse diet had a higher SOS. A multivariable linear regression analysis showed that the DDS was positively and significantly associated with the SOS (β = 17.18, 95% CI = 5.97-28.39, p = 0.003), but this was not the case for women in the first and third trimesters. Urban Chinese women had good dietary diversity during pregnancy. A higher dietary diversity was associated with a higher NAR. From the point of view of bone, a diverse diet was positively correlated with better bone status, suggesting the importance of improving diet diversity for pregnant women, especially from mid-pregnancy.

Analysis of long-term prices of micronutrient-dense and starchy staple foods in developing countries

The continued price increase in food commodities has long been a concern to academia and policymakers because of its substantial impact on poor consumers. Existing literature has concentrated on the cost of micronutrient-dense and starchy staple foods and the price rise in different commodities. Yet, the long-term price growth of micronutrient-dense and starchy staple foods and the price growth gap between micronutrient-dense foods and starchy staple foods have not been given much attention. The paper aimed to estimate the long-term trends in prices and volatility of micronutrient-dense and starchy staples and identify factors that have sustained the growth in prices of food commodities in developing countries. We have used the autoregressive and panel autoregressive distributed lag models to analyse the trends in relative prices and the effects of income growth. The results showed that micronutrient-dense food prices in real terms grew on average by 0.03% per month more than starchy staple food prices, with the expectation of a 12% growth gap in the next 30 years. The volatility of micronutrient-dense food items exceeds starchy staple foods in most domestic markets. Also, the prices of micronutrient-dense foods were more volatile in international markets than in most developing countries. Income growth in developing countries was one of the factors that contributed to the declining relative price of micronutrient-dense food commodities. Other factors, such as the high production of staple foods and their price stabilization policies, may have caused price trends to persist. Policies that enhance price stabilization for micronutrient-dense foods, supplementation, fortification, dietary diversity, and nutrition-sensitive interventions such as biofortification may be adopted in developing countries.

Effect of Three Drying Modes on Nutritive and Antinutritive Properties of Leafy Vegetables Consumed in Northern Côte d’Ivoire

In tropical Africa, leafy vegetables are traditionally eaten as a relish together with a starchy staple food. Nevertheless, report on their nutritive potential is scanty. In order to contribute to their valorization, leafy vegetables consumed in the north of Côte d'Ivoire (Cerathoteca sesamoides, Leptadenia hastata, Ocimum gratissimum and Portulaca oleracea) were studied. The leafy vegetables were collected in the towns of Korhogo and Dabakala located respectively in the North and Center-North of Côte d'Ivoire. These sheets were subjected to three drying treatments before their characterization. To do this, the physico-chemical and nutritional properties of these leafy vegetables have been realized. The results revealed that oven and sun drying significantly reduced the moisture in our four leafy greens. After drying, C. sesamoides and O. gratissimum had the lowest moisture content of 8.25±0.15% and 8.07±0.06% respectively for oven drying, while sun drying reduced these moisture levels to 9.48±0.12% and 9.23±0.1% respectively for the leaves of C. sesamoides and O. gratissimum. Unlike humidity, these analyzes revealed a concentration of ashes, proteins, fibers and carbohydrates during the three drying modes. With regard to the ashes, drying in an oven allowed a better concentration in the leaves of L. hastata (13.40±0.04%) and P. oleracea (21.81±0.50%) while drying in the sun gave a content of 18.24±0.33% (P. oleracea) and that of shade drying recorded a content of 13.26±0.13% (L. hastata). Concerning the protein content, the results obtained showed that the leaves of C. sesamoides, L. hastata and O. gratissimum had a better concentration during drying in the oven and in the shade. Oven drying recorded a protein content of 22.01±0.08% (L. hastata) and 22.65±0.08% (O. gratissimum) while shade drying recorded a protein content of 22.67±0.10 % (L. hastata) and 23.62±0.46% (C. sesamoides). At the level of crude fibers, the results showed that the leaves .............

Consumption of healthy and unhealthy foods by the African poor: Evidence from Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda

AbstractWe use national Living Standards Measurement Study (LSMS) datasets from Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda to examine consumption by the rural and urban poor of “unhealthy foods” (including ultra‐processed foods such as sweets and sugary beverages) versus “healthy foods” beyond starchy staples (such as vegetables, beans, animal products, and fruits). Consumption of processed foods and nonstaples is often associated in policy discussion in Africa with middle‐class urban consumers rather than the poor. We analyzed household food consumption expenditure with Locally Weighted Scatterplot Smoothing (LOWESS) curves and augmented Engel regressions. We found that substantial shares of the consumption expenditure of the poor, both rural and urban, are on healthy and unhealthy foods. We found, surprisingly, that the poor's food consumption patterns do not differ sharply from the middle classes’, in rural and urban areas, except for the case of ultra‐processed foods of which the poor still consume much less than the middle class. We found that the poor dedicate 25% of their food consumption expenditure to the category vegetables/beans, versus 22% and 17% by the lower‐middle and upper‐middle‐income strata. Fruits/animal products constitute 17% of the poor's consumption expenditure compared to 23% and 27% by the lower‐ and upper‐middle strata. Ultra‐processed food (e.g., sugar‐sweetened beverages) form 12% of the consumption of the poor, versus 20% and 32% for the lower‐ and upper‐middle strata. Shares are increasing with income starting at incomes well below the poverty line. Nonincome factors play important roles: e.g., rural off‐farm employment is associated with more consumption expenditure of processed foods by the poor due to the opportunity cost of time.

Legumes-A Comprehensive Exploration of Global Food-Based Dietary Guidelines and Consumption.

Despite the well-known human and planetary health benefits of legumes, consumption is often low. This scoping review aimed to evaluate the inclusion of legumes in global food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG), and to review consumption data against global food group classifications for legumes. The review of FBDG from 94 countries identified legume-based key messaging, the key terms used to define legumes, recommended serving size and frequency of consumption and the classification of legumes into food groups as depicted by food guides. The 2018 Global Dietary Database isolated consumption data of legumes and beans using individual-level, nationally representative dietary survey data for matched countries. Food-based dietary guidelines from 40/94 countries most often identified legumes utilising the term legumes, followed by beans (n = 13), pulses (n = 10), or as beans, peas and lentils (n = 5). The serving size recommendations for legume consumption varied widely, and there was no consistency in the suggested frequency of consumption. Median bean and legume consumption for countries with FBDG ranged from 1.2 g/d (Norway) to 122.7 g/d (Afghanistan). Classification of legumes into food groups varied, with 38% of countries categorising legumes in the protein-rich food group, 20% were in a group on their own and 15% were in the starchy staples group. In countries where legumes were together with either nuts or seeds had the greatest range in intake (11.6–122.7 g/day), followed by those that grouped legumes together with protein-rich foods (4.0–104.7 g/day), while countries that grouped legumes into two food groups, in an attempt to promote consumption, tended to have a lower consumption. Greater emphasis and perhaps repositioning of legumes in dietary guidelines may be required to encourage consumption for health, environmental and economic benefits.

From food price crisis to an equitable food system

In 2022, the world is experiencing the greatest cost of living crisis in a generation.1 Crises have always highlighted inequities in our societies. With food prices at near record levels globally, rapidly rising inflation, and economic instability, many people living in situations of constraint have no choice but to skip meals, reduce the amount they eat, prepare meals with fewer nutritious foods, and buy cheaper, starchy staples and ultra-processed foods.2–3 The implications for health inequalities are dire: increased dietary disparities will worsen food insecurity, undernutrition, obesity, and diet-related disease among those who are struggling most.

Exploring dietary diversity, nutritional status of adolescents among farm households in Nigeria: do higher commercialization levels translate to better nutrition?

PurposeThis study aims to explore dietary diversity (DD) and nutritional status of adolescents among rural farm households in Southwestern Nigeria. It analyses whether higher commercialization levels of farm households translate to better nutrition.Design/methodology/approachThis study was conducted in Ogun and Oyo States of Southwestern Nigeria, using primary data from 352 farm households with a total of 160 adolescent members. The individual version of dietary diversity score (DDS) of nine food groups was used to calculate adolescent DDS over a 24-h recall period. World Health Organization AnthroPlus software was used in analyzing adolescents’ anthropometric data (height-for-age z-score and body mass index-for-age z-score) while household crop commercialization index (CCI) was estimated for each farm household. Separate logit models were used to examine the drivers of adolescents’ DD and malnutrition.FindingsThe study findings indicated that 100% of the adolescents consumed starchy staples while 0%, 3.1% and 12.5% consumed organ meat, milk/milk products and eggs, respectively. Results revealed that 74.1% and 21.2% of boys were stunted and thin while the prevalence in adolescent girls was 50.7% and 9.3%, respectively. Prevalence of stunting was found to be very high (60%–83%) in all the four CCI levels’ households indicating that belonging to highly commercialized households (CCI 3–4) may not necessarily translate to better nutrition of adolescent members. Food expenditure (p < 0.01) and access to piped water (p < 0.01) negatively influenced adolescents’ stunting mainly because of lower expenditure on food items and lower percent of household having access to piped water, respectively, while education (p < 0.01) had positive effects on adolescents’ DD.Originality/valuePrevious studies have contributed to the body of knowledge concerning the link between agricultural commercialization and nutrition using under-five children of the households. However, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that investigated the influence of CCI on DDS and nutritional status of adolescent members of farm households in Nigeria. This study fills this existing knowledge gap in investigating adolescents’ DD and malnutrition among smallholder farm households.

Socio-economic and socio-demographic determinants of diet diversity among rural pregnant women from Pune, India

BackgroundDiet diversity signifies the nutrient adequacy of an individual and thus has gained widespread significance in recent times. In developing countries achieving maximum diet diversity, especially among pregnant women from rural areas is challenging although of great importance. However, to do so understanding the primary factors associated with diet diversity is important. This paper, therefore, assessed the socio-demographic and socio-economic determinants of diet diversity among rural pregnant women in India.MethodsThe study consisted of a community-based prospective cohort of n = 204 pregnant women attending primary healthcare centers (PHC) across 14 villages in Mulshi Taluka, Pune, Maharashtra, India. The data was collected using a structured questionnaire through a one-to-one interview method.ResultsThe prevalence of low, medium and high diet diversity was 56.4%, 33.3%, and 10.3% respectively. Minimum diversity in the diet was achieved among 73.5% of pregnant women. The mean diet diversity score (DDS) was 3.6 ± 1.3 with starchy staples being (100%) of commonly consumed foods. Young (< 20 years) women (OR = 5.2; CI:1.9- 13.8), housewives (OR = 3; CI:1.4–6.7), husbands working as skilled laborers (OR = 2.5; CI:1.2–5.5) were at significant risk of having low diet diversity scores. Whereas, those living in a joint family (OR = 0.3; CI:0.1–0.6), not owning a house (OR = 0.5; CI:0.2–0.9), and having a poor income (OR = 1.9; CI: 0.9- 3.7) were less likely to have low diet diversity.ConclusionSocio-economic and demographic factors (maternal age, mother's occupation, and husband's occupation) influenced the diet diversity among pregnant women. Monotonous diets are commonly seen in developing countries, especially in rural areas which can be a risk factor for poor nutrient adequacy and health of pregnant women. Policies and programs about these determinants of diet diversity should be enacted to replace the poor quality diets to ensure improved diet diversity and nutrient adequacy.

Perception of proposed preliminary food-based dietary guidelines for Lake Victoria region of Kenya: findings from a qualitative study among adult community members

Background: Diets in the Lake Victoria region of Kenya have been described as monotonous, consisting chiefly of starchy staple foods, accompanied by green vegetables and oil. To promote healthy eating in the region, 11 food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) were proposed. Objective: This study was designed to assess perception of the proposed FBDGs amongst consumers in Lake Victoria region. Design and setting: A qualitative, descriptive cross-sectional design was used to collect data from 36 focus-group discussions (FGD) among adult males (18) and females (18) in Kisumu and Homa Bay Counties. Subjects: A total of 207 adult males (26–74 years) and 211 females (18–71 years) participated in this study. Data collection and analysis: Proposed FBDGs were printed on posters and presented to FGD participants. Proceedings were audio-taped, transcribed, translated and analysed based on themes. Results: The proposed FBDGs were perceived as promoting the consumption of a balanced diet. As a concept, a balanced diet was misrepresented as composed of only three nutrients: carbohydrates, proteins and vitamins. There was no mention of fats/oils and minerals as other significant nutrient constituents of a balanced diet. Other concepts, which included ‘three regular meals’, ‘snacks’, ‘food variety’, ‘healthy and physically active lifestyle’, were polysemous. Conclusion: The findings provide insight to guide the adaptation of the national FBDGs. The findings also provide a basis for nutrition advocacy programmes and a rationale for the revision of nutrition education materials, including the school curriculum, to align content with current evidence-based information.

Rural Market Food Diversity and Farm Production Diversity: Do They Complement or Substitute Each Other in Contributing to a Farm Household's Dietary Diversity?

Majority of undernourished people live in rural Asia and Africa, and many of them are smallholder farmers and consume a significant amount of what they produce. This is specifically true in India. However, in the context of increasing commercial production systems, it is not well-known how much food is consumed from a particular food group that was purchased, what proportion of food is from the production of farm households, and how their diets change seasonally. Furthermore, whether the rural market food diversity complements or substitutes farm production diversity in household's diets is unknown. We employed a mixed-methods research design to answer these questions. The research was conducted in three villages in Telengana State. The results reveal that crop diversity has significantly declined from a highly-diverse production system to a less diverse one. The Food Consumption Score results show that on average own-farm production contributes 23% of food (mainly starchy staples), while market purchases contribute 77% of calories consumed (from more diverse and nutritious foods). Therefore, in the study, villages' market food diversity is more important, and it is complementary to own-farm production. However, our study shows that mere market access (the most widely used proxy indicator in the literature) does not guarantee the availability of diverse nutritious foods to households who use that specific market. This is because market food diversity varies from market to market and across seasons. Therefore, we proposed that in commercial production systems improving crop diversity, and strengthening rural markets, are needed. Moreover, incentivizing retail business and subsidizing nutritious and/or biofortified food in rural areas must be part of strategies to improve nutrition in rural India.

Does Agricultural Food Production Reflect the Diversity of Diets in Bauchi, Nigeria?

ObjectivesIn Africa, Nigeria has the largest economy and the greatest investment in agriculture. Yet, the country ranks 103rd of 116 in the Global Hunger Index, and only 23% of children receive diets with the minimum diversity. Inadequate consumption of nutrient-dense foods is an underlying cause of undernutrition. This study qualitatively evaluated the food production and consumption of rural households in Bauchi State, Nigeria. MethodsData were collected via six focus group discussions with 48 women of child-bearing ages 16–33 years, from farming households in six Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Bauchi State. Discussions were conducted in the Hausa language; audio-recorded, transcribed, translated into English, analyzed and organized into themes. ResultsEmerging themes include foods produced and consumed, food processing/preservation methods, foods perceived as nourishing and experiences of hunger. Commonly produced foods included nine starchy staples, seven legumes/oil seeds, 11 vegetables, four types of fruits and eight types of livestock. In three of six LGAs, commonly consumed foods were from only three food groups including starchy staples, legumes and vegetables. Dairy was listed only in two LGAs and meat in one LGA. Husbands reportedly ate good food, including meat outside the home, but such foods were often unavailable for household members. Participants believed that because they are women, and live in villages, one should eat whatever is available. Crops produced for their cash value were often not consumed. Harvested crops were preserved/processed via traditional methods associated with nutrient losses, including sun-drying and winnowing off the outer layers of milled grains. Mothers generally knew what foods were nourishing, but did not provide these for their children because these were sold for financial gain. Widespread food shortages, initially perceived to affect only women, reportedly disrupted household harmony and precipitated visible signs of child malnutrition. ConclusionsA variety of agricultural food products that can contribute to adequate nutrient intakes are produced by rural households in Bauchi State, yet diets are limited in diversity. Thus, urgent strategies are needed to promote dietary diversity, and optimize the food systems for improved nutrition of women and children. Funding SourcesOxfam LINE Project, Bauchi.

Principles for Evidence-Based and Sustainable Food System Innovations for Healthier Diets.

Climate change, rapid urbanization, war, and economic recession are key drivers of the current food systems’ disruption, which has been exacerbated by the COVID pandemic. Local, regional, and global food systems are unable to provide consumers with nutritious and affordable diets. Suboptimal diets exacerbate the triple burden of malnutrition, with micronutrient deficiencies affecting more than two billion people, two billion people suffering from overweight, and more than 140 million children who are stunted. The unaffordability of nutritious diets represents an obstacle for many, especially in low- and middle-income countries where healthy diets are five times more expensive than starchy staple diets. Food system transformations are urgently required to provide consumers with more affordable and nutritious diets that are capable of meeting social and environmental challenges. In this review, we underline the critical role of innovation within the food system transformation discourse. We aim to define principles for implementing evidence-based and long-term food system innovations that are economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable and, above all, aimed at improving diets and public health. We begin by defining and describing the role of innovation in the transformation of food systems and uncover the major barriers to implementing these innovations. Lastly, we explore case studies that demonstrate successful innovations for healthier diets.

Role of dietary quality and diversity on overweight and obesity among women of reproductive age in Tanzania.

This study aimed to examine associations of dietary quality and diversity among reproductive-aged women with overweight and obesity. We conducted a cross-sectional study in the Health and Demographic Surveillance System of the Dar es Salaam Urban Cohort Study (DUCS) in Tanzania. A random sample of 1004 non-pregnant women was selected from the DUCS population database and interviewed about dietary information using the FFQ. Women were aged 30.2 (±8.1) years; 27.8% were overweight and 22.6% were obese. All 1004 women in the study consumed starchy staple foods. Of all the women studied, 10.5%, 1.7% and 3.8% consumed vitamin A rich dark green vegetables, nuts and seeds, and beans and peas, respectively. Compared with women in the lowest quintile of Prime Dietary Quality Score (PDQS), those who were in the highest quintile were significantly less likely to be overweight or obese (Adjusted Prevalence Ratio (APR) = 0.76, 95%CI: 0.62, 0.89) (F for trend = 0.029). Dietary diversity score (DDS) was not significantly associated with overweight and obesity. Risk factors included the highest consumption of animal foods (APR = 2.81, 95% CI: 1.51–3.51) and fast food (APR = 2.57, 95% CI: 1.24–4.34). Consumption of legumes and whole grains was associated with lower risk (APR = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.38–0.2). Dietary quality is an important predictor of overweight and obesity among women of reproductive age. Nutrition interventions may be warranted to support women of reproductive age to enter pregnancy with healthier weight to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes and future risk of chronic diseases.

Nature Relatedness Is Positively Associated With Dietary Diversity and Fruit and Vegetable Intake in an Urban Population.

Feeling connected to nature, or nature relatedness (NR), can positively impact physical and psychological well-being. However, the relationship between NR and dietary behaviors has not been studied. This research examined the relationship between NR and dietary behaviors, including dietary diversity and fruit and vegetable intake. Cross-sectional online survey study. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Adults (n = 317) over 18 years who resided in Philadelphia, PA. The NR Scale was used to measure participants' connection to nature. It includes 21 items across three subscales: self, experience, and perspective (total and subscales range from 1 to 5). Dietary Diversity was assessed using the FAO's standardized tool (scores range from 0 to 9). To calculate dietary diversity, food groups reported were aggregated into nine food categories: starchy staples; dark green leafy vegetables; vitamin A rich fruits/vegetables; other fruits/vegetables; organ meat; meat/fish; eggs; legumes, nuts/seeds; and milk products. The NCI's 2-item CUP Fruit and Vegetable Screener was used to estimate daily fruit and vegetable intake (cups/day), and socio-demographic questions were asked. Simple and multivariable regression models were used to examine associations between NR Total and subscale scores with dietary diversity scores and fruit and vegetable intake with NR Total scores and subscale scores. The multivariable models were adjusted for age, race, gender, and income. People with higher NR Total (P < .001), NR Self (P < .001), NR Perspective (P = .002), and NR Experience (P = .002) were more likely to report greater dietary diversity. Those with higher NR Total (P < .001), NR Self (P < .001), and NR Experience (P < .001) reported greater fruit and vegetable intake. Associations remained significant after adjusting for covariates. NR was associated with better dietary intake after accounting for socio-demographic indicators. These findings highlight the need for health promotion interventions that enhance NR, such as nature prescription initiatives, urban gardening and greening, and immersion in urban green spaces.

Realizing the Potential of Neglected and Underutilized Bananas in Improving Diets for Nutrition and Health Outcomes in the Pacific Islands

Pacific Island countries are undergoing rapid food system transformation. This has led to a deterioration in diet quality with decreased consumption of traditional, fresh foods, and increasing consumption of imported, ultra-processed foods. Consequently, the triple burden of malnutrition is a now a major issue in the region. It is estimated that Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is widespread, particularly in Kiribati, Vanuatu, and Solomon Islands. Rates of overweight, obesity, and diet-related non-communicable disease (DR-NCD) are high. Increasing consumption of local, traditional fruits and vegetables, particularly those that have high nutritional value like Pacific Island bananas, could play an important role in improving diets and health outcomes of Pacific Islander populations. Many of the banana cultivars found in the Pacific Islands region are high in carotenoids, an important precursor to Vitamin A. Fe'i bananas, such as Utin Iap, have been shown to contain much higher amounts of carotenoids than that of the commonly consumed Cavendish banana. As a traditional, starchy staple food, bananas are a good source of carbohydrate, including resistant starch, with small amounts of protein and little fat. These characteristics also lend themselves to being part of a healthy diet. The promotion of neglected and underutilized banana cultivars in the Pacific region provides a food-based and low-cost solution that simultaneously supports healthy diets and good nutrition, local farming systems and livelihood opportunities. However, to realize this potential, more work is required to understand the availability of nutrient rich banana in the region, current consumption patterns and drivers of consumption.

Worldwide dietary patterns and their association with socioeconomic data: an ecological exploratory study

BackgroundDietary patterns are associated with health outcomes and environment sustainability, having socioeconomic drivers. This ecological study aims to identify dietary patterns in food availability data at the global level using multivariate statistical methodology, to associate the identified dietary patterns with socioeconomic data and to analyze the adequacy of the applied multivariate statistical methods for this purpose.MethodsPrincipal Component Analysis was applied to median values of times series of food availability data of 172 UN registered countries available at FAOSTAT database in Food Balance Sheets section in a sectional manner, after calculating median values of time series for each food group and country. Principal Components were associated with socioeconomic data available from the World Bank database. Sensitivity analyses were realized to verify the stability of dietary patterns through five different times.ResultsFive principal components were identified in the median values of each time series, each characterizing a possible dietary pattern. The first one, a westernized dietary pattern, was composed of energy-dense and processed foods, foods of animal origin, alcoholic beverages, but also, albeit less, by vegetables, fruits and nuts, being associated with income, urbanization and trade liberalization. This westernized pattern was characterized more animal origin and processed foods, such as vegetable oils, alcoholic beverages and stimulants yet preserving unprocessed and regional foods. The other dietary patterns were three agricultural patterns characterized more by regional foods, especially starchy staples, and one coastal dietary pattern composed of fish and seafoods, being associated with GINI index, poverty, and female labor force. Sensitivity analyses demonstrated the stability of dietary patterns.ConclusionsPrincipal Component Analysis was adequate to identify dietary patterns in food availability data. A westernized dietary pattern was identified, being associated with income, urbanization, and trade liberalization. This association did not occur for the remain of the dietary patterns identified, these being less driven by economic development.

Protein-Energy Nutritional Status of Moderately Low Protein Intake-Sago Diets Compared to Sufficiently Protein Intake-Rice Diets in Well-Nourished Lowlanders in Papua, Indonesia

Background: Protein inadequacy is prevalent in developing countries because of the high consumption of starchy staple foods. Sago, as a staple food in Papua Province, was eaten with less protein. This study aimed to analyze the nutritional status of protein-energy in well-nourished adults of the moderately low protein in-take (MLP)-sago group compared to the sufficient protein intake (SP)-rice group, in lowland Mimika, Papua. Methods: This cross-sectional-analytic study was conducted on 50 participants. Twenty-four-hour food recall, body composition, albumin, and complete blood count were used to assess the nutritional status. Results: There were no differences in the body compositions and albumin levels between the MLP-sago and SP-rice groups. Multivariate linear regression showed that the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (β = -0.524, P = 0.007) was a predictive factor for albumin in the sago group, while in the rice group, hemoglobin (β = 0.354 P = 0.089) and white blood cell counts (β = 0.396, P = 0.059) were predictive factors. Conclusions: The MLP-sago and SP-rice groups exhibited no differences in the body and visceral protein; however different predictors of albumin were found be- tween the groups, suggesting an adaptive mechanism in the MLP-sago group to maintain normal albumin levels.

How the number and type of primary school meals affect food variety and dietary diversity?

School meals should encourage a varied and diverse diet, since children may eat up to three meals at school per day. The aim of this study was to assess food variety and dietary diversity among primary school children regarding the number and type of school meals. Dietary records for three non-consecutive days were used to estimate the food variety score (FVS) and dietary diversity score (DDS) of 195 children (52.3% boys) aged 8-9 years from schools in the city of Zagreb. For analysis, children were divided into 5 groups according to the number and type of school meals consumed: non-consumers (23.1%), breakfast consumers (30.3%), lunch consumers (5.6%), breakfast and lunch consumers (13.3%), and breakfast, lunch and snack consumers (27.7%). The children had an average FVS of 14.3 (12.6 - 16.7) and DDS of 5.7 (5.0 - 6.0). The food group with the highest frequency of consumption was starchy staple (99.9% of children), while legumes, seeds, and nuts were consumed least frequently (15.4%). The number and type of school meals were moderately correlated (r = 0.313, p &amp;lt; 0.001) with FVS and weakly (r = 0.230, p = 0.02) with DDS. In addition, children who ate breakfast and lunch or breakfast, lunch, and snack from school meals had significantly higher FVS (p &amp;lt; 0.001) and DDS (p = 0.027) compared to children who ate fewer school meals or ate no school meal. Children (50%) who ate breakfast, lunch, and snacks from school meals were more likely (p = 0.022) to consume dark green leafy vegetables. The number of school meals may affect the food variety and dietary diversity, with children who eat more school meals having better quality. However, the values obtained by the index suggest that both parents and school food services should provide more varied meals in terms of different foods and food groups.

The role of food preferences in determining diet quality for Tanzanian consumers

Consumer preferences can be leveraged to magnify the impacts of agricultural investments and interventions on diets for all consumers in an economy, not just farmers. Using nationally representative panel data from Tanzania, we estimate demand for 19 food groups using an Exact Affine Stone Index censored demand system, which is flexible, utility-theoretic, controls for unobserved heterogeneity, and accounts for bias arising from endogenous prices. We find strong links between growth in household expenditures and improved diet quality. Also, staple grain prices are important determinants of nutrient intake. For poor consumers, e.g., protein and iron intake are more sensitive to maize price changes than to changing prices of other foods that contain more protein and iron. We use simulations to show that cash transfers and price vouchers targeting staple grains, pulses & nuts, and starchy staples could be effective in shrinking gaps between recommended and actual dietary intake for poor consumers.

Food insecurity, low dietary diversity and poor mental health among Syrian refugee mothers living in vulnerable areas of Greater Beirut, Lebanon.

Syrian refugees in Lebanon are facing vulnerabilities that are affecting their food insecurity (FI) levels. The objectives of this study were to measure dietary diversity, FI and mental health status of Syrian refugee mothers in Lebanon and to explore its associations with their anaemia and nutritional status. A cross-sectional study was conducted among mothers with children under 5 years (n 433) in Greater Beirut, Lebanon. Dietary diversity was measured using the Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD-W) of reproductive age and FI using the global Food Insecurity Experience Scale at the individual level. Depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were measured to assess the maternal mental health status. Data on socio-economic characteristics, anthropometric measurements and Hb concentrations were collected. Overall, 63·3 % of the mothers had a low dietary diversity (LDD) and 34·4 % were moderately to severely food insecure, with 12·5 % being severely food insecure. The prevalence of PTSD, moderate depression and severe depression was 13·2, 11·1 and 9·9 %, respectively. A significant correlation was found between LDD and FI (P < 0·001). Low income was significantly associated with LDD and FI. Poor mental health was significantly associated with FI. LDD and FI were not associated with anaemia and nutritional status of mothers. Low-income households had significantly higher intakes of grains and refined starchy staples, whereas high-income households consumed more nutritious foods and sweets. Evidence of inadequate diet quality, FI and poor mental health among Syrian refugee mothers in Lebanon is presented. Multifaceted actions are needed to reduce FI and improve dietary diversity.