Undernourished Populations Research Articles

Effects of agricultural carbon footprints and malnutrition on life expectancy in China.

This study explored the impact of carbon footprints and malnutrition on life expectancy in China over the periods of 2000 and 2021. Data from the World Bank Indicators database was utilized, and Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS) was employed to analyse the extracted data. The results show that over the periods of 2000 and 2021, agricultural carbon footprints in China experienced a first sharp decline in 2015. In contrast, per capita food production in China rose from 88.29% in 2011 to over 108% in 2021. Within a space of a decade, the undernourished population in China was reduced by 78.8%. Moreover, per capita food production had a positive impact on life expectancy in China. Conversely, malnutrition exerted a negative and significant influence on life expectancy. Agricultural carbon footprints contributed a positive but insignificant impact on life expectancy, and GDP per capita growth increased life expectancy significantly in the country. We conclude that policymakers in China are should ensure that all citizens have access to food necessary to improve life span of the country`s population.

Impact on Incorporation of Purple Yam Flour (Dioscorea alata var. Purpurea) in Development of Multigrain Nutri-Bar

Consumption of wholesome and healthy diet is the most effective way to combat protein-energy malnutrition and micro-nutrient deficiencies. Present study was carried out to develop a nourishing and cost effective nutri-bar from selected locally available yams, cereals, legumes and oil seeds. Incorporation of purple yam flour at 20% (F1), 15% (F2) and 10% (F3) was performed with changing only the ratio of processed rice flour.The highest mean rank scores for all tested sensory properties of appearance, taste, texture, aroma and overall acceptability were observed in F1. Proximate composition of ash, protein, fat, crude fiber, carbohydrate and calorie contents of products ranged 1.26-1.37%, 11.20-12.02%, 6.57-7.29%, 2.69-3.58%, 73.28-73.41% and 397.57 - 406.81 kcal/100g respectively. The highest values for total sugar, crude-fibre, potassium, sodium, calcium were recorded in F1 with 20.06±0.12%, 3.55±0.08%, 3903±2.8mg/kg, 396.50±10.60mg/kg, 305.00±29.70mg/kg respectively. F1 had the highest TPC- 4.120 mg GAE/g, TFC- 0.179 mg QE/g, anthocyanin content- 0.225 mg/g and antioxidant potential through DPPH assay- 3.142 mg TE/g followed by F2 and F3. The anthocyanin content of three formulas showed significantly positive correlation with antioxidant capacity (r =1.00, p<0.05). In conclusion, nutri-bars are the excellent source of nutrients supplements especially for undernourished population.

Consumer Acceptance and Sensory Properties of Wheat- Millet Composite Biscuits Fortified with Moringa oleifera and Camellia sinensis Leaves Powder

This study investigated the consumer acceptability of biscuits prepared with millet-wheat composite flour and enriched with Moringa oleifera and green tea leaves in Karachi, Pakistan. Cereals, especially wheat, and millet are crucial in global food trade. Moringa oleifera and green tea, rich in essential nutrients and phytochemicals, are of growing interest for their potential health benefits when added to food products. Sensory analysis and preference survey were conducted to evaluate the acceptance of these fortified unconventional biscuits. The results showed that biscuits made with pearl millet, moringa, and green tea were generally well-received by the panelists (p≤0.05). However, biscuits with green tea had slightly lower acceptability, likely due to their higher moisture content impacting texture and taste. A consumer perception survey revealed a notable interest in moringa-fortified biscuits among health-conscious consumers. While some consumers expressed a willingness to try biscuits made with pearl millet flour, there is an opportunity to raise awareness about the benefits of this grain. These findings underscore the potential for fortified biscuits, rich in essential nutrients, to provide healthier alternatives and address food insecurity, particularly among undernourished populations. The study highlights the importance of creating value added products by underutilized grain with acceptable organoleptic profiles to facilitate their adoption in the market.

Impact of Dehydrated Anchovy Powder on the Growth and Nutritional Well-Being of the Human Undernourished Population: Assessing Bioavailability and Nutritional Effectiveness through In Vivo Experimental Models

AbstractThe research focuses on assessing the efficacy of dried anchovy powder as a dietary supplement, examining its bioavailability and impact on growth and nutritional status. The study, centered on Wistar male rats, acknowledges anchovies for their rich essential nutrients and potential health benefits. Employing a meticulously controlled experimental design, the research exposes experimental animals to various dietary interventions by integrating dried anchovy powder. This study investigates the availability of vital nutrients like proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals in the dried anchovy powder to Wistar male rats. The effects of dried anchovy powder on growth parameters, encompassing body weight, length, organ development, and the nutritional status of the rats, are explored. Examining hematological and biochemical markers provide insights into the overall health of the experimental subjects. Additionally, the research delves into potential mechanisms underlying the observed effects, including nutrient absorption and metabolism. The outcomes of this study offer valuable insights into the potential of dried anchovy powder as a nutritional supplement and its role in enhancing the nutritional status of the malnourished people of India. These findings may have a direct impact on dietary interventions aimed at improving human nutrition and health.

Targeting strategies for balanced energy and protein (BEP) supplementation in pregnancy: study protocol for the TARGET-BEP cluster-randomized controlled trial in rural Bangladesh

BackgroundThe World Health Organization (WHO) recommends balanced energy and protein (BEP) supplementation be provided to all pregnant women living in undernourished populations, usually defined as having a prevalence > 20% of underweight women, to reduce the risk of stillbirths and small-for-gestational-age neonates. Few geographies meet this threshold, however, and a large proportion of undernourished women and those with inadequate gestational weight gain could miss benefiting from BEP. This study compares the effectiveness of individual targeting approaches for supplementation with micronutrient-fortified BEP vs. multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS) alone as control in pregnancy in improving birth outcomes.MethodsThe TARGET-BEP study is a four-arm, cluster-randomized controlled trial conducted in rural northwestern Bangladesh. Eligible participants are married women aged 15–35 years old identified early in pregnancy using a community-wide, monthly, urine-test-based pregnancy detection system. Beginning at 12–14 weeks of gestation, women in the study area comprising 240 predefined sectors are randomly assigned to one of four intervention arms, with sector serving as the unit of randomization. The interventions involving daily supplementation through end of pregnancy are as follows: (1) MMS (control); (2) BEP; (3) targeted BEP for those with pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) < 18.5 kg/m2 and MMS for others; (4) targeted BEP for those with pre-pregnancy BMI < 18.5 kg/m2, MMS for others, and women with inadequate gestational weight gain switched from MMS to BEP until the end of pregnancy. Primary outcomes include birth weight, low birth weight (< 2500 g), and small for gestational age, defined using the 10th percentile of the INTERGROWTH-21st reference, for live-born infants measured within 72 h of birth. Project-hired local female staff visit pregnant women monthly to deliver the assigned supplements, monitor adherence biweekly, and assess weight regularly during pregnancy. Trained data collectors conduct pregnancy outcome assessment and measure newborn anthropometry in the facility or home depending on the place of birth.DiscussionThis study will assess the effectiveness of targeted balanced energy and protein supplementation to improve birth outcomes among pregnant women in rural Bangladesh and similar settings.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT05576207. Registered on October 5th, 2022.

The Impact of Chemotherapy on Nutritional Status

Introduction: A state of malnutrition is so commonly associated with tumor disease that it is often considered an integral part of the evolution of cancers. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective monocentric study carried out in the Medical Oncology department of the PHE of Laghouat. Patients with cancer and followed in this service between October 4, 2020 and November 26, 2020 have been included. The main objective was to study the impact of chemotherapy on the nutritional status of cancer patients by assessing the nutritional status and quantifying its anthropometric and biological parameters. Malnutrition is defined as weight loss &gt; 5% in one month or &gt; 10% in six months and/or body mass index ≤ 18,5 kg/m² and/or albuminemia 30 g/L in adult patients aged &lt; 70 and by weight loss 5% in one month or 10% in six months and/or body mass index ≤ 21 kg/m² and/or albuminemia 35 g/L in patients aged ≥70. Results: This study included 123 patients with a sex ratio of 0.6 and an average age of 51.81±14.33 years who were sectioned into 2 groups: undernutrition with a weight loss greater than 5% of usual weight and or BMI 18, 5kg/m² and or albuminemia 30g/L (in 70-year-old patients) and or BMI21 kg/m² and or albuminemia 35g/L (in 70-year-old patients) (n=16, 13%) and those without malnutrition (n=107, 87%). Men accounted for 34.6% of the not undernourished population and 56.3% of the malnourished population. The weight change in the undernourished group was on average -1.12%±5.4 with 30.1% of undernourished people have PDP&gt;5% and 81.26% were on chemotherapy. The mean BMI of the undernourished population is 18.63kg/m² 3.98 and the mean albumin is 35.65 3.68 g/L in the undernourished population. Discussion and Conclusion: The undernutrition of cancer patients is common and associated with less benefit from chemotherapy and a derogatory prognosis.

Agricultural literacy in artificial insemination and agribusiness management for social innovation in rural populations affected by armed conflict in Colombia

The achievement of education in rural populations was one of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), outlined by the United Nations. During the last World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), it was concluded that the majority of the world’s poor, illiterate and undernourished population lives in rural areas; therefore, access to education is considered one of the greatest challenges for governments in countries with developing economies. The purpose of this study was to determine how a theoretical-practical training program in rural management and leadership (D-ML), artificial insemination (D-AI), and bovine genetic improvement (D-GI) affected the perception and level of knowledge in a rural population affected by Colombia’s armed conflict. Phase 1 included the theoretical and practical training of undergraduate animal sciences students in three dimensions (D-ML, D-AI, D-GI). After training, students were evaluated according to their level of theoretical-practical knowledge and their behavioral performance. There were 13 students selected to be a part of what we went on to call “the group of student leaders.” Phase 2 included the socioeconomic characterization and training of rural residents by the group of student leaders and field experts in the same three dimensions (D-ML, D-AI, D-GI). We evaluated the perception and level of knowledge before and after training in 63 rural residents using an evaluative instrument. The perception of knowledge in rural residents was low for general knowledge (GTD) (2.48 ± 0.76, p &amp;lt; 0.05), D-ML (2.89 ± 1.18, p &amp;lt; 0.05) and D-AI/D-GI (2.17 ± 0.83, p &amp;lt; 0.05), in accordance with the 5-point Likert-type ordinal scale. When level of knowledge was measured before the theorical-practical training, the level of GTD was 45.9%, however, after the training it increased to 77.6% (p &amp;lt; 0.01), while the level of knowledge for D-AI increased from 38.5% pre-training to 80.6% (p &amp;lt;0.05) post-training, and level of knowledge for D-GI pre-training was 50.8% and increased to 73.0% (p &amp;lt; 0.01) post-training. Finally, the level of knowledge for D-ML increased (p &amp;lt; 0.01) from 54.8% pre-training to 75% post-training. Altogether, rural extension programs contribute to closing knowledge gaps in relation to the use of reproductive biotechnologies and bovine management in rural areas affected by armed conflict.

In Vivo Genotoxicity and Cytotoxicity Kinetics of Trimethoprim Sulfamethoxazole in Well-nourished and Undernourished Young Rats.

Undernutrition is a serious health problem prevalent in poor countries, affecting millions of people worldwide, especially young children, pregnant women, and sick elderly individuals. This condition increases vulnerability to infections, leading to widespread use of antibiotic treatments in undernourished populations. The objective of the present study was to determine the in vivo genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) treatment according to nutritional conditions. The effects of TMP-SMX treatment were measured by analyzing the kinetics of micronucleated reticulocytes (MN-RET) induced in the peripheral blood of young, well-nourished (WN) and undernourished (UN) rats. In the WN group, two distinct peaks of MN-RET were observed, while the UN group had a significantly higher basal frequency of MN-RET compared to the WN group and only a later peak. Reticulocyte (RET) frequency slightly decreased in WN, indicating a poor cytotoxic effect. In contrast, in the UN, the treatment caused a significant increase in RET frequency. The results indicate that SMX's aromaticity index decreases when formed with TMP, suggesting potentially fewer toxic effects. In vivo TMP-SMX produces two MN-RET induction peaks in WN animals, indicating two DNA damage induction mechanisms and consequent micronucleus production. The UN rats did not display the two peaks, indicating that the first MN induction mechanism did not occur in UN, possibly due to pharmacokinetic effects, decreased metabolism or effects on cell proliferation. TMP-SMX has a slight cytotoxic effect on WN. In contrast, in the UN, the antibiotic treatment seems to favor early erythropoiesis.

SYSTEMIC DETERMINANTS OF GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY ENSURING GEOPOLITICAL TURBULENCE

Introduction. Recent events have demonstrated that the growth of geopolitical turbulence has a detrimental impact on the food security of the world’s poorest countries. Often, its consequences include economic wars, armed interstate conflicts, intrastate military-political confrontations, and economic crises. These factors ultimately lead to price increases and disruptions in food supply chains, resulting in increased poverty, limited access to fertile land, and, most importantly, the destruction of the foundations of the national economy. This, in turn, lowers the GDP per capita significantly, affecting the population’s consumer capabilities and jeopardizing a sufficient level of nutrition. The purpose of the is to generalize the systemic determinants of modern geopolitical turbulence and substantiate their impact on global food security while outlining recommendations aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of global institutions in ensuring the food security of the world’s poorest countries. Results. Systemic determinants of modern geopolitical turbulence are examined, and their impact on global food security is substantiated. The primary reasons for the increase in world food prices have been unveiled. A correlation analysis of indicators affecting the dynamics of the share and number of undernourished population, reflecting population income, the number of military conflicts, the level of global warming, and food prices, was carried out. Consequently, it has been proven that geopolitical turbulence has a significantly negative impact on food security in various countries worldwide. Notably, over the past 20-25 years, the African continent has become one of the main focal points of geopolitical conflicts, with their foundation rooted in the struggle for resources through political and military influence on the governments of certain African countries. The research has demonstrated that geopolitical conflicts and the risks associated with geopolitical turbulence are determinants exacerbating the food crisis in African countries. Conclusions. It has been proven that a country’s level of food security is closely related to the poverty level of its population. It is argued that humanitarian missions aimed at assisting malnourished populations will only postpone the resolution of hunger, while ongoing military and economic conflicts do not contribute to poverty reduction. It is substantiated that, in order to increase global food security, global organizations and geopolitical players should focus on the economic and political development of the world’s poorest countries, since the prolongation of both intrastate and interstate military-political conflicts serves as a source of geopolitical turbulence and exacerbates the global food crisis.

Biofortification of Iron and Zinc in Field Crops Through Plant Microbe Interaction: A Review

Micronutrient deficiency is a big concern around the world since it causes serious social and health problems. Micronutrient availability is low on millions of hectares of land around the world, including India. Zn deficiency in Indian soils has reached 47% and Fe deficiency has reached 13%. The main causes of micronutrient deficit in soil are excessive fertilizer use (over the RDF), soil erosion and other agronomic practices that obstruct the movement of micronutrients. A promising and sustainable agriculture-based method called biofortification aims to reduce Zn and Fe deficiencies in dietary food ingredients. The plant breeding method to create biofortified crops and agronomic supplementation of micronutrients, such as foliar/soil application together with chemical fertilisers, have drawn the most attention among the various strategies used. Interactions between plants and microbes are recognised to be essential for enhancing the nutrient status of the soil and enriching micronutrients through the solubilization, mobilisation and translocation of metals to various parts of the plant. This symbiotic relationship enhances the quality and yield of crops, while innovative food processing techniques can offer cost-effective biofortified food solutions to address the nutritional needs of undernourished populations.Micronutrient deficiency is a big concern around the world since it causes serious social and health problems. Micronutrient availability is low on millions of hectares of land around the world, including India. Zn deficiency in Indian soils has reached 47% and Fe deficiency has reached 13%. The main causes of micronutrient deficit in soil are excessive fertilizer use (over the RDF), soil erosion and other agronomic practices that obstruct the movement of micronutrients. A promising and sustainable agriculture-based method called biofortification aims to reduce Zn and Fe deficiencies in dietary food ingredients. The plant breeding method to create biofortified crops and agronomic supplementation of micronutrients, such as foliar/soil application together with chemical fertilisers, have drawn the most attention among the various strategies used. Interactions between plants and microbes are recognised to be essential for enhancing the nutrient status of the soil and enriching micronutrients through the solubilization, mobilisation and translocation of metals to various parts of the plant. This symbiotic relationship enhances the quality and yield of crops, while innovative food processing techniques can offer cost-effective biofortified food solutions to address the nutritional needs of undernourished populations.

Prediabetes in rural adolescent girls from DERVAN cohort: data from the KONKAN region of the state of Maharashtra, India (DERVAN-4).

India is witnessing an epidemic of type 2 diabetes. Overweight/obesity, overnutrition, physical inactivity, and family history are well-known risk factors for diabetes. We investigated the role of undernutrition in the development of diabetes among rural adolescent girls. DERVAN cohort study was set up in the KONKAN region of the western Indian state of Maharashtra. It enrolled 1,520 adolescent girls (16-18 years old at the time of enrollment). We measured glycemic parameters (glucose, insulin, and HbA1C) and body size using anthropometry and body composition using bioimpedance. Prediabetes was diagnosed using the American Diabetic Association (ADA) criteria. We also calculated various HOMA indices for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), β-cell function (HOMA-β), insulin sensitivity (HOMA-S), and compensatory β-cell response using a homeostasis model. BMI, body fat%, and waist circumferences were treated as exposures and all the glycemic parameters and indices as outcomes. The median age of the subjects was 16.6 years. The median weight, height, and BMI were 40.7 kg, 151.7 cm, and 17.5 kg/m2, respectively. Prevalence of underweight was 28.8%, and stunting was observed in 30.4%. Thinness and obesity using BMI were observed in 58.4% and 4.2%, respectively. The median body fat% was 22.5, and excess body fat (>35%) was observed in 5.7%. The prevalence of prediabetes was 39.4%. Fasting insulin concentrations, HOMA-IR, and HOMA-β showed a positive trend across body composition quartiles (p < 0.001). HOMA-S and compensatory β-cell response showed an inverse trend (p < 0.001). Compared with prediabetic girls in the overweight/obese group, girls most undernourished group had lower median insulin concentrations (8.1 μIU/ml vs. 17.1 μIU/ml), lower HOMA-IR (1.1 vs. 2.3), and lower HOMA-β (75.6 vs. 129.2) but higher sensitivity (87.4 vs. 43.7) (p < 0.001) for all. We have reported a high prevalence of prediabetes among rural adolescent girls with a very low prevalence of obesity. Prediabetes in obesity is driven by hyperinsulinemia and overworking of the pancreas while poor β-cell function and poor insulin secretion are major drivers in the undernourished group. The high-risk diabetes screening programs are much needed for the undernourished populations. Caution should be exercised for planning the interventions as overfeeding (or overnutrition) is likely to put the populations at risk of development of obesity and insulin resistance.

Endangered indigenous rice varieties as a source of B vitamins for the undernourished population

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesRice is a staple food for half of the world's population and plays an important role to deliver several micronutrients including B vitamins to humans. The present investigation was carried out to detect some B vitamins and estimate their concentrations in 309 traditional indica rice landraces, compared with three modern rice varieties predominantly available in the Indian market.FindingsLiquid chromatographic examination of the rice samples demonstrated that a large number of traditional rice landraces contained considerable amounts of different B vitamins. In the landraces examined, vitamin B1 (thiamine) was recorded to be present in the range of 0.01–10.55 mg/100 g, vitamin B2 (riboflavin) 0.01–2.63 mg/100 g, vitamin B3 (niacin) 0.20–4.52 mg/100 g, vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) 0.01–18.55 mg/100 g, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) 0.01–0.86 mg/100 g, and vitamin B7 (biotin) 0.01–5.90 mg/100 g in different rice landraces.ConclusionCompared with traditional rice, modern rice cultivars seem to have substantially lower B vitamin levels. It appears that these vitamin‐rich traditional rice landraces if incorporated into daily diet, may serve to attain nutritional security of the poor.Significance and NoveltyOur results show that many traditional rice landraces are nutritionally superior to any modern rice cultivar, even though traditional rice landraces are normally not in priority for agronomic research and development. This study shows how native rice landraces may be leveraged to constitute novel nutritious diet that could enhance human health.

Intrahousehold power inequalities and cooperation: Unpacking household responses to nutrition-sensitive agriculture interventions in rural India.

Nutrition-sensitive agriculture (NSA) interventions offer a means to improve the dietary quality of rural, undernourished populations. Their effectiveness could be further increased by understanding how household dynamics enable or inhibit the uptake of NSA behaviours. We used a convergent parallel mixed-methods design to describe the links between household dynamics-specifically intrahousehold power inequalities and intrahousehold cooperation-and dietary quality and to explore whether household dynamics mediated or modified the effects of NSA interventions tested in a cluster-randomized trial, Upscaling Participatory Action and Videos for Agriculture and Nutrition(UPAVAN). We use quantitative data from cross-sectional surveys in 148 village clusters at UPAVAN's baseline and 32 months afterwards (endline), and qualitative data from family case studies and focus group discussions with intervention participants and facilitators. We found that households cooperated to grow and buy nutritious foods, and gendered power inequalities were associated with women's dietary quality, but cooperation and women's use of power was inhibited by several interlinked factors. UPAVAN interventions were more successful in more supportive, cooperative households, and in some cases, the interventions increased women's decision-making power. However, women's decisions to enter into negotiations with family members depended on whether women deemed the practices promoted by UPAVAN interventions to be feasible, as well as women's confidenceand previous cultivation success. We conclude that interventions may be more effective if they can elicit cooperation from the whole household. This will require a move towards more family-centric intervention models that empower women while involving other family members and accounting for the varied ways that families cooperate and negotiate.

Effects of Poverty on the Level of Food Security in Countries of the Former Yugoslavia

This paper examines factors that affect the level of food security in the former Yugoslavia (Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro and Macedonia). The data on the basis of which the research was carried out were collected from the national statistics and the database of the World Bank for the period 2006–2018, and as a statistical method, the multivariant analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used. The results obtained indicate that there is a statistically significant correlation between the gross domestic product per capita ($), growth of urban population, growth of rural population, percentage of undernourished population and poverty rate. Differences between countries in terms of these factors indicate the level of food security.

Local, regional, and global adaptations to a compound pandemic-weather stress event

Global food security can be threatened by short-term extreme events that negatively impact food production, food purchasing power, and agricultural economic activity. At the same time, environmental pollutants like greenhouse gases (GHGs) can be reduced due to the same short-term extreme stressors. Stress events include pandemics like COVID-19 and widespread droughts like those experienced in 2015. Here we consider the question: what if COVID-19 had co-occurred with a 2015-like drought year? Using a coupled biophysical-economic modeling framework, we evaluate how this compound stress would alter both agricultural sector GHG emissions and change the number of undernourished people worldwide. We further consider three interdependent adaptation options: local water use for crop production, regional shifts in cropland area, and global trade of agricultural products. We find that GHG emissions decline due to reduced economic activity in the agricultural sector, but this is paired with large increases in undernourished populations in developing nations. Local and regional adaptations that make use of natural resources enable global-scale reductions in impacted populations via increased global trade.

Nutrient intakes from complementary foods are associated with cardiometabolic biomarkers among undernourished Peruvian children.

Relatively little is known about how the diet of chronically undernourished children may impact cardiometabolic biomarkers. The objective of this exploratory study was to characterise relationships between dietary patterns and the cardiometabolic profile of 153 3-5-year-old Peruvian children with a high prevalence of chronic undernutrition. We collected monthly dietary recalls from children when they were 9-24 months old. At 3-5 years, additional dietary recalls were collected, and blood pressure, height, weight, subscapular skinfolds and fasting plasma glucose, insulin and lipid profiles were assessed. Nutrient intakes were expressed as average density per 100 kcals (i) from 9 to 24 months and (ii) at follow-up. The treelet transform and sparse reduced rank regress'ion (RRR) were used to summarize nutrient intake data. Linear regression models were then used to compare these factors to cardiometabolic outcomes and anthropometry. Linear regression models adjusting for subscapular skinfold-for-age Z-scores (SSFZ) were then used to test whether observed relationships were mediated by body composition. 26% of children were stunted at 3-5 years old. Both treelet transform and sparse RRR-derived child dietary factors are related to protein intake and associated with total cholesterol and SSFZ. Associations between dietary factors and insulin were attenuated after adjusting for SSFZ, suggesting that body composition mediated these relationships. Dietary factors in early childhood, influenced by protein intake, are associated with cholesterol profiles, fasting glucose and body fat in a chronically undernourished population.

Global food security: trends and challenges

Food is the primary need of any human being, which is why the food security at the both national and global levels is always important. The subject of this research is the global food security. The purpose of this article is to analyze the current state of global food security, identify its main challenges and development trends of recent years. To achieve the goal of this article the author sets and solves following tasks, namely, analyzes different approaches to defining the concept of «food security» and the number of starving people in the world and in its regions for the period 2005-2021, identifies the main challenges for the world food security. General scientific methods were used to achieve the goal of research: analysis, synthesis, systematization, comparison, abstract-logical method. The results of the research show that number of starving people both quantitatively and in percentage terms from 2005 to 2018 almost constantly decreased, and from 2019 began to grow steadily. The author notes that the largest number of starving people live in Asia, and the largest percentage of the undernourished population live in the African region. Since 2020 global food security has worsened significantly, and the main reason for this was the global COVID-19 pandemic, because of which the starving people number began to rise rapidly across the planet. The main negative impact was manifested in the population income decrease and an food prices increase. In addition, the negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic were also manifested in the reduction of food production, namely, the access of small producers to the necessary resources was reduced, some food products demand decreased due to the closure of public catering establishments, and also there was a temporary suspension of exports. The author highlightes that at the beginning of 2022 a new global food security challenge appeared, it was the Russian-Ukrainian war. Due to the stopping of Ukrainian exports, record food prices were observed, which significantly worsened the access of the low-income population to food products. After the signing of the grain agreement and the resumption of Ukrainian grain exports, the situation stabilized. Conclusion: a steady deterioration of global food security has been observed since the beginning of 2020, the main cause of which was the COVID-19 pandemic, and in 2022 appeared a new challenge, Russian-Ukrainian war.

Climate Change: Impact, Issues and Strategies

Agriculture production of India has been continuously rising; however, India still continues to have an alarming figure of undernourished population. Global climate change is widely viewed as one of the most significant challenges society is facing today. Combined with increased competition for land, water and labour from non-food sectors, climate change and associated increase in climatic variability will exacerbate seasonal or annual fluctuations in food yield. There are many options to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change, to minimize risks to agricultural systems. Options range from change in crop management, such as sowing time, stress resistance varieties, change in cropping systems and land use, to adjust to new climates. Government of India through its various schemes are also helping the country to adapt and mitigate the vagaries of climate. CRIDA with the help of NICRA and its climate related studies are identifying and demonstrating various climate resilient technologies to Indian farmers

The Russia–Ukraine war disproportionately threatens the nutrition security of developing countries

While the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war threatens global nutrition security, the magnitude and extent of its impact remain underexamined. Here we show that, with the lowest level of war duration, severity, sanction, and countries involved, the direct and indirect impacts of the war and sanctions could newly place 67.3 million people (roughly equals the total population of France) in undernourishment and 316.7 million people (roughly equals the total population of Bangladesh and Russia) suffering from extreme national food insecurity. Approximately 95% of the affected population are from developing countries, highlighting the vulnerability of food supply in these countries. Both the undernourished population and its inequality across countries will substantially grow, if war duration and severity increase. If the war is prolonged to early 2024, future agricultural growth cannot fully offset the negative impacts, and global hunger will still very likely exacerbate. We conclude that targeted measures should be placed in developing countries and their vulnerable populations to reconstruct a just, healthy, and environmentally sustainable food system.

Nutritional status of school-age children and adolescents in low- and middle-income countries across seven global regions: a synthesis of scoping reviews.

To summarise available evidence on the nutritional status of school-age children and adolescents (5-19 years) from seven global regions and on interventions implemented to improve malnutrition in this population. Global. Findings were compiled from seven scoping literature reviews, including data from low- and middle-income countries within the following UNICEF-defined global regions: East Asia and Pacific; Europe and Central Asia; South Asia; West and Central Africa; Eastern and Southern Africa; Middle East and North Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean. A double burden of malnutrition was evident across the world regions reviewed: stunting, thinness, anaemia and other micronutrient deficiencies persisted, alongside rising overweight and obesity prevalence. Transitions towards diets increasingly high in energy-dense, processed and micronutrient-poor foods were observed. Evidence from intervention studies was limited, but suggested that providing multiple micronutrient-fortified foods or beverages at school may effectively target micronutrient deficiencies and facilitate weight gain in undernourished populations. Interventions to prevent or manage overweight and obesity were even more limited. There was minimal evidence of using novel technological approaches to engage school-age children and adolescents, or of involving them in designing interventions. The limited data available on nutrition of school-age children and adolescents are neither standardised nor comparable. Consensus on methods for assessing nutritional status and its determinants for this age group is urgently needed to set targets and monitor progress. Additionally, strategies are required to ensure that nutritious, safe and sustainable diets are available, affordable and appealing.