Variety Of Food Groups Research Articles

The Role of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Food Quality Assurance: A Review of the Past Two Decades

During food quality control, NIR technology enables the rapid and non-destructive determination of the typical quality characteristics of food categories, their origin, and the detection of potential counterfeits. Over the past 20 years, the NIR results for a variety of food groups—including meat and meat products, milk and milk products, baked goods, pasta, honey, vegetables, fruits, and luxury items like coffee, tea, and chocolate—have been compiled. This review aims to give a broad overview of the NIRS processes that have been used thus far to assist researchers employing non-destructive techniques in comparing their findings with earlier data and determining new research directions.

Dietary diversity and its association with changes in anthropometric indices of community-dwelling older adults in Tehran, Iran: a longitudinal study (2017–2021)

BackgroundDietary diversity refers to the consumption of a variety of foods or food groups over a given reference period, which is crucial for improving nutrition and overall health. This longitudinal study aimed to investigate the association between dietary diversity and anthropometric indices in community-dwelling older adults living in Tehran in 2017 and 2021.MethodsThe current study was conducted on 368 older adults [204 (55.4%) women and 164 (44.6%) men] over 60 years of age living in Tehran, who were selected by a systematic cluster sampling method at two-time points, 2017 and 2021. Anthropometric measures (weight, height, hip circumference, and waist circumference) were assessed with standard methods. The participants’ dietary intake was assessed by completing two non-consecutive 24-hour recalls, and dietary diversity score (DDS) was calculated based on Kant’s method. Statistical analysis was performed using R software by the mixed effect model method.ResultsThe mean DDS of the participants in 2017 (5.07 ± 1.20) was higher than that in 2021 (4.94 ± 1.09) (p < 0.05). DDS and dairy diversity score decreased significantly over time. After adjusting for confounders, there was an inverse relationship between the DDS and Body Mass Index (BMI) (B = -0.22; SE = 0.09), but the interaction effect of year × DDS (B = 0.19; SE = 0.10) was not significant (p = 0.06). However, there was a positive relationship between the DDS and A Body Shape Index (ABSI) (B = 0.00; p = 0.022), after adjusting for confounders, this relationship was no longer significant. Additionally, the interaction effect of year and DDS on the ABSI was not significant.ConclusionThe dietary intake and dietary diversity of older adult residents of Tehran declined dramatically with age, and a higher DDS was associated with improved anthropometric indices. DDS had an inverse relationship with general obesity in the studied participants, and the passage of time did not affect this relationship. The DDS can be used as a predictive index and is a powerful tool for investigating changes in nutritional status in longitudinal studies of old age. However, longer-duration studies are needed to obtain more conclusive results.

Open-source multi-objective optimization software for menu planning

Healthy nutrition is essential for maintaining health and preventing chronic diseases. However, with the increase in dining out, the prevalence of obesity and related chronic diseases is increasing daily. Therefore, to provide adequate and balanced nutrition in public, it is necessary to serve healthy menus following the energy and nutrient requirements of the target group in food service institutions. However, menu planning in food services is a complex process involving several factors. The planned menus should provide sufficient nutrients for the target group and consider factors such as color, consistency, appearance, and a variety of food groups. In addition, existing studies have limited constraints, and the fact that they are not open-source makes it difficult to conduct more comprehensive new studies. Furthermore, the lack of dietitian opinions limits its applicability in practice. Therefore, this study applied four different multi-objective optimization algorithms (AGEMOEA, SMSEMOA, NSGA2, and NSGA3) to solve the menu planning problems. The results were shared with 20 food service dietitians who are experts in the area and were asked to score the menus. In addition, an open-source tool called EvoMeal has been developed. In conclusion, our primary findings showed that AGEMOEA and SMSEMOA were used for the first time in the literature for the menu planning problem, which is a multi-objective problem, and they performed better than both NSGA2 and NSGA3 in general. In addition, expert opinions confirmed that AGEMOEA and SMSEMOA give better results than other algorithms. However, future studies need to conduct a more comprehensive expert evaluation to increase its applicability to the field.

Unlocking gender dynamics in food and nutrition security in Ghana: assessing dietary diversity, food security, and crop diversification among cocoa household heads in the Juaboso-Bia cocoa landscape.

Malnutrition is a worldwide problem that impacts every country, affecting one in three individuals, including Ghana. According to estimates from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 690million people were undernourished globally in 2019. Malnutrition is no exception in rural cocoa communities in Ghana. The expansion of cocoa is causing food insecurity and low dietary diversity in most cocoa-growing areas. There is little information on the food security status and dietary diversity among male-headed and female-headed cocoa households in the Juaboso-Bia cocoa landscape. Thus, this study sought to explore the dietary diversity distribution, food security status, sources of staple food, food unavailability periods, food production status, themes contributing to low dietary diversity and food insecurity, and perception of the impact of cocoa expansion on crop diversification among male-headed and female-headed cocoa households in the study area. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were employed to address the research questions. The study collected 200 semi-structured questionnaire data and 14 in-depth interview data from cocoa household heads in the Juaboso-Bia landscape. The survey data was cleaned and analysis, such as household dietary diversity status, food security status, and binary logistic regression were performed in the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS). The in-depth interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. Through this study, it was revealed that 62.8% of the male-headed cocoa households had medium to high dietary diversity compared to their female counterparts 39.3%. About 47.9% of the male-headed households were food secure than the female-headed households (29.1%). Moreover, the months that both male and female-headed households recalled facing severe food unavailability were July and June. In addition, climate change/variability, unavailable lands, poverty, large household size, and gender stereotypes were themes promoting low dietary diversity and food insecurity among male and female-headed households. Furthermore, sex, total household income, and cropland conversion to cocoa were the variables influencing household heads' perception of the impact of cocoa expansion on crop diversification. The study showed that the male-headed cocoa households had high dietary diversity and were food secure than the female-headed cocoa households, lending credence to the conceptual framework applied in this study. There is a significant relationship between household head gender and food security status. Therefore, this study recommends the following interventions to improve dietary diversity and food security among male and female-headed cocoa households: raise awareness about the need for diverse diets and provide practical information on how to incorporate a greater variety of food groups into their daily meals; and promote gender equity and inclusivity in food security interventions. Future research could investigate how gender mainstreaming policies in agriculture have helped empower and improve the food security of female-headed households in Ghana.

CHILDHOOD PICKY EATING BEHAVIOUR AND ITS IMPACT ON THE GROWTH OF YOUNG CHILDREN: A SCOPING REVIEW

Background: Malnutrition occurs due to inadequate food intake and low daily energy intake, often associated with picky eating behaviour (PEB). Picky eaters have limited food choices and poor dietary diversity, leading to malnutrition. Therefore, this article aims to explore the impact of childhood eating behaviour on a young child's growth. Method: Articles were identified through six electronic search engines using 12 keywords. Articles were included if they met the following criteria: (1) sample of study involved young children (below six years old); (2) study outcome focusing on the impact of eating behaviour on the growth of the children (3) published in English. Studies were excluded if they were review articles, qualitative studies, and involved children with clinical health problems. Result: A total of 413 articles were screened, and 8 full-text articles were evaluated. The prevalence rates of selective eaters varied greatly from 25% in India to 77% in Iraq. The screening tools used for identifying PEB varied, with the Children’s Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ) being the most commonly used tool. Short-term implications of PEB on children include the risk of poor diet intake and limited consumption of a variety of food groups, which can lead to adverse health outcomes. Meanwhile, long-term implications include the development of eating disorders in adulthood. Conclusion: Our findings reveal that PEB has had a significant impact on the growth of young children. Despite the increasing concern about the implications of PEB, there is a lack of sufficient research studies on the effects of this behaviour on the nutritional status of young children. Keywords: eating behaviour; picky eaters; nutritional status; growth; young children

Association of dietary diversity of 6–23 months aged children with prenatal and postnatal obstetric care: evidence from a nationwide cross-sectional study

BackgroundDietary diversity is a key determinant of infant and young child eating patterns for a variety of food groups taken by children between the ages of 6–23 months. The study aimed to examine the association between prenatal and postnatal obstetric care factors of mother and child’s dietary diversity, and specific food practices in Bangladesh.MethodsThis study analyzed the data of 2497 children between the age of 6–23 extracted from the latest countrywide Bangladesh Demographic Health Survey 2017–2018 and explored relationships between prenatal and postnatal obstetric care received by mother and dietary diversity score (DDS), minimum dietary diversity (MDD), and introduction of solid, semi-solid, and soft foods (ISSSF) of their children.ResultsFindings revealed that ≥ 4 antenatal care (ANC) visits care visits increased the DDS (adjusted beta: 0.32, 95% CI [0.21, 0.43]), increased the likelihood of MDD (AOR 1.54, 95% CI [1.23, 1.93]), and ISSSF (AOR 1.24, 95% CI [1.08, 1.48]), consuming eggs (AOR 1.47, 95% CI [1.23, 1.76]), and vitamin A vegetables and fruits (AOR 1.38, 95% CI [1.15, 1.66]). Moreover, DDS (adjusted β: 0.05, 95% CI [0.00, 0.11]) and MDD (AOR 1.66, 95% CI [1.31, 2.11]) are linked to childbirth in a medical facility. The C-section delivery influences the DDS (adjusted beta: 0.05, 95% CI [0.00, 0.10]), MDD (AOR 1.39, 95% CI [1.10, 1.75]), and ISSSF (AOR 1.22, 95% CI [1.02, 1.48]). Besides, postnatal visits within 48 h of delivery linked to MDD (AOR 0.66, 95% CI [0.49, 0.89]) and ISSSF (AOR 0.76, 95% CI [0.59, 0.97]), and physicians or professionals providing postnatal checkups were significantly associated with DDS (adjusted beta: 0.09, 95% CI [0.02, 0.16]), MDD (AOR 1.69, 95% CI [1.26, 2.26]), and ISSSF (AOR 1.30, 95% CI [1.04, 1.62]).ConclusionKnowledge of child nutritional feeding should emphasize during prenatal and postnatal obstetric care of mother, particularly during antenatal and postnatal visits, C-section delivery, and birth in a healthcare facility to eradicate malnutrition and establish healthy child feeding practices.

Household Food Diversity and Food Habits in Changing Climate of Western Bhutan

Household food diversity index (HFDI) is qualitative measure of food consumption that reflects household access to a variety of food groups. Food habit is the way people eat food which is influenced by various factors. Impacts of climate change poses a threat on food diversity and food habit and food security in agrarian Bhutanese. The study aims to analyze if household food diversity and food habits are affected by climate change in the three ecological zones. Household food diversity and food habits in Gasa, Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang districts (Dzongkhags) were compared and relationships were drawn. Household level data were collected using survey method from 368 randomly selected households, stratified into three agroecological zones, by administering pretested semi-structured questionnaire. The survey questions were designed using guidelines of Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO). Food components consumed in the last 24 hours were recorded and grouped into 10 food groups. Food diversity indices are computed at the levels of household, Chiwog (village), Gewog (block), Dzongkhag (district), and at the whole study area. Spearman’s correlation tests were used to evaluate relationship between household food diversity Index (HFDI) and Food habit with Climate Change and Elevation. Kruskal Wallis tests ascertained association among the same four sets of variables with three Dzongkhag (district) as independent variable. In both sets of tests, the relationships were statistically significant. Climate change is affecting food diversity and food habits in the three agroecological zones. Introducing mass potato cultivation in Gasa, less water intensive rice variety in Punakha, and high yielding Jersey cows for dairy are recommended for food diversity enhancement in the study areas. Preserving traditional food culture like Aoolay from Gasa, and conserving biodiversity will contribute to mitigate impacts of climate change on food habits to achieve food security.

Socioeconomic inequalities in food purchasing practices and expenditure patterns: Results from a cross-sectional household survey in western Kenya.

Socioeconomic inequalities contribute to poor health. Inequitable access to diverse and healthy foods can be a risk factor for non-communicable diseases, especially in individuals of low socioeconomic status. We examined the extent of socioeconomic inequalities in food purchasing practices, expenditure, and consumption in a resource-poor setting in Kenya. We conducted a secondary analysis of baseline cross-sectional data from a natural experimental study with a sample size of 512 individuals from 376 households in western Kenya. Data were collected on household food sources, expenditure and food consumption. Household socioeconomic status (SES) was assessed using the multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) model. Concentration indices (Ci) and multivariable linear regression models were used to establish socioeconomic inequalities. About half (47.9%) of individuals achieved a minimum level of dietary diversity with the majority coming from wealthier households. The two most consumed food groups were grains and roots (97.5%, n = 499) and dark green leafy vegetables (73.8%, n = 378), but these did not vary by SES. The consumption of dark green leafy vegetables was similar across wealth quantiles (Ci = 0.014, p = 0.314). Overall, the wealthier households spent significantly more money on food purchases with a median of USD 50 (IQR = 60) in a month compared to the poorest who spent a median of USD 40 (IQR = 40). Of all the sources of food, the highest amount was spent at open-air markets median of USD 20 (IQR = 30) and the expenditure did not vary significantly by SES (Ci = 0.4, p = 0.684). The higher the socioeconomic status the higher the total amount spent on food purchases. In multivariable regression analysis, household SES was a significant determinant of food expenditure [Adjusted coefficient = 6.09 (95%confidence interval CI = 2.19, 9.99)]. Wealthier households spent more money on food compared to the poorest households, especially on buying food at supermarkets. Individuals from the poorest households were dominant in eating grains and roots and less likely to consume a variety of food groups, including pulses, dairy, eggs and fruits, and vegetables. Individuals from the poorest households were also less likely to achieve adequate dietary diversity. Deliberate policies on diet and nutrition are required to address socioeconomic inequalities in food purchasing practices.

Сучасний стан та організація харчування військовослужбовців Збройних Сил України в умовах російської агресії проти України

Background. In order to ensure a high level of physical, cognitive, and emotional state of servicemen, to perform service and combat tasks, it is necessary to provide adequate nutrition for the personnel, to establish the logistics of the supply of food products in field conditions away from the supply bases. Aim: to analyze the requirements for the organization of nutrition for servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including during the execution of combat missions. Materials and methods. information retrieval, content analysis, analysis of legislative and regulatory documents and scientific publications of ukrainian and foreign researchers. Results: Since the first days of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops, a mobile system of troop nutrition has been developed, in which an important place is occupied by the implementation of a new approach to food rationing based on the creation of rations that can provide military personnel with food that is as prepared as possible for consumption. The transition to the new food system in accordance with the Catalog allows us to organize high-quality nutrition for personnel using a variety of food groups and the possibility of individual adjustment to the conditions of stay and the tasks of the military unit. In the absence of cooking conditions, the military eat dry rations: general military rations (Norm № 10) or more advanced and balanced rations (Norm № 15). The variety of rations, their equipment, technological (retort packs) and tactical (flameless heaters) innovations are a significant step towards optimizing the nutrition of the military personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Conclusions: Despite numerous innovations in the system of catering for military personnel, including during combat operations, constant nutritional monitoring is needed to adjust military rations to ensure that personnel of various specialties are provided with adequate nutrition.

The Relation Between Dietary Pattern and Nutritional Status with Chronic Diseases and Covid-19- A Case Report

Covid-19 was considered as a global health-related challenge within the past years which affect individual’s quality of life in several aspects. It has been suggested that health status including nutritional status, can be one of the most crucial indicators for Covid-19 infection. It seems that poor dietary pattern background and nutritional deficiencies may increase the risk of covid-19 infection. The purpose of this case-report, was to evaluate the relation between dietary pattern and nutritional status with Covid-19 possibility in 64 years old women infected with Covid-19. Before the study, all the health-related indicators were assessed. The results from this study have indicated that previous nutritional status can be a possible cause for immune system weakness and dysfunction, which may be considered as a leading cause of Covid-19 infection. Planning and recruiting nutritional strategies including high quality diet with variety of food groups can provide nutritional requirements. Moreover, supplementation can prescribe according to patients’ nutritional deficiencies.

Beneficios y limitaciones de la dieta vegana en el requerimiento nutricional de atletas

The vegan diet refers to nutrition based on a wide variety of plant-based food groups (i.e., fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, spices and herbs, mushrooms, and algae) that also excludes all. to all foods of animal origin (ie meat, fish, dairy and eggs). Various scientific studies on the nutritional contribution of the vegan diet in athletes seek to identify the benefits and limitations of a vegan diet in the nutritional requirement of athletes, compared to an omnivore diet. Sports nutrition is essential for optimal physical and mental performance, reduces the risk of illness and injury; That is why it is necessary to consume the macro and micronutrient requirements according to the type and intensity of exercise performed by the athlete. Vegan diets in general provide an optimal basis for vegan athletes to develop their overall potential, from increased intake of complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, antioxidant vitamins C and E. However, a plant-based diet reduces intake of exclusive nutrients of animal origin. This influences the performance of endurance and strength, even occasions that female athletes develop diseases such as the female athlete triad (FAT) or the Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) if it is not accompanied by supplements of vitamin B12, creatine and proteins. The present bibliographic review aims to show that with an adequate strategic selection and management of food choices, paying special attention to the achievement of energy, macro and micronutrient recommendations, together with adequate supplementation, a vegan diet can satisfy the needs of most athletes satisfactorily.

Quality of Popular Diet Patterns in the United States: Evaluating the Effect of Substitutions for Foods High in Added Sugar, Sodium, Saturated Fat, and Refined Grains

ABSTRACTBackgroundMany Americans have adopted popular diet patterns for general health improvement that restrict specific foods, macronutrients, or eating time. However, there is limited evidence to characterize the quality of these diet patterns.ObjectivesThis study 1) evaluated the quality of popular diet patterns in the United States and 2) modeled the effect of targeted food substitutions on diet quality.MethodsDietary data from 34,411 adults ≥20 y old were acquired from the NHANES, 2005–2018. Dietary intake was assessed using the National Cancer Institute's usual intake methodology, and the Healthy Eating Index-2015 was used to evaluate diet quality. A diet model was used to evaluate the effect of targeted food substitutions on diet quality.ResultsA pescatarian diet pattern had the highest diet quality (65.2; 95% CI: 64.0, 66.4), followed by vegetarian (63.0; 95% CI: 62.0, 64.0), low-grain (62.0; 95% CI: 61.6, 62.4), restricted-carbohydrate (56.9; 95% CI: 56.6, 57.3), time-restricted (55.2; 95% CI: 54.8, 55.5), and high-protein (51.8; 95% CI: 51.0, 62.7) diet patterns. Modeled replacement of ≤3 daily servings of foods highest in added sugar, sodium, saturated fat, and refined grains with alternative foods led to an increase in diet quality and a decrease in energy intake for most diet patterns.ConclusionsLow diet quality was observed for all popular diet patterns evaluated in this study. Modeled dietary shifts that align with recommendations to choose foods lower in added sugar, sodium, saturated fat, and refined grains led to modest improvements in diet quality and larger reductions of energy intake. Greater efforts are needed to encourage the adoption of dietary patterns that emphasize consumption of a variety of high-quality food groups.

Association between Obesity and Intake of Different Food Groups among Japanese with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus-Japan Diabetes Clinical Data Management Study (JDDM68).

Background: We investigated the association between various food groups and obesity in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: 2070 patients with type 2 diabetes who attended 26 diabetes clinics throughout Japan were analyzed and were divided into obese and non-obese groups. Intakes of food groups determined by a food frequency questionnaire were compared. Odds ratios for obesity for quartiles of individual food groups were calculated using a logistic regression model. Results: Non-obese patients consumed a larger variety of food groups than obese patients, with the diets of non-obese individuals closer to the traditional Japanese diet characterized by fish, seaweed, and soybeans/soy products. Among 21 food groups, low vegetable intake and high sweets intake were the most strongly associated with obesity in both men and women. Low intake of both fruits and vegetables and the combination of high intake of sweets and low intake of fruits were associated with obesity. Conclusions: Food groups and their combinations that were strongly associated with obesity in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes were identified. Our findings also suggested an inverse association between the traditional Japanese diet and obesity.

Quality of Popular Diets in the United States

Objectives1) Evaluate the quality of popular diets in the US, and 2) model the effect of targeted food substitutions on diet quality. MethodsDietary data from 34,411 adults ≥20 y were acquired from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005–2018. Usual dietary intake was assessed using the National Cancer Institute’s usual intake methodology, and the Healthy Eating Index-2015 was used to evaluate the diet quality of eleven popular diets. A diet model was used to evaluate the effect of targeted food substitutions on diet quality. ResultsParticipants that followed a pescatarian diet pattern had the highest diet quality (65.2, 95% CI: 64.0–66.4), followed by vegetarian (63.0, 62.0–63.0), very low grain (62.7, 62.2–63.3), flexible paleo (62.3, 61.1–63.4), low grain (61.2, 60.6–61.9), low-moderate grain (59.7, 59.3–60.2), omnivorous (57.8, 57.5–58.1), restricted carbohydrate (56.9, 56.6–57.3), time restricted (55.2, 54.8–55.5), moderate protein (55.0, 54.7–55.3), and high protein (51.8, 51.0–62.7). Modeled replacement of up to three daily servings of foods highest in added sugar, sodium, and saturated fat with alternative foods led to a statistically significant increase in diet quality and a decrease in energy intake for most diets (P < 0.001 for most diets). ConclusionsLow diet quality was observed for all popular diets evaluated in this study. Modeled dietary shifts that align with recommendations to choose foods lower in added sugar, sodium, and saturated fat led to only modest improvements in diet quality but a larger reduction in energy intake. Greater efforts are needed to shift consumer perceptions away from reductionist dietary approaches that place undue emphasis on specific foods, individual macronutrients, and timing of eating, and toward healthy dietary patterns that emphasize consumption of a variety of high-quality food groups. Funding SourcesThis work was supported by the Institute for the Advancement of Food and Nutrition Sciences (IAFNS) Carbohydrate Committee. IAFNS is a nonprofit science organization that pools funding from industry collaborators and advances science through the in-kind and financial contributions from public and private sector participants. IAFNS had no role in the design, analysis, interpretation, or presentation of the data and results.

Factors Associated With Type 2 Diabetes Among Adults in Peri-Urban Communities in Nairobi, Kenya

ObjectivesTo assess diabetes knowledge, health beliefs, and lifestyle behaviors and to identify associations between demographic information, knowledge, health beliefs and lifestyle behavior among adults 18 years and above, in Kenya. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among adults in peri-urban communities in Nairobi, Kenya. Participants were randomly selected to participate in the survey (N = 226). Diabetes knowledge was collected using a pre-tested questionnaire, while health beliefs were assessed using a validated health belief model scale. Dietary intake was assessed using a culturally modified food frequency questionnaire, while physical activity was measured using the international physical activity questionnaire. Household food insecurity questionnaire (HFIAS) was used to assess food security. Multivariate logistic regressions were used in analysis of the associations between variable. ResultsMajority had a college education (61.5%), were female (71.7%), overweight/obese (54%) and the mean age was 37.5 years. About 31% reported being severely food insecure. Majority (69.5%) of the participants had poor knowledge on diabetes and their health beliefs mean score for was low. On average, participants consumed 2022.47 ± 781.49 calories per day with mean intake of approximately 299.81g/day carbohydrates, protein (56.49g), and fat consumption was 55.88% of the diet. The participants carbohydrates consumption contributed the highest (r = 0.742) to energy intake, followed closely by fat (r = 0.732) and least was protein (r = 0.538). The participants consumption of refined grains (p < 0.037), oils (0.029) and beans/peas/lentils (p < 0.0038) were associated with an increase in BMI. Furthermore, regression analysis revealed that income, education level, were significantly associated with diabetes knowledge and intake of a variety of food groups. ConclusionsThe findings demonstrate that diabetes knowledge and health beliefs are low among the participants and their dietary intake was poor with a high intake of carbohydrates and fats. The combination of these factors increases the risk for type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases. Funding SourcesThis study was partially funded by the Nutritional Sciences department at Texas Tech University.

Recommendations to scale up dietary diversity data at household and individual level in India

Background and aimsAn attempt to recommend scale up of dietary diversity data at household and individual level for improving the food and nutrition security, the study was conducted with the objective to explore the dietary diversity (DD) and its associated risk factors among reproductive age women in India. MethodologyA total of 5,48,806 women aged 15–49 years were asked how often they consume various types of food groups (daily, weekly, occasionally, or never). Association between adequate DD and its covariates such as individual and household were measured by using logistic regression. ResultsMost of the population consumed dark green leafy vegetables, milk/curd and pulses/beans. Only 1.7% of women consumed diet with adequate diversity or five or more food groups. Women's educations, gestation status, wealth status, sex of household head, household size, religion, place of residence and land ownership were significantly associated with adequate DD. The percentages of population with adequate DD varies from 7% to <1% in different states of India which shows that good-quality-diet is a major issue in entire country. ConclusionThere is an urgent need of programs focused on availability of food with maximum diversity at minimum cost in order to reduce maternal and child mortality in India. To reduce geographic variation in achieving adequate DD, new approaches are required in developing multiple interventions to address major preventable causes of DD. Individual state government should also take serious measure to improve the consumption of variety of food groups.

Shifting toward a healthier dietary pattern through nudging and pricing strategies: A secondary analysis of a randomized virtual supermarket experiment

ABSTRACTBackgroundNudging and salient pricing are promising strategies to promote healthy food purchases, but it is possible their effects differ across food groups.ObjectiveTo investigate in which food groups nudging and/or pricing strategies most effectively changed product purchases and resulted in within–food groups substitutions or spillover effects.MethodsIn total, 318 participants successfully completed a web-based virtual supermarket experiment in the Netherlands. We conducted a secondary analysis of a mixed randomized experiment consisting of 5 conditions (within subject) and 3 arms (between subject) to investigate the single and combined effects of nudging (e.g., making healthy products salient), taxes (25% price increase), and/or subsidies (25% price decrease) across food groups (fruit and vegetables, grains, dairy, protein products, fats, beverages, snacks, and other foods). Generalized linear mixed models were used to estimate the incidence rate ratios and 95% CIs for changes in the number of products purchased.ResultsCompared with the control condition, the combination of subsidies on healthy products and taxes on unhealthy products in the nudging and price salience condition was overall the most effective, as the number of healthy purchases from fruit and vegetables increased by 9% [incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 1.09; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.18], grains by 16% (IRR = 1.16; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.28), and dairy by 58% (IRR = 1.58; 95% CI: 1.31, 1.89), whereas the protein and beverage purchases did not significantly change. Regarding unhealthy purchases, grains decreased by 39% (IRR = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.63, 0.82) and dairy by 30% (IRR = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.68, 0.87), whereas beverage and snack purchases did not significantly change. The groups of grains and dairy showed within–food group substitution patterns toward healthier products. Beneficial spillover effects to minimally targeted food groups were seen for unhealthy proteins (IRR = 0.81; 95% CI: 0.73, 0.91).ConclusionsNudging and salient pricing strategies have a differential effect on purchases of a variety of food groups. The largest effects were found for dairy and grains, which may therefore be the most promising food groups to target in order to achieve healthier purchases. The randomized trial on which the current secondary analyses were based is registered in the Dutch trial registry (NTR7293; www.trialregister.nl).

Associations between dietary patterns and anaemia in 6- to 23-month-old infants in central South China

BackgroundAnaemia is prevalent in children. Therefore, this study examined the association between dietary patterns and anaemia among children in central South China.MethodsCross-sectional studies were conducted in Mayang, central South China, in 2015 and 2018. Diet data were collected using a questionnaire, and dietary patterns were identified via exploratory factor analysis. Haemoglobin was measured to assess anaemia status. Associations between dietary patterns and anaemia were assessed using a logistic regression model.ResultsThe mean age of the infants surveyed was 14.06 months in 2015 and 16.58 months in 2018. Four dietary patterns were identified among infants aged 6–23 months: a diversified diet consisting mainly of tubers, dairy products, beans and bean products; a traditional diet consisting mainly of cereals, water, soup, vegetables and fruit; mainly breast milk, with a little powdered formula; or mainly multi-nutrient powders. The prevalence of anaemia in infants decreased from 29.49% in 2015 to 20.26% in 2018.In infants fed a diversified diet or multi-nutrient powders with top-quartile (Q4) scores, the risk of anaemia was reduced by 45%(adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.55, 95%CI0.30–0.99, P = 0.047) or 59% (AOR = 0.41, 95% CI0.22–0.78, P = 0.006), respectively, compared to infants in the lowest quartile (Q1). Infants fed mainly breast milk had a 3.26-fold greater risk of anaemia compared to those with Q1 scores (AOR = 3.26, 95% CI 1.83–5.81, P < 0.001).ConclusionsFour dietary patterns were identified among infants aged 6–23 months in central South China. Infants should be fed a variety of food groups to improve their anaemia status.

Food Skills Education and Low-Income Adults' Healthy Food Choices.

The Cooking Matters food skills education program equips low-income families with the skills and knowledge to shop for and cook healthy meals within budget and time constraints. To explore whether participation in Cooking Matters is associated with healthier food choices using a 6-item scale, comprised of a variety of food categories. Cooking Matters participants (n = 332) and a comparison group (n = 336) completed surveys at baseline, 3-, and 6-month follow-up. Cooking Matters participants experienced greater improvements in healthy choices overall (p < 0.0001) and for each of the six underlying items at 3 month follow-up. Improvements were sustained at 6-month follow-up overall and for all categories, except low-fat milk (p = 0.1168). Participation in Cooking Matters was associated with improvements in overall healthy food choices across a variety of food groups and maintained at 6-month follow-up. Enabling healthy food choices is an important step toward improved diet quality.

S1216 Speech-Language Pathologists Promote Management of Children With Eosinophilic Esophagitis

INTRODUCTION: Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) assess feeding and swallowing problems, and provide education and skill-based interventions which can improve clinical outcomes. Children with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) frequently present with feeding and swallowing problems. However, the spectrum of these problems has not been well studied. Herein, we sought to characterize the feeding and swallowing disorders and the related interdisciplinary care in children with EoE. We hypothesized that prompt recognition and management of feeding and swallowing problems in children with EoE can promote their clinical care. METHODS: We reviewed medical records of 170 children with EoE for feeding and swallowing concerns prior to their visit to our interdisciplinary EGID clinic. Of these, 46 (27%) children were identified and evaluated by SLPs during their clinic visit for dysphagia (oral, pharyngeal, coughing/choking, and aspiration), selectivity (texture aversion, difficulty with texture advancement, limited variety of food groups), and meal time behaviors (refusal, extensive duration, need for distractions, pocketing food, and caregivers stress). Next, the SLPs provided specific dietary guidance, skill acquisition and behavioral management strategies, additional testing, or an intensive outpatient feeding evaluation. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data. RESULTS: The age of our cohort was 10 (1.8–18) years [median (interquartile range (IQR)]. In all 22 (51%) [n (%)] had dysphagia, 22 (51%) reported selectivity, and 18 (41%) indicated negative meal time behaviors. Dysphagia was more prevalent in older children [13 (7–16) years], whereas selectivity [9 (5–12) years] and meal time behavior [9 (6–12) years] were common in relatively younger children with EoE. Twenty-two (48%) children were offered dietary guidance on alternating liquids/solids and puree/liquid wash, 22 (48%) were educated on sensory exploration/food chaining, and 18 (39%) were instructed on behavior management strategies. Three (7%) were advised video fluoroscopic swallow study. In all, 22 (48%) were referred for an intensive outpatient evaluation. CONCLUSION: In our single center study, we found that almost a third of children with EoE experience feeding and swallowing problems, and about half of them require intensive feeding evaluation. A large multi-center approach to integrate SLPs in the care of EoE patients is warranted to promote clinical outcomes.