Showing papers in "Food and Nutrition Bulletin in 2011"

Biofortification: A New Tool to Reduce Micronutrient Malnutrition

Abstract: BackgroundThe density of minerals and vitamins in food staples eaten widely by the poor may be increased either through conventional plant breeding or through the use of transgenic techniques, a pr...

The importance of milk and other animal-source foods for children in low-income countries.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Milk and other animal-source foods are concentrated dietary sources of macro- and micronutrients. Despite a global increase in milk production and consumption over the past decades milk and other animal-source foods are often lacking in the diets of children in developing countries. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the importance of milk and other animal-source food intake in promoting the growth development and health of children in low-income countries. METHODS: Original research articles describing observational and intervention studies with unfortified milk fortified milk and other animal-source foods in children were identified by searching the PubMed database. RESULTS: Consumption of milk and other animal-source foods by undernourished children improves anthropometric indices and cognitive function and reduces the prevalence of biochemical and functional nutritional deficiencies reducing morbidity and mortality. Unfortified and fortified milk used in supplementation trials has been well tolerated and widely accepted by parents and children. CONCLUSIONS: To improve the dietary quality of children in low-income countries and further the effort to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger in accordance with the United Nations Millennium Development Goals additional research is necessary to identify and implement programs and policy supporting increased intake of milk and other animal-source foods.

Policy interventions to promote healthy eating: a review of what works, what does not, and what is promising.

Abstract: Unhealthy diets can lead to various diseases, which in turn can translate into a bigger burden for the state in the form of health services and lost production. Obesity alone has enormous costs and claims thousands of lives every year. Although diet quality in the European Union has improved across countries, it still falls well short of conformity with the World Health Organization dietary guidelines. In this review, we classify types of policy interventions addressing healthy eating and identify through a literature review what specific policy interventions are better suited to improve diets. Policy interventions are classified into two broad categories: information measures and measures targeting the market environment. Using this classification, we summarize a number of previous systematic reviews, academic papers, and institutional reports and draw some conclusions about their effectiveness. Of the information measures, policy interventions aimed at reducing or banning unhealthy food advertisements generally have had a weak positive effect on improving diets, while public information campaigns have been successful in raising awareness of unhealthy eating but have failed to translate the message into action. Nutritional labeling allows for informed choice. However, informed choice is not necessarily healthier; knowing or being able to read and interpret nutritional labeling on food purchased does not necessarily result in consumption of healthier foods. Interventions targeting the market environment, such as fiscal measures and nutrient, food, and diet standards, are rarer and generally more effective, though more intrusive. Overall, we conclude that measures to support informed choice have a mixed and limited record of success. On the other hand, measures to target the market environment are more intrusive but may be more effective.

Food prices, household income, and resource allocation: socioeconomic perspectives on their effects on dietary quality and nutritional status.

Abstract: BackgroundThe recent rise in agricultural commodity prices has been dramatic, and food prices are likely to follow an upward trend, at least in the medium term. Moreover, the recent financial crisis has also lowered incomes and increased food prices. Not only does this reduce dietary quality, but expenditures for health, sanitation, and education will decline, all of which will have a detrimental effect on health and nutrition outcomes.ObjectiveTo provide some perspectives on the role of major socioeconomic factors in driving health and nutrition outcomes.MethodsWe use demand elasticity parameters estimated from household-level survey data to simulate an increase in food prices, which is then mapped into energy and nutrient intakes. Furthermore, we also use house-hold-level data to analyze the implications of unequal intrahousehold distribution of food for the nutritional status of adult women and female children.ResultsA 50% increase in food prices results in a decrease in energy intake of 5% to 15% and ...

Vitamin E deficiency in developing countries.

Abstract: In addition to its role as a potent antioxidant, vitamin E is involved in a wide range of physiological processes, ranging from immune function and control of inflammation to regulation of gene expression and cognitive performance. Results from multiple studies suggest that poor nutritional status and higher prevalence of other oxidative stressors such as malaria and HIV infection predispose populations in developing countries for vitamin E deficiency. Although direct comparison between study outcomes is complicated by varied definitions of vitamin E deficiency, data trends indicate that children and the elderly are more vulnerable age groups and that men may be at higher risk for deficiency than women. Public health initiatives aimed at improving the vitamin E status of high-risk populations in developing countries would be prudent to counteract oxidative stress, improve immune function, and protect against neurologic and cognitive deficits. Additional research is needed to establish dose-response relationships of various interventions and to develop cost-effective, culturally-appropriate, and targeted programs.

The nutrition policy process: the role of strategic capacity in advancing national nutrition agendas

Abstract: Undernutrition is the single largest contributor to the burden of disease in developing countries and has documented effects on social and economic development, yet progress in reducing undernutrition remains slow This paper identifies the range of factors that have influenced the nutrition agenda in developing countries, in order to inform the implementation of three major global initiatives related to undernutrition Data sources include interviews with nutrition practitioners at the national and international level, written accounts from six African countries, and observations of the policy process in five countries Data were thematically coded to identify recurrent factors that facilitated or inhibited progress in addressing undernutrition The data reveal the following: First, societal conditions and catalytic events pose a variety of challenges and opportunities to enlarge and shape the nutrition agenda Some countries have been successful in using such opportunities, while others have been less successful and there have been some unintended consequences Second, disagreements over interventions and strategies are an almost universal feature of the nutrition policy process, occur primarily among mid-level actors rather than among politicians or senior administrators, and are primarily the product of structural factors such as organizational mandates, interests, and differences in professional perspectives Third, many of these structural factors can be molded, aligned, and/or circumvented through strategic action on the part of the mid-level actors to strengthen movement on the nutrition agenda This evidence that strategic action can redirect and/or overcome the effects of structural factors has important implications for future efforts to advance the nutrition agenda

Comparison of median urinary iodine concentration as an indicator of iodine status among pregnant women, school-age children, and nonpregnant women.

Abstract: Background. Most surveys that assess the iodine status of populations target school-age children, whereas others may target nonpregnant women with the assumption that the iodine status of these groups is representative of other groups in the same population. Objective. To assess whether the median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) of school-age children or nonpregnant women can be used to accurately represent the iodine status of pregnant women. Methods. Using the World Health Organization Vitamin and Mineral Nutrition Information System and a literature review, we identified urinary iodine surveys that included pregnant women and school-age children and/or nonpregnant women in the same location and year using estimates from the smallest geographic level to increase the number of data points. Linear regression was used to assess the relationships between the median UIC for the comparisons. Results. There were 48 survey pairs with pregnant women and school-age children (total sample sizes of 8,622 and 16,844, respectively), and 26 pairs with pregnant and nonpregnant women (sample sizes of 3,222 and 5,520, respectively). The country contributing the most data points was China. When the median UIC in school-age children or nonpregnant women indicated iodine intake was adequate or above requirements, approximately half the time pregnant women had inadequate iodine intake. Conclusions. Adequate iodine nutrition status of school-age children or nonpregnant women may not indicate adequate iodine nutrition status among pregnant women. In order to assess the iodine status of pregnant women, the iodine status would need to be assessed in this group.

Ecological Approaches to Human Nutrition

Abstract: BackgroundMalnutrition affects a large number of people throughout the developing world. Approaches to reducing malnutrition rarely focus on ecology and agriculture to simultaneously improve human ...

Meat Consumption is Associated with Less Stunting among Toddlers in Four Diverse Low-Income Settings:

Abstract: Background Early growth faltering is common but is difficult to reverse after the first 2 years of life. Objective To describe feeding practices and growth in infants and young children in diverse low-income settings prior to undertaking a complementary feeding trial. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted through the Global Network for Women's and Children's Health Research in Guatemala, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, and Pakistan. Feeding questionnaires were administered to convenience samples of mothers of 5- to 9-month old infants and 12- to 24-month-old toddlers. After standardized training, anthropometric measurements were obtained from the toddlers. Following the 2006 World Health Organization Growth Standards, stunting was defined as length-for-age Results Data were obtained from 1,500 infants with a mean (+/- SD) age of 6.9 +/- 1.4 months and 1,658 toddlers with a mean age of 17.2 +/- 3.5 months. The majority of the subjects in both age groups were breastfed. Less than 25% of the infants received meat regularly, whereas 62% of toddlers consumed these foods regularly, although the rates varied widely among sites. Stunting rate ranged from 44% to 66% among sites; wasting prevalence was less than 10% at all sites. After controlling for covariates, consumption of meat was associated with a reduced likelihood of stunting (OR = 0.64; 95% CI, 0.46 to 0.90). Conclusions The strikingly high stunting rates in these toddlers and the protective effect of meat consumption against stunting emphasize the need for interventions to improve complementary feeding practices, beginning in infancy.

Secular trends in height in different states of India in relation to socioeconomic characteristics and dietary intakes.

Abstract: BackgroundInformation on adult height and associated secular trends in relation to socioeconomic characteristics based on a nationally representative sample is not available from India.ObjectiveTo ...

Beyond food insecurity: how context can improve complementary feeding interventions.

Abstract: BackgroundThe role of context has not been elaborated with respect to current recommendations for complementary feeding interventions, apart from a gross distinction based on food security.ObjectiveOur objective was to compare two food-insecure settings in sub-Saharan Africa to determine how context (i.e., the set of local social, cultural, and physical circumstances) influences complementary feeding practices and nutrient intakes and how the results can help in the design of a suitable intervention strategy.MethodsWe conducted formative research using 24-hour dietary recalls, household interviews, and focus group discussions with mothers of 6- to 12-month-old infants in rural Zimbabwe (n = 32) and Pemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania (n = 44).ResultsIn both settings, many infants had suboptimal nutrient intakes, poor dietary diversity, and poor hygiene. Breastfeeding practices were poor in Pemba, and the infants' diet had low energy density in Zimbabwe. Beyond food insecurity, contextual determinants of prac...

Understanding low usage of micronutrient powder in the Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya: findings from a qualitative study.

Abstract: BackgroundHome fortification with micronutrient powder has been shown to be a low-cost, feasible, and effective approach to address micronutrient deficiencies. A large-scale program distributing micronutrient powder to approximately 50,000 refugees was implemented at the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya. Uptake of the micronutrient powder at distribution points dropped nearly 70%, from 99% to a low of 30%, and remained at 45% to 52% despite increased social marketing efforts.ObjectiveTo identify factors at the distal and proximal levels leading to the low uptake of micronutrient powder through a qualitative inquiry.MethodsIn-depth interviews were conducted with community leaders, stakeholders, implementing partners, and beneficiaries. Direct observations of food preparation and child feeding were conducted. Focus group discussions were employed to examine perceptions and practices of beneficiaries regarding micronutrient powder use.ResultsSuperficial formative research and lack of interagency coordination led...

Bolivia's multisectoral Zero Malnutrition Program: insights on commitment, collaboration, and capacities.

Abstract: A number of multilateral and bilateral food security and nutrition initiatives have been launched in the wake of the 2008 food crisis, many with the explicit intention of fostering country ownership, multisectoral action, and harmonization among international partners These bear some resemblance to the failed multisectoral nutrition planning initiatives that followed the 1974 world food crisis, raising the question of whether the current initiatives are doomed to experience the same fate This paper explores these questions in one country by focusing on the policy sustainability of Bolivia's Zero Malnutrition Program (ZM), a multisectoral initiative that appeared at its initiation to be buttressed by political support and strengthened by design features that differed in important ways from similar efforts of the 1970s Retrospective and prospective data collected through an action research and grounded methodology revealed, however, that the real struggle in Bolivia came after ZM was launched ZM champions made undeniable progress in the first 2 years of the program with health-sector interventions, but they underestimated the challenges of building and sustaining the commitment of high-level political leaders, mid-level bureaucrats, and local-level implementers in the majority of other sectors These initial experiences from Bolivia hold important lessons for several global initiatives to scale up nutrition actions, which are being launched in great haste and so far have given scant attention to strategies for managing the nutrition policy process and strengthening the capacities for implementation

Dietary patterns and nutritional health of women: the nutrition transition in rural Tanzania.

Abstract: Background. Many developing countries are experiencing a rapid nutrition transition in urban areas. Objective. To investigate whether a nutrition transition was occurring in a rural area by examining the dietary patterns of women in rural Tanzania. Methods. A total of 252 women aged 16 to 45 years from three districts of northeastern and central Tanzania participated. During three different seasons in 2006–2007, the women were interviewed with the use of a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire, including a 24-hour dietary recall. From these recalls, the mean intakes of 12 main food groups were calculated and used to establish five dietary patterns by principal component analysis. Data were also obtained on attitudes toward obesity, body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin level, and measures of socioeconomic status and analyzed for associations with dietary patterns. Results. The five dietary patterns were “traditionalcoast,” characterized by fruits, nuts, starchy plants, and fish; “traditional-inland,” characterized by cereals, oils and fats, and vegetables; “purchase,” characterized by bread and cakes (usually fried in oil), sugar, and black tea; “pulses,” characterized mainly by pulses, with few or no vegetables; and “animal products,” characterized by a high consumption of meat, eggs, and/or milk. Significant positive associations were found, among others, between the purchase pattern and BMI (ρ = 0.192, p = .005) and between the animal products pattern and wealth (ρ = 0.168, p = .002). Conclusions. Differences between traditional and modern nutritional food patterns were evident. This study found the“traditional-inland” pattern to be the most healthy, while the “purchase” food pattern was the most prevalent. The purchase pattern, in particular, may provide some evidence for early stages of the nutrition transition in rural Tanzania.

Why Does Nutrition Deteriorate Rapidly among Children under 2 Years of Age? Using Qualitative Methods to Understand Community Perspectives on Complementary Feeding Practices in Bangladesh

Abstract: BackgroundChild undernutrition remains high in South Asian and sub-Saharan African countries. Rapid declines in nutritional status occur before the age of 2 years, particularly during the period of...

Revisiting the Concept of Growth Monitoring and its Possible Role in Community-Based Nutrition Programs

Abstract: Background: Community-based growth monitoring (GM) and growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) have been implemented worldwide. The literature provides controversial messages regarding their effectiveness. Numerous countries have GM as their main community-based activity and need guidance for future programming. The notion of GM is usually clear, but the follow-up actions include a range of activities and interventions, all under the heading of “promotion.” Objective: We suggested definitions, objectives, and outcomes of the GM and GMP. By providing some clarity on these conceptual issues we attempted to provide a basis for consensus building and development of recommendations on when this activity should be promoted or discouraged. Methods: We reviewed basic concepts and global experience of GM and GMP using publications about GM and GMP, UNICEF country reports and other publications, field observations, and reports of recent expert consultations. Results: Realistic added benefits are suggested as compared with general counseling that could also be delivered outside the GM session. We provide a narrow definition of “promotion” in GMP, in which actions are tailored to the results of monitoring, as well as suggest quality implementation criteria. Conclusions: GM, even if complemented by a promotional package, can have only a limited impact if it is not part of a comprehensive program. GMP cannot be viewed as a competitor to highly effective interventions, but may serve as a possible platform for their delivery. The decision to build community-based programs on a GMP platform should be based on consideration of benefits, feasibility of quality implementation, and capacity of human resources.

Consumption of Micronutrient-Fortified Milk and Noodles is Associated with Lower Risk of Stunting in Preschool-Aged Children in Indonesia

Abstract: BackgroundStunting is highly prevalent in developing countries and is associated with greater morbidity and mortality. Micronutrient deficiencies contribute to stunting, and micronutrient-fortified foods are a potential strategy to reduce child stunting.ObjectiveTo examine the relationship between the use of fortified powdered milk and noodles and child stunting in a large, population-based sample of Indonesian children.MethodsConsumption of fortified milk and fortified noodles was assessed in children 6 to 59 months of age from 222,250 families living in rural areas and 79,940 families living in urban slum areas in Indonesia.ResultsThe proportions of children who consumed fortified milk and fortified noodles were 34.0% and 22.0%, respectively, in rural families, and 42.4% and 48.5%, respectively, in urban families. The prevalence of stunting among children from rural and urban families was 51.8% and 48.8%, respectively. Children from rural and urban families were less likely to be stunted if they consume...

Effects of multimicronutrient home fortification on anemia and growth in Bhutanese refugee children.

Abstract: BackgroundAnemia remains a significant public health problem in refugee settings. Home fortification with micronutrient powders has been proposed as a feasible option to alleviate micronutrient deficiencies; its efficacy in reducing anemia in children aged 6 to 24 months has been demonstrated in several trials.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of a large-scale micronutrient powder distribution program in reducing anemia prevalence and promoting growth in refugee children aged 6 to 59 months.MethodsFour representative cross-sectional surveys were conducted 13 months before and 7, 14, and 26 months after initiation of the supplementation program. Data collected on children aged 6 to 59 months included hemoglobin concentration, anthropometric indicators, morbidity, feeding practices, and information on the micronutrient distribution program. The study had a pre—post design with no control group.ResultsThe overall prevalence of anemia in children did not change significantly between baseline (43.3%) and ...

Community-led initiative for control of anemia among children 6 to 35 months of age and unmarried adolescent girls in rural Wardha, India.

Abstract: BackgroundStudies in India have reported a high prevalence of nutritional anemia among children and adolescent girls. Nutritional anemia is associated with impaired mental, physical, and cognitive performance in children and is a significant risk factor for maternal mortality.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of a community-led initiative for control of nutritional anemia among children 6 to 35 months of age and unmarried rural adolescent girls 12 to 19 years of age.MethodsThis Participatory Action Research was done in 23 villages of the Primary Health Centre, Anji, in Wardha District of Maharashtra. In February and March 2008, needs assessment was undertaken by interviewing the mothers of 261 children and 260 adolescent girls. Hemoglobin levels of adolescent girls and children were measured with the use of the hemoglobin color scale. The girls were given weekly iron—folic acid tablets, and the children were given daily liquid iron prophylaxis for 100 days in a year through community participation. The adol...

The formulation of consensus on nutrition policy: policy actors' perspectives on good process.

Abstract: Food security and nutrition are ascendant issues on global and national policy agendas in recent years, as a result of the global food crisis and growing recognition of the magnitude and consequences of these problems for human and economic development. The translation of this attention into effective action at the country level will require multistakeholder agreements concerning priority problems, interventions, delivery strategies, roles and responsibilities, and other matters, but this has proven to be a difficult and contentious process in many countries. This study explores stakeholders' perspectives on the characteristics of a good process in Guatemala, a country that has encountered difficulties deciding such matters in recent years, as well as their views on decision acceptance and the feasibility of implementing a good process. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 20 participants in earlier policy deliberations who were identified through snowball sampling. The constant comparative method was used for analysis. These participants attach great importance to the quality of decision processes, have strong support for decision principles derived from theory and experience elsewhere, would be willing to participate in such a process and accept the resulting decisions, and feel such a process would be challenging but feasible in the Guatemalan context. These findings, together with experiences elsewhere, suggest that countries would do well to seek agreement on the design of a multistakeholder decision-making process before they seek agreement on priority nutrition problems, target groups, interventions, delivery strategies, and other matters that have proven contentious in many settings.

Econutrition and Utilization of Food-Based Approaches for Nutritional Health

Abstract: BackgroundMacronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies continue to have a detrimental impact in lower-income countries, with significant costs in morbidity, mortality, and productivity. Food is the...

Determinants of delayed initiation of breastfeeding in rural Ethiopia: programmatic implications.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: A number of studies have examined the possible adverse impact of services offered by health workers and community members on postpartum infant feeding practices. The present analysis utilized extant data collected previously through the baseline surveys of two related child health and nutrition projects implemented in rural Ethiopia and explored key risk factors associated with delayed initiation of breastfeeding for more than 1 hour after birth. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the most important determinants of delayed initiation of breastfeeding. METHODS: Multivariate logistic regression was performed to analyze data from baseline cross-sectional surveys carried out in 2003 and 2004 in selected districts across three regions in Ethiopia. RESULTS: Attendance at delivery by a health worker was found to be an important risk factor for the delayed initiation of breastfeeding whereas attendance by traditional birth attendants or family and/or friends represented a protective factor for early initiation of breastfeeding. Additional analysis suggests that targeting of behavior change interventions on optimal infant feeding to these health workers could reverse the risk relationship and lead to improvements in the rate of early initiation of breastfeeding. CONCLUSIONS: Provision of inadequate breastfeeding information in the health system and attendance at delivery by health workers are associated with a delay in the initiation of breastfeeding. Births attended by trained traditional birth attendants and family members are associated with better practices. Targeting health workers community members families and women to promote optimal infant feeding practices is likely to hold much potential to increase the adoption of early initiation of breastfeeding.

Impact of prophylactic iron supplementation in healthy pregnant women on maternal iron status and birth outcome.

Abstract: Background. In spite of the beneficial effect of iron supplementation in iron-deficient pregnant women, iron supplementation may not be needed for women who are iron replete or not anemic. Moreover, the theoretical possibility of adverse effects, such as oxidative damage, from administration of iron supplements during pregnancy has been raised. Objective. To determine the effect of prophylactic iron supplementation on iron status and birth outcomes among nonanemic pregnant women. Methods. A randomized, triple-blind clinical trial was conducted. One hundred forty-eight nonanemic pregnant women with hemoglobin > 110 g/L, serum ferritin > 12 µg/L, and gestational age < 20 weeks were randomly assigned to receive either ferrous sulfate (60 mg elemental iron) (n = 70) or placebo (n = 78) until delivery. Hemoglobin concentration and serum ferritin were measured by electronic counter and radioimmunoassay, respectively. Data were analyzed by independent t-tests, ANCOVA, and repeated measures. Results. At delivery, the incidence of iron deficiency was significantly lower in the iron than in the placebo group. There were no significant differences between the two groups in maternal hemoglobin and ferritin concentrations at delivery or in the infant’s birthweight, birth length, or length of gestation. Conclusions. Iron supplementation during pregnancy in nonanemic women with low serum ferritin may have benefits beyond the prevention of iron-deficiency anemia.

A review of global progress toward the Millennium Development Goal 1 Hunger Target.

Abstract: BackgroundThe hunger component of the first Millennium Development Goal (MDG) aims to reduce the proportion of people who suffer from hunger by half between 1990 and 2015. In low- and middle-income...

Validation of the Malaysian Coping Strategy Instrument to measure household food insecurity in Kelantan, Malaysia.

Abstract: BackgroundFood insecurity occurs whenever people are not able to access enough food at all times for an active and healthy life or when adequate and safe food acquired by socially acceptable ways is not available.ObjectiveTo validate the Malaysian Coping Strategy Instrument (MCSI) to measure household food insecurity in Kelantan, Malaysia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 301 nonpregnant, nonlactating Malay women, aged between 19 and 49 years, living in rural and urban areas. The respondents were interviewed with the use of a structured questionnaire to obtain information on their demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, household food security, and dietary intake.ResultsDemographic and socioeconomic characteristics (household size, number of children, number of children attending school, household income, and per capita income) were significantly associated with household food-security status in rural and urban areas. Energy intake, fat intake, percentage of energy from fat, and numbe...

Universal salt iodization in the Central and Eastern Europe, Commonwealth of Independent States (CEE/CIS) Region during the decade 2000-09: experiences, achievements, and lessons learned.

Abstract: BackgroundBy 2000, the global track record on universal salt iodization (USI) indicated 26% access to adequately iodized salt in the Central and Eastern Europe, Commonwealth of Independent States (...

The management of conflict in nutrition policy formulation: choosing growth-monitoring indicators in the context of dual burden.

Abstract: We argue in this paper that a shared desire to find a solution to malnutrition and agreement at a broad level concerning priority, evidence-based interventions are important but not sufficient conditions for effective policy development. This paper illustrates this point, and draws out general implications, through a detailed analysis of a case in which conflict emerged when committed nutrition policy actors began discussing the details of program design and implementation. The case involves one country's effort to select "the best" anthropometric indicator for use in its national child growth-monitoring program. In this case the interested parties approached this deceptively simple decision for different reasons, using different sources and standards of evidence and focusing their attention on opposite, but equally critical, operational considerations, while being heavily influenced by global, national, and interorganizational events and relationships. We suggest that actors seeking to translate political commitment for nutrition into effective action should recognize the technical and sociopolitical complexity of seemingly simple decisions related to intervention design and employ more systematic, intentional, and inclusive decision-making procedures. Without attention to such practical matters, the current window of opportunity to reduce malnutrition on a global scale may quickly close.

Negative Impact on Calorie Intake Associated with the 2006–08 Food Price Crisis in Latin America:

Abstract: BackgroundFrom 2006 to 2008, there were sharp increases in the prices of major food commodities globally, including maize, rice, and wheat. Few studies have contributed empirical evidence of the nu...

Dietary intake and nutrition-related knowledge in a sample of Lebanese adolescents of contrasting socioeconomic status.

Abstract: BackgroundSocioeconomic status (SES) is postulated to be a major predictor of dietary intake and nutrition-related knowledge in adults. To date, very few studies have addressed this effect among ad...

Relationship of the availability of micronutrient powder with iron status and hemoglobin among women and children in the Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya.

Abstract: BackgroundMicronutrient powder is a potential strategy to improve iron status and reduce anemia in refugee populations.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of the availability of home fortification with a micronutrient powder containing 2.5 mg of sodium iron ethylenediaminetetraacetate (NaFeEDTA) on iron status and hemoglobin in women and children in the Kakuma Refugee Camp in northwest Kenya.MethodsHemoglobin and soluble transferrin receptor were measured in 410 children 6 to 59 months of age and 458 women of childbearing age at baseline (just before micronutrient powder was distributed, along with the regular food ration) and at midline (6 months) and endline (13 months) follow-up visits.ResultsAt the baseline, midline, and endline visits, respectively, the mean (± SE) hemoglobin concentration in women was 121.4 ± 0.8, 120.8 ± 0.9, and 120.6 ± 1.0 g/L (p = .42); the prevalence of anemia (hemoglobin < 120 g/L) was 42.6%, 41.3%, and 41.7% (p = .92); and the mean soluble transferrin receptor concentration was 2...