bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Need for a Market-Oriented Approach
Authors: Mora José O.
Published: November 2015

In most countries, processed complementary foods have been developed to be used in free or highly subsidized food distribution programmes, but little effort has been made to introduce them in the regular market. They have been positioned as “food for the poor” and, as such, carry a stigma. If nutritionally improved complementary foods were made commercially available at affordable prices, their coverage and contribution to improve nutrition would be more significant and sustainable at lower cost to governments. The question is whether a market-oriented approach is feasible, that is, whether the food industry would be willing to produce and market such foods and whether a demand for them can be created. A number of issues along these lines are briefly discussed, including the available evidence for the effectiveness of processed foods in improving nutritional status, the role of nutrition education and social marketing, and the need and rationale for a market-oriented approach.
Moving a Health System from a Medical towards a Dietary Approach in Thailand
Authors: Wasantwisut Emorn , Chittchang Uraiporn , Sinawat Sangsom
Published: November 2015

Amidst the picture of subclinical vitamin A deficiency in north and north-east Thailand, hospital records revealed 31 cases of infant xerophthalmia in the lower southern region in 1991. Major risk factors included inadequate breastfeeding, consumption of non-fortified sweetened condensed milk, and the presence of pneumonia, diarrhoea, or both. A survey conducted jointly by the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) and the Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University (INMU), indicated a public health problem of vitamin A deficiency in pre-school children. A partnership relationship was established between MOPH as an implementation agency and INMU in the technical support role towards alleviating vitamin A deficiency in the lower southern provinces. Intervention began with distribution of high-dose vitamin A capsules in the high-risk areas, followed by fortification of sweetened condensed milk with vitamin A (330 retinol equivalents/100 g). At the same time, a dietary diversification strategy was planned to promote consumption of vitamin A–rich foods in the local menus or fish chips enriched with chicken or beef liver. No new cases of xerophthalmia have been reported since 1995. Periodic subsample surveys indicated that the severity of the problem has declined to a subclinical stage. Key elements of progress include partnership between MOPH and INMU from planning to implementation, transition of MOPH to a more preventive and promotive approach, continuous communication from top to grass-roots-level officers, and coupling of research with programmes.
Dietary Strategies to Combat Deficiencies of Iron, Zinc, and Vitamin A in Developing Countries: Development, Implementation, Monitoring, and Evaluation
Authors: Gibson R. S. , Hotz C. , Temple L. , Yeudall F. , Mtitimuni B. , Ferguson E.
Published: November 2015

In many developing countries, staple diets are plant-based and consumption of animal products is low. As a result, the intake and bioavailability of iron, zinc, and vitamin A are often poor. Deficiencies of these micronutrients can be prevented by using dietary diversification and modification, a strategy involving changes in food production practices, food selection patterns, and traditional household methods for preparing and processing indigenous foods. Strategies at the food production level include the use of fertilizers, plant breeding, and genetic engineering to enhance the content and bioavailability of micronutrients in plant-based staples and increase the yield of indigenous edible wild plants. Household strategies involve small-livestock production, aquaculture, gardening projects, and changes in certain food preparation and processing practices designed to alter the content of absorption modifiers in the diet, such as soaking, germination, fermentation, and enrichment. This review also describes how these household strategies can best be incorporated into existing food consumption patterns, and how their impact on the nutrient adequacy of the diets can be assessed. the steps necessary to test the acceptability of the modified recipes, to identify potential barriers to their adoption, and to implement them in the community are discussed, using an example from rural Malawi. Finally, methods of monitoring the progress and evaluating the impact of the dietary strategies in short- and long-term studies are included.
Physical Fitness in Relation to Energy and Iron Status of Female College Students
Authors: Bains Kiran , Mann S. K.
Published: November 2015

A nutritional survey was conducted on 150 female college students (75 boarders and 75 day scholars) aged 18 to 23 years at the Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana, India. The mean weight, mid-upper-arm circumference, and triceps skinfold thickness were below normal, but the mean height and body fat were in the normal range. The body mass index showed that 50% of the subjects were normal, 21% were low normal weight, and 21% had a mild energy deficiency. The average daily consumptions of energy and of iron were 1,776 ± 22 kcal and 14.5 ± 0.2 mg, respectively; both were inadequate. The daily total energy expenditure was 1,824 ± 9 kcal, yielding a negative energy balance of 48 ± 10 kcal/day. The average haemoglobin and serum ferritin levels were below normal, while serum iron was in the low normal range. Low iron intake and haemoglobin levels confirmed an unsatisfactory iron status of the subjects. The combined deficiency of energy and iron appeared to have a worse effect on physical fitness than energy or iron deficiency alone.
A new Paradigm for World Agriculture: Productive, Sustainable, Nutritious, Healthful Food Systems
Authors: Welch Ross M. , Graham Robin D.
Published: November 2015

Micronutrient malnutrition currently affects over 2 billion people worldwide. Poor health, low worker productivity, high rates of mortality and morbidity, increased rates of chronic diseases (coronary heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes), and permanent impairment of cognitive abilities of infants born to micronutrient-deficient mothers are all consequences of micronutrient malnutrition. Furthermore, these deficiencies are contributing to lethargic national development efforts, continued high population growth rates, and a vicious cycle of poverty for massive numbers of underprivileged people in all nations. Food systems globally are not providing enough balanced nutrient output to meet all the nutritional needs of every person, especially resource-poor women, infants, and children in developing countries. Agriculture is partly responsible. It has never made adequate and balanced nutrient output an explicit goal of its production systems. Many agricultural policies may have fostered a decline in nutrition and diet diversity for the poor during the past four decades. Additionally, the nutrition and health communities have never considered using agriculture as a primary tool in their programmes directed at alleviating poor nutrition and ill health globally. A new paradigm for agriculture and nutrition is now needed. We must consider ways that agriculture can contribute to finding sustainable solutions to food system failures through holistic food-based system approaches, thereby closely linking agricultural production to improving human health, livelihood, and well-being. Such action will rouse support for agricultural research worldwide, because it addresses consumer issues as well as agricultural production issues and is, therefore, politically supportable.
Biotechnology and Agriculture in Today's World
Authors: Phillips Ronald L.
Published: November 2015

The application of biotechnology, in terms of using the full range of scientific biological information available, is in its infancy. Although there are concerns being raised by the public that need to be carefully addressed, farmers are adopting the new technologies at an unprecedented rate, and the pipeline is full of new products of more obvious benefit to the consumer. Biotechnology will unlock some of the genetic variation available in the extensive genetic resource collections. Conventional breeding technologies require the crossing of these exotic collections, thus introducing many unwanted genetic traits. Biotechnology will allow the transfer of less than the whole genome, thus allowing easier utilization of these rich genetic resources. The application of molecular genetic markers is efficient for the backcrossing of single-gene traits and will become increasingly important for more complex traits such as those of quality protein maize, where modifier genes play a prominent role. Genomics—the study of the whole genome—is providing unprecedented information useful for the genetic manipulation of crop species. Understanding the structure and function of every gene in a plant will lead to many innovative applications. DNA chip or microarray technologies will allow every gene to be monitored. Comparative mapping indicates great similarity among broadly related species and indicates that genomics knowledge for rice and other model species will be quite informative. With respect to the improvement of human nutrition, a database on nutritional genomics related to crop plants would allow even greater progress than can be made with conventional techniques.
Diversity for Food Security: Improving Human Nutrition through Better Evaluation, Management, and use of Plant Genetic Resources
Authors: Fassil Hareya , Guarino L. , Sharrock S. , BhagMal  , Hodgkin T. , Iwanaga M.
Published: November 2015

The use of plant genetic diversity is essential for ensuring an adequate and stable supply of diverse food crops as well as for enhancing their nutritional quality. The role of effective conservation, management, and use of plant genetic resources in ensuring the availability of a diverse range of nutritious food crops is recognized throughout the work of the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI). Several research activities in the Institute's programme highlight how the diversity between and within food crop species is inextricably linked to the diversity of human cultural needs, preferences, and knowledge systems with respect to the management and use of plant genetic resources. The nutritional quality of food crops is among the major considerations that are important in both the improvement and conservation of genetic resources. Specific examples from IPGRI's work are used to illustrate these linkages.
Possible Contributions of the Philippine Agricultural Research System to Improving Human Nutrition
Authors: Castillo Gelia T.
Published: November 2015

The need for participatory approaches has been mentioned several times. For the skeptics about the role of participation in research, let me say that participation is not a substitute for science. It enhances the practice of science, because it elaborates on its human purpose. About research partnerships, please look beyond the national agricultural research institutes. We have excellent researchers, many of whom are not in the national agricultural research institutes. But please treat national researchers as partners. We must do more adoption and impact-assessment studies so that our evaluation culture will grow, and press releases do not substitute for impact. Please do all you can to keep research output in the public domain so that the poor can afford them.

Nutritional status should be the bottom-line indicator of human development. In presenting statistics on micronutrient deficiencies, we need to give these numbers a human face—most likely a female face. I have always believed that research must have a human purpose, and when the best of science and scientists are devoted to the problems of those who have less in life, that is ethics and equity at its best. Nutritional status is about as human as we can get.
Iron and Folate Status in Urban and Rural Costa Rican Teenagers
Authors: Monge Rafael , Faiges Francico , Rivero Alejandra
Published: November 2015

This study evaluated the iron and folate status of Costa Rican adolescents and their dietary intake of these micronutrients. Hematological data, serum ferritin, serum folate and iron and folate intakes were evaluated in 307 adolescents aged 13 to 17 years. The prevalence of anemia was 4%. Iron deficiency was found in 3% of adolescents and iron-deficiency anemia in 2% or less. The prevalence of deficient serum folate levels was less than 1%. Over 50% of females and around 20% of males did not consume 66.7% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for iron. Iron bioavailability in the diet of urban adolescents was intermediate, whereas it was low in the diet of rural adolescents. Approximately 53% of adolescents did not consume two-thirds of the RDA for folate. It is necessary to modify adolescents’ food habits in order to ensure an adequate iron and folate intake.
Dietary Approaches to the Prevention of Vitamin A Deficiency: Indian Experience with Red Palm Oil as a Source of Vitamin A
Authors: Rao B. S. Narasinga
Published: November 2015

In an effort to continue to reduce vitamin A deficiency in India, studies have been conducted using red palm oil. The bioavailability of β-carotene in red palm oil is higher that than of green and yellow vegetables, with an absorption rate of nearly 90%. Studies have shown that red palm oil is safe and acceptable. Refined red palm oil (Carotino) can be mixed with other refined edible oils without affecting their taste. It does add a yellow color, for which consumer education is needed. Because of stability problems, the final product selected for feeding would need to contain 7% to 10% of the Carotino, depending on the form used. Further studies are being planned to evaluate the effect of Carotino-containing supplements on growth and vitamin A status of children. A major limitation to producing supplementary foods containing red palm oil is the small amount of red palm oil produced in India at this time; most of it has to be imported from Malaysia.
The Nutrition Situation: An Overview
Authors: Garza Cutberto
Published: November 2015

Malnutrition remains a major problem in both developing and industrialized countries and is getting worse in selected settings. However, progress has been made in alleviating malnutrition, and the motivation and tools for tackling malnutrition and its consequences have never been more favorable than they are now. Indeed, the genomic developments spawned by the ongoing biological revolution are increasing the pressure to solve problems that lead to low birthweight, stunting, disorders stemming from micronutrient deficiencies, and other manifestations of undernutrition.
Caregiver Styles of Feeding and Child Acceptance of Food in Rural Viet Nam
Authors: Ha Pham Bich , Bentley Margaret E. , Pachón Helena , Sripaipan Teerada , Caulfield Laura E. , Marsh David R. , Schroeder Dirk G.
Published: November 2015

Style of child feeding may be an important determinant of child nutrition and health outcomes. Responsive feeding refers to the level and kind of interaction between caregiver and child that lead to a positive feeding experience, adequate dietary intake, and enhanced developmental opportunities. Responsive feeding behaviors may include active physical help and verbalization during feeding, role-playing, persistence, and positive feeding strategies. The aim of this study was to investigate styles of feeding among Vietnamese children 12 or 18 months of age from a rural province in northern Viet Nam. Forty child/mother pairs were videotaped during two, two-hour feeding episodes. Caregiver and child behaviors were coded at the level of the “intended bite” as observed through the videotape analysis of feeding episodes to assess caregiver behavior and the child's interest and acceptance of food. We found it feasible to use videotape and the modified coding and analysis scheme, originally developed for work in Peru, in Viet Nam. In Viet Nam, caregivers provided physical help to eat nearly all of the time in the younger children, and about 70% of the time among 18 month olds. Caregivers verbalized during only 30% of intended bites, and only half of these verbalizations were responsive in tone or words. Positive caregiver behaviors were significantly associated with higher child's acceptance of food, while non-responsive feeding behaviors were associated with child rejection of food. Future analyses of this data set will evaluate the degree to which an integrated nutrition program positively modified caretaker behaviors. More research is needed to demonstrate the relationships among the promotion of responsive feeding behaviors, acceptance of food, and improved nutrition and health status of children.
Community-Based School Feeding during Indonesia'S Economic Crisis: Implementation, Benefits, and Sustainability
Authors: Studdert Lisa J. , Soekirman  , Rasmussen Kathleen M. , Habicht Jean-Pierre
Published: November 2015

The Indonesian Government initiated a community-based national school-feeding program in 1996. Implementation was decentralized and involved multiple participants. In 1998 we evaluated the implementation of the program and the perceived benefits for community stakeholders using a survey of principals in 143 randomly selected schools and follow-up with in-depth interviews and observations in a subsample of 16 communities. The evaluation covered the period of the 1998 Asian economic crisis, affording the opportunity to assess its impact on the program. The program was implemented in all targeted schools, with excellent community participation. Feeding was sustained through the crisis, in spite of a dramatic escalation in food costs. The families of schoolchildren, farmers, and those who prepared food received economic benefits. The snacks replaced those sold at schools and were of better nutritional value. The children benefited because the snacks compensated for losses in the home diet resulting from the economic crisis. Characteristics of the program that may be important in explaining its success include the involvement of a range of community stakeholders, engagement with existing village administrative structures, scope for local community adaptation and innovation, and the use of local foods that dispersed benefits and ensured sustained implementation during the crisis.
Morinda Revisited: Changes in Nutritional Well-Being and Gender Differences after 30 Years of Rapid Economic Growth in Rural Punjab, India
Authors: Levinson F. James , Mehra Sucheta , Levinson Dorothy , Chauhan Anita Kumari , Koppe Guy , Bence Brian , Almedom Astier M.
Published: November 2015

A follow-up study of malnutrition and its determinants among children 6 to 24 months of age was carried out in rural areas of Punjab State in India 30 years after the original study, and following a period of rapid economic growth. The original 1971 study had found a high prevalence of mortality and malnutrition and the worst gender difference in nutritional status ever recorded in an Indian study. The 2001 follow-up study found dramatic reductions in child mortality, child malnutrition, gender-based imbalances in child well-being and care, and family size, the result of participatory economic growth coupled with broad-based educational, health, and family-planning services. Despite overall improvements in caloric intake, however, 40% of lower-class children in 2001 were still consuming less than 50% of their caloric allowance. With minimal gender-based abortion and significantly reduced neglect and mortality of female children, gender balance among children in this area of rural Punjab improved markedly over the 30-year period.
Behavior-Change Trials to Assess the Feasibility of Improving Complementary Feeding Practices and Micronutrient Intake of Infants in Rural Bangladesh
Authors: Kimmons Joel E. , Dewey Kathryn G. , Haque Emdadul , Chakraborty J. , Osendarp Saskia J. M. , Brown Kenneth H.
Published: November 2015

This study used simple rapid-assessment techniques to test the feasibility of increasing the consumption of complementary foods by infants by asking mothers to increase meal quantity or frequency or by altering the viscosity/energy density of the food. The feasibility of using micronutrient supplements either added directly to food or administered as liquid drops was also examined. The study was conducted in rural Bangladesh and involved four separate short-term behavioral change trials. Depending on the trial, fieldworkers recruited 30 to 45 infants 6 to 12 months of age. Following recommendations to increase the amount of food provided to infants, the mean intakes from single meals increased from 40 ± 23 g on day 1 to 64 ± 30 g on day 7 (p < 0.05). In a second trial, the mean meal frequency increased from 2.2 ± 1.3 on day 1 to 4.1 ± 1.3 on day 7 (p < 0.05). Provision of high-energy-density diets, prepared by decreasing viscosity with α-amylase or by hand-mashing rice and dhal into a paste before feeding, increased single-meal energy consumption from 54 ± 35 kcal to 79 ± 52 kcal or 75 ± 37 kcal (p < 0.05), respectively. Both types of micronutrient supplements were well accepted and used according to recommendations. In conclusion, it was possible to change short-term child-feeding behaviors to promote increased food intake, meal frequency, energy density, and micronutrient consumption. Because each of these interventions lasted for only about 1 week, however, the long-term sustainability of these changes is not known. Moreover, the effect of increased feeding of complementary foods on intakes of breastmilk and total daily consumption of energy and nutrients requires further study.
Progress in Salt Iodization and Improved Iodine Nutrition in China, 1995–99
Authors: Zhao Jinkou , van der Haar Frits
Published: November 2015

In 1993, the State Council of China announced the policy to virtually eliminate iodine-deficiency disorders (IDD) by 2000 and adopted universal salt iodization (USI) as the national strategy. Biennial province-based monitoring from 1995 onward aimed at capturing the use and iodine content of household salt, along with urinary iodine concentrations among schoolchildren from the same households. This paper reports on the progress made in China toward the goal of virtually eliminating iodine-deficiency disorders on the basis of 85 population-representative surveys in China's provinces during 1995–99. The percentage of households using adequately iodized salt (iodine ≥ 20 mg/kg) increased from 43.1% in 1995, to 82.2% in 1997, to 89.0% in 1999. In 1999, at least 90% of the households in 15 (48%) of the 31 provinces used adequately iodized salt, and a median urinary iodine concentration of less than 100 μg/L in children was reported in only one province. Across provinces, the median urinary iodine concentrations in children were positively correlated in each survey year with the median household salt iodine contents (combined rs = 0.74, p < .001) and with the proportions of households using adequately iodized salt (combined rs = 0.81, p < .001). Also in each survey year, the percentage of children with urinary iodine concentrations of at least 300 μg/L was correlated (combined r s = 0.69, p < .001) with the proportion of households using salt with iodine content of at least 40 mg/kg. The median urinary iodine concentration in children had reached 300 μg/L or more in 13 provinces (42%) by 1999. In a little more than five years, then, China has achieved outstanding progress toward the goal of virtual elimination of IDD through USI. Policy recommendations include improvement of quality assurance by salt manufacturers, along with a modest reduction in the mandated salt iodization levels.
Influence of Socioeconomic Status on the Prevalence of Stunted Growth and Obesity in Prepubertal Indonesian Children
Authors: Julia M. , van Weissenbruch M. M. , Delemarre-van de Waal H. A. , Surjono A.
Published: November 2015

This cross-sectional study assesses the prevalence of stunting, overweight, and obesity in prepubertal children from different socioeconomic groups in Indonesia. Children from rural, poor urban, and nonpoor urban communities were studied ( n = 3,010). The prevalences of stunting, wasting, overweight, and obesity were 19.3%, 5.0%, 2.7%, and 0.8%, respectively. The odds ratios (OR) for stunting, as compared with nonpoor urban children, were higher among rural children (2.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.37–3.59) than among poor urban children (1.58; 95% CI, 1.18–2.13). The prevalence of wasting was not influenced by socioeconomic status. Both rural and poor urban children were significantly less likely to be overweight than were nonpoor urban children: in comparison with nonpoor urban children, the OR values were 0.19 (95% CI, 0.10–0.36) for rural and 0.13 (95% CI, 0.04–0.43) for poor urban children. Boys were more likely to be stunted or obese than girls: OR for stunting, 1.75 (95% CI, 1.44–2.12); OR for obesity, 4.07 (95% CI, 1.40–11.8). Stunted children were less likely than non-stunted children to be overweight: OR, 0.10 (95% CI, 0.03–0.43). In Indonesia, undernutrition is still related to poverty, whereas obesity is more related to prosperity.
Future Challenges
Authors: Tee E-Siong , Dop Marie Claude , Winichagoon Pattanee
Published: November 2015

The workshop “Food-consumption surveys in developing countries: Future challenges,” held in Chiang Rai, Thailand, January 25–26, 2003, brought together 30 nutritionists and food safety experts from 10 Southeast Asian countries as well as from countries outside the region. It provided a forum for sharing information and experiences relating to food-consumption survey methodology. It enabled detailed discussions of the gathering of food-consumption data in developing countries for purposes of nutrition assessment, exposure assessment, and studies of diet-disease relationships. The workshop participants emphasized the need to obtain the support of policy and decision makers to establish a mechanism for conducting regular coordinated food-consumption surveys to meet these needs. The participants emphasized the importance of identifying all relevant stakeholders and involving them in the planning and conduct of these surveys. A number of technical issues related to food-consumption surveys were discussed, including food-intake methodologies. It was felt that surveys on individuals are preferred, and a combination of 24-hour recall and food-frequency questionnaire would most likely provide the required data. The workshop emphasized the need to develop, maintain, and update databases at the national and regional levels for nutrients and non-nutrients as well as contaminants and food additives. To ensure that surveys are conducted regularly and professionally, the importance of having qualified and trained personnel was emphasized. Several issues related to reports of food-consumption data were discussed, including timely reporting, effective dissemination, and appropriate usage. The participants unanimously recommended the organization of further technical meetings or workshops to follow up on recommended activities and enable continuing regional collaboration on food-consumption surveys.
Maintaining High Vitamin A Supplementation Coverage in Children: Lessons from Niger
Authors: Aguayo Victor M. , Baker Shawn K. , Crespin Xavier , Hamani Harouna , MamadoulTaïbou Aissa
Published: November 2015

In 1997, the reduction of child mortality became a policy priority for the Government of Niger because Niger's child mortality rate was the highest in the world. The Ministry of Public Health, Helen Keller International (HKI), and UNICEF spearheaded a coalition-building process linking vitamin A deficiency (VAD) control to national child survival goals. An evidence-based advocacy strategy was developed around the child survival benefits of adequate and sustained VAD control with one unambiguous message: “VAD control can avert over 25,000 child deaths per year.” As a result, in 1997 Niger became one of the first countries in Africa to effectively integrate vitamin A supplementation into National Immunization Days (NIDs) for polio eradication. The challenge was then to provide children with a second annual dose of vitamin A. This led in 1999 to the first ever National Micronutrient Days (NMDs) in Africa. NMDs are mobilization campaigns in which caregivers are actively encouraged to take their children for the delivery of vitamin A supplements. Since 1999, the combination of NIDs and NMDs has ensured that over 80% of children 6 to 59 months of age receive two vitamin A doses annually. The success of NIDs/NMDs has relied on five pillars: leadership and ownership by the Ministry of Public Health; district-level planning and implementation; effective training and flexible delivery mechanisms; effective social information, communication, and mobilization; and responsiveness and flexibility of Ministry of Public Health and development partners. This successful approach has been widely disseminated, notably through the West African Nutrition Focal Points Network.
Milk Fortif Ed with Iron Or Iron Supplementation to Improve Nutritional Status of Pregnant Women: An Intervention Trial from Rural Vietnam
Authors: Hoa P. Thuy , Khan Nguyen Cong , van Beusekom Christine , Gross Rainer , Conde Wolney L. , Khoi Ha Dui
Published: November 2015

Anemia is still the major nutritional problem among pregnant women in Southeast Asia. The objective of this study was to measure hemoglobin status and reduction of underweight in a group of pregnant women who received iron-fortified or nonfortified milk, and another group who received iron supplements (tablets) or placebo. The 44 women in the iron-fortified milk group received 15 mg of iron per day per 400 ml of milk, and 41 women received placebo. The 40 women in the iron supplement group received 60 mg of iron per day, and 43 women received nonfortified milk. During this intervention trial, all women were supervised from the 14th to the 18th week of gestation until delivery. Blood was sampled at 0, 5, 10, and 16 weeks of intervention. After the 16th week of intervention, the changes in hemoglobin (ΔHb) concentrations in both treatment groups (the iron-fortified milk and the iron tablet groups) were not significantly different (ΔHb: −0.5 ± 0.9 and −0.3 ± 0.9 g/L, respectively), but the changes were significantly greater in the nonfortified milk and placebo groups (ΔHb: −1.2 ± 0.9 and −1.1 ± 0.8 g/L, respectively; p < .01). The change in transferrin saturation (ΔTS) in the iron-fortified milk group (ΔTS: 3.4 ± 12.9%) was greater than that in the placebo and nonfortified milk groups (ΔTS: −10.1 ± 9.8% and −11.6 ± 10.7 %, respectively) (p < .01). The weight gain of the subjects during intervention did not differ significantly in the fortified and nonfortified milk groups (Δweight: 5.0 ± 2.0 and 5.8 ± 2.1 kg, respectively), but was higher than in the iron tablet group (Δweight: 4.6 ± 3.1 kg p < .05) and the placebo group (Δweight: 3.8 ± 2.5 kg; p < .001). Iron supplementation and fortification were seen to be effective in promoting weight gain in pregnant Vietnamese women. For women who are underweight, the administration of iron-fortified milk has additional benefits to those of supplementation, most likely due to additional energy and nutrient inputs.
Serum Copper Levels among a Tribal Population in Jharkhand State, India: A Pilot Survey
Authors: Kapil Umesh , Singh Preeti
Published: November 2015

Background

Copper is an essential trace element that plays a pivotal role in cell physiology. Dietary intake of copper by a population of low-income groups in India has been found to be low, and hence the possibility of dietary copper deficiency exists.

Objective

To determine serum copper levels among tribal populations in India, an area in which data are limited.

Methods

The study was conducted among tribal populations 18 to 75 years of age residing in Sahibganj, Jharkhand. Two blocks in the district were selected (from a total of eight) for the detailed study. A semistructured pretested questionnaire was used to collect demographic and socioeconomic information about subjects. A total of 995 subjects were enrolled for the present study. Blood was drawn from the antecubital vein and collected in previously labeled polypropylene tubes. Serum copper was determined by the atomic absorption spectrophotometry method and serum samples with copper levels less than 80 μg/dL were considered to have low serum copper levels.

Results

The mean serum copper concentration of the study subjects was 91.18 ± 35.48 μg/dL. Thirty-four percent of the study subjects had low serum copper levels (< 80 μg/dL). Nearly 35% of males and 34.4% of females had low serum copper levels.

Conclusions

This study documented a high prevalence of low serum copper levels among the studied tribal population. Further multicenter studies with larger sample sizes are needed to assess the biological implications of copper deficiency among the tribal populations in India.
Vitamin A Deficiency and Child Survival in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Reappraisal of Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Aguayo Victor M. , Baker Shawn K.
Published: November 2015

Background

Children with vitamin A deficiency have higher risk of morbidity and mortality than vitamin A–sufficient children. Estimates on the potential child survival benefits of vitamin A deficiency control are needed for policy and program advocacy.

Objective

To determine the current prevalence of children at risk for vitamin A deficiency in sub-Saharan Africa in order to estimate the potential child-survival benefits of effective and sustained policies and programs for the control of vitamin A deficiency in this region.

Methods

Estimates of the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency generated in 1998, data from 11 nationally representative vitamin A deficiency surveys conducted in sub-Saharan Africa between 1997 and 2003, and the measured effects of vitamin A deficiency on child mortality were combined to estimate the prevalence of children at risk for vitamin A deficiency in sub-Saharan Africa and the potential child-survival benefits of effective and sustained policies and programs for the control of vitamin A deficiency in this region.

Results

Our analysis shows that in the absence of effective and sustained policies and programs for the control of vitamin A deficiency, an estimated 42.4% of children 0 to 59 months of age in sub-Saharan Africa (43.2 million children) are at risk for vitamin A deficiency. Such effective and sustained policy and program action for the control of vitamin A deficiency can bring about a potential 25% reduction in mortality in children 0 to 59 months with respect to 1995 mortality levels (i.e., before the onset of large-scale vitamin A supplementation programs in sub-Saharan Africa).

Conclusions

Effective and sustained control of vitamin A deficiency has the potential to be among the most cost-effective and high-impact child-survival interventions in sub-Saharan Africa. A stronger political commitment and a more appropriate level of investment in the effective control of vitamin A deficiency could make a large contribution toward the attainment of the Millennium Development Goal for the reduction of child mortality rates by two-thirds between 1990 and 2015. Among the many challenges that Africa will need to face in the coming years, vitamin A deficiency is one that can be overcome. The need is urgent, and the solutions are known, effective, and affordable.
The Human Capital Study 2002–04: Tracking, data Collection, Coverage, and Attrition
Authors: Grajeda Rubén , Behrman Jere R. , Flores Rafael , Maluccio John A. , Martorell Reynaldo , Stein Aryeh D.
Published: November 2015

Between 2002 and 2004, the Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), in collaboration with Emory University, the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), and the University of Pennsylvania, re-surveyed young Guatemalan adults who had, as children, been participants in a nutrition supplementation trial conducted by INCAP between 1969 and 1977. This “Human Capital Study 2002–04” complements and extends data obtained in previous studies by collecting new information on measures of physical health and well-being, schooling and cognitive ability, wealth, consumption and economic productivity, and marriage and fertility histories. This paper describes the study domains and data collection procedures. Among 2,393 members of the original sample, 1,856 (77%) were targets for enrollment. Response rates varied by gender, current place of residence, and domain of data collection, with 80% of males and 89% of females completing at least one data collection instrument. Attrition was not random and appears to be associated with a number of initial characteristics of individuals and their households that should be controlled for in future analyses. We conclude that data collection was successful and data quality is high, facilitating the successful undertaking of our planned investigation of important study hypotheses.
School Feeding, School Reform, and Food Security: Connecting the Dots
Authors: Levinger Beryl
Published: November 2015

Universal access to basic education is a prerequisite for long-term food security, which, in turn, is critical to achieving the Millennium Development goals. This paper examines how Food for Education interventions can contribute to improved food security, improved education outcomes, and a broader set of development goals. Food for Education entails the distribution of food commodities to children who attend school. The commodities may be locally grown and purchased or contributed by aid donors. The food may be consumed by students in school snack, breakfast, or lunch programs. Alternatively, it may be given as a take-home ration for consumption by a family that regularly sends “at-risk” children (usually girls) to school.

Four interrelated ideas are discussed: (1) the universalization of primary school education is a prerequisite for food security (defined here as availability of, access to, and proper biologic utilization of food supplies); (2) Food for Education boosts primary school participation and, therefore, food security; (3) the effects of primary school education on food security are greatest wherever “quality standards” are met, although important effects are present even when education quality is modest; and (4) efforts to improve primary education participation (demand) and efforts to improve primary education quality (supply) are highly interrelated and mutually reinforcing.

Food for Education is a versatile resource that can be used to address a broad range of issues related to both education supply and demand. To be effective, Food for Education interventions must reflect local education supply and demand realities.
Sharing Malaysian Experience with the Development of Biotechnology-Derived Food Crops
Authors: Abu Bakar Umi K. , Pillai Vilasini , Hashim Marzukhi , Daud Hassan Mat
Published: November 2015

Biotechnology-derived food crops are currently being developed in Malaysia mainly for disease resistance and improved postharvest quality. The modern biotechnology approach is adopted because of its potential to overcome constraints faced by conventional breeding techniques. Research on the development of biotechnology-derived papaya, pineapple, chili, passion fruit, and citrus is currently under way. Biotechnology-derived papaya developed for resistance to papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) and improved postharvest qualities is at the field evaluation stage. Pineapple developed for resistance to fruit black heart disorder is also being evaluated for proof-of-concept. Other biotechnology-derived food crops are at early stages of gene cloning and transformation. Activities and products involving biotechnology-derived crops will be fully regulated in the near future under the Malaysian Biosafety Law. At present they are governed only by guidelines formulated by the Genetic Modification Advisory Committee (GMAC), Malaysia. Commercialization of biotechnology-derived crops involves steps that require GMAC approval for all field evaluations and food-safety assessments before the products are placed on the market. Public acceptance of the biotechnology product is another important factor for successful commercialization. Understanding of biotechnology is generally low among Malaysians, which may lead to low acceptance of biotechnology-derived products. Initiatives are being taken by local organizations to improve public awareness and acceptance of biotechnology. Future research on plant biotechnology will focus on the development of nutritionally enhanced biotechnology-derived food crops that can provide more benefits to consumers.
Impact of a Multiple-Micronutrient Food Supplement on the Nutritional Status of Schoolchildren
Authors: Kumar Malavika Vinod , Rajagopalan S.
Published: November 2015

Background

Multiple-micronutrient deficiencies exist in many developing nations. A system to deliver multiple micronutrients effectively would be of value in these countries.

Objective

To evaluate the delivery of multiple micronutrients through the food route. The goal was to test the stability of the supplement during cooking and storage and then to test its bioefficacy and bioavailability in residential schoolchildren 5 to 15 years of age.

Methods

A pre- and post-test design was used to study children 5 to 15 years of age, with an experimental and a control group. The experimental group ( n = 211) consisted of children from two residential schools, and the control group ( n = 202) consisted of children from three residential schools. The experimental group received a micronutrient supplement containing vitamin A, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, niacin, calcium pantothenate, vitamin C, vitamin E, iron, lysine, and calcium daily for 9 months. There was no nutritional intervention in the control group. Children in the experimental and control groups were matched by socioeconomic status, age, and eating habits at baseline. All of the children in the experimental and control schools were dewormed at baseline, after 4 months, and at the endpoint. Biochemical measurements (hemoglobin, serum vitamin A, serum vitamin E, serum vitamin B12, and serum folic acid) were measured at baseline, after 4 months, and at the endpoint (after 9 months). The heights and weights of the children were also measured at baseline and endpoint. Serum vitamins A and E were measured in a subsample of 50% and vitamin B12 and serum folic acid measured in a subsample of 25% of the children.

Results

In the experimental group, the mean gains in hemoglobin, serum vitamin A, serum vitamin E, serum vitamin B12, and serum folic acid over 9 months were 0.393 g/dL, 6.0375 μg/dL, 1037.45 μg/dL, 687.604 pg/mL, and 1.864 ng/mL, respectively. In the control group, the mean losses in hemoglobin and serum vitamin A over 9 months were 0.9556 g/dL and 10.0641 μg/dL, respectively, and the mean gains in serum vitamin E, vitamin B12, and folic acid were 903.52 μg/dL, 233.283 pg/mL, and 0.0279 ng/mL. The mean gain in all biochemical measurements was significantly higher (p < .05) in the experimental group than in the control group.

Conclusions

Vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B12, folic acid, and iron are bioavailable from the multiple-micronutrient food supplement used in this study. This method of micronutrient delivery has been beneficial. We believe the study intervention was beneficial because of small doses of the micronutrients added but delivered many times through meals throughout the day, over a period of 9 months.
Milk Thickeners Do Not Influence Anthropometric Indices in Childhood
Authors: Santos Iná S. , Matijasevich Alicia , Valle Neiva C. J. , Gigante Denise P. , de Moura Danilo R.
Published: November 2015

Background

Pediatric obesity is an important risk factor for chronic diseases in adulthood. Some infant feeding practices may contribute to childhood obesity.

Objective

To investigate whether the introduction of milk thickeners to bottle-fed infants between 3 and 6 months of age was associated with higher anthropometric measurements and indices at 1 and 4 years of age.

Methods

A population-based birth cohort study was conducted in 1993 in the urban area of Pelotas, Brazil. Information was obtained at birth, at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, and at 4 years. Data were analyzed from the 596 children for whom information was available from all follow-up visits. The exposure of interest was the use of milk thickener (flour added to cow's milk) between the third and sixth months of life. The outcomes investigated were weight and length/height and the anthropometric indices weight-for-age, length/height-for-age, and weight-for-length/height z-scores at 1 and 4 years.

Results

The prevalence of use of milk thickener at any time between the third and sixth months was 44.6%. In the adjusted analysis, children who received milk thickener were, on average, 160 g heavier and 0.5 cm longer at 1 year than those who did not receive it. Weight-for-age and length-for-age z-scores were positively associated with use of milk thickener. No association was observed between this feeding practice and weight-for-length z-score. In the adjusted analysis, no effect of use of milk thickener on any of the anthropometric outcomes studied was observed at 4 years.

Conclusions

No association was found between the use of milk thickeners and weight-for-length/height z-scores in the first and fourth years of life. Future studies in other contexts would be helpful to further test this hypothesis.
Carotenoid Content and Flesh Color of Selected Banana Cultivars Growing in Australia
Authors: Englberger Lois , Wills Ron B. H. , Blades Barbara , Dufficy Lisa , Daniells Jeff W. , Coyne Terry
Published: November 2015

Background

The problems of vitamin A deficiency and chronic diseases have emerged in recent years in some countries in the Micronesian region. These problems are associated with the dietary shift towards imported processed foods and lifestyle changes. Research in the Federated States of Micronesia indicates that yellow- and orange-fleshed banana cultivars contain significant levels of provitamin A carotenoids.

Objective

To identify further banana cultivars that may be promoted to alleviate vitamin A deficiency among children and women and chronic disease problems among adults.

Methods

Ripe fruit of banana cultivars growing in Australia (sourced mostly from a field research collection) were assessed for carotenoid content and flesh color. Ten cultivars with yellow or yellow/orange flesh color (including common cultivars of Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands) were selected and compared with two cream-fleshed cultivars, including Williams, of the Cavendish group, the most commonly marketed banana worldwide. Carotenoid content was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Flesh color was analyzed by HunterLab colorimetry.

Results

The yellow/orange-fleshed Asupina (a Fe'i banana) contained the highest level (1,412 μg/100 g) of trans β-carotene, the most important provitamin A carotenoid, a level more than 20 times higher than that of Williams. All 10 yellow or yellow/orange-fleshed cultivars ( Asupina, Kirkirnan, Pisang Raja, Horn Plantain, Pacific Plantain, Kluai Khai Bonng, Wain, Red Dacca, Lakatan, and Sucrier) had significant carotenoid levels, potentially meeting half or all of the estimated vitamin A requirements for a nonpregnant, nonlactating adult woman within normal consumption patterns. All were acceptable for taste and other attributes. The cream-fleshed cultivars had minimal carotenoid levels. There was a positive significant correlation between carotenoid content and deeper yellow/orange coloration indicators.

Conclusions

These yellow- or yellow/orange-fleshed carotenoid-rich banana cultivars should be considered for promotion in order to alleviate vitamin A deficiency and chronic disease in susceptible target communities and to provide variety and enjoyment as exotic fruits in both developing and industrialized countries.