bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Household-level Economic and Nutritional Impacts of Market-oriented Dairy Production in the Ethiopian Highlands
Authors: Ahmed Mohamed M. , Jabbar Mohammed , Ehui Simeon 
Published: November 2015

Previous farm-level studies have shown that adopting improved feeding and management strategies improves livestock productivity and, in particular, increases the milk production and income of resource-poor smallholder mixed-crop and livestock farmers. This paper analyses the impact of the introduction of crossbred cow and improved feeding and management technologies in the Ethiopian highlands in terms of direct changes in household income, patterns of food and non-food expenditure, and caloric intake. Using a recursive econometric model that takes into account the seasonal variability of consumption patterns, the analysis indicates a positive relationship between household income and adoption of the improved dairy technologies. The incremental increase in household income translates directly into higher expenditure on food and non-food items. Caloric intake is also positively related to adoption of crossbred cows and improved feed technologies. This indicates the significant role that improved smallholder livestock technologies can play in improving food security and nutrition as well as alleviating poverty.
Promotion of the Feeding Minds and Fighting Hunger Initiative in Selected Rural Schools in Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Bamji Mahtab S. , Murthy P. V. V. S. 
Published: November 2015

Background Schoolchildren are good agents of change and need to be educated and sensitized to specific issues of hunger and malnutrition through a question-and-answer process. Feeding Minds and Fighting Hunger (FMFH), a global project initiated by the Food and Agriculture Organization and partner organizations, attempts to help schoolchildren learn about these issues by introducing concepts in the prevention of hunger and malnutrition to teachers, and by facilitating transfer of knowledge to the children through a set of model lessons. Objective To test the feasibility of the FMFH approach to improve the nutrition knowledge of rural schoolchildren in three rural schools in Medak District of the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Methods Participatory workshops for teachers were conducted to facilitate knowledge transfer to the children through interactive classroom teaching and other activities. The change in knowledge and thinking of children in the seventh and eighth grades was assessed by a questionnaire administered before and after the intervention. The questionnaire also assessed, in part, the status of local food security based on the sources of different food items in the households. Results The responses to the questionnaire suggested that the children's knowledge of nutrients and their functions was not good initially but improved after the intervention. However, their understanding of the social factors responsible for hunger and malnutrition was fairly good prior to the intervention. Improvement in responses to the question of what should be done to combat malnutrition also occurred after intervention. The community had village-level food security for rice and maize but depended partially or fully on outside sources for pulses, fruits and vegetables, and animal products. Conclusions The FMFH approach can be applied in rural schools where “the poorest of the poor” children can improve their understanding of balanced diets, better nutrition, the causes of malnutrition, and approaches to combat malnutrition.
Effectiveness of Intermittent Iron Treatment of Two- to Six-Year-Old Jordanian Children with Iron-Deficiency Anemia
Authors: Faqih Ahmad M. , Kakish S. B. , Izzat M. 
Published: November 2015

Background Iron deficiency is a common nutritional problem in young children among vulnerable populations in Jordan. Several studies have shown the effectiveness of intermittent iron supplementation in improving iron status. Such a study has not been carried out in 2- to-6-year-old Jordanian children diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia in a clinical setting. Objective To study the effectiveness of intermittent versus daily iron treatment in a clinical setting in 2- to 6-year-old Jordanian children with iron-deficiency anemia. Methods About 4,400 children aged 2 to 6 years who visited Prince Hashim Military Hospital in Zarqa, Jordan, from August 2000 to June 2001 were screened for age, general health, and birthweight. About 10% of these children were screened for anemia, using complete blood count (defined as a hemoglobin level ≤ 10.5 g/dL, and a mean corpuscular volume ≤ 75 fL). Anemic children underwent further screening for iron deficiency, defined as serum ferritin level ≤ 12 μ g/L. Children with iron-deficiency anemia, as indicated by hemoglobin ≤ 10.5 g/dL, mean corpuscular volume ≤ 75 fL, and serum ferritin ≤ 12 μ g/L, or as indicated by mean corpuscular volume ≤ 75 fL and hemoglobin ≤ 10.5 g/dL, were enrolled in the study after informed oral consent by their parents. Study children (n = 134) were assigned randomly to one of three groups. Subjects in group 1 (n = 45), group 2 (n = 45), and group 3 (n = 44) received iron treatment daily, weekly, and twice weekly, respectively. Out of 134 children recruited for the study, only 63 (39 boys and 24 girls) completed the 3-month treatment period. All of the children received medicinal iron drops at a dosage of 5 mg elemental iron as ferrous sulfate per kilogram of body weight. The parents also received nutritional counseling. Results At the end of treatment, hemoglobin, serum ferritin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration increased significantly in all groups with no significant differences between groups. The increases in hemoglobin in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 2.47 ± 0.17, 2.12 ± 0.18, and 2.18 ± 0.18 g/dL, respectively. Measurements of final serum ferritin concentration were available for only 12, 12, and 10 children in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. In all children who completed the study, except for one in group 1, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, and serum ferritin reached normal values in response to iron treatment. Conclusions Weekly and twice-weekly iron therapy with 5 mg elemental iron as ferrous sulfate per kilogram of body weight accompanied by nutritional counseling was as effective as daily iron therapy in correcting iron-deficiency anemia in 2- to 6-year-old children under the clinical conditions of this study.
Nutritional Status in Postconflict Afghanistan: Evidence from the National Surveillance System Pilot and National Risk and Vulnerability Assessment
Authors: Johnecheck Wendy A. , Holland Diane E. 
Published: November 2015

Background Two large-scale studies, the National Surveillance System (NSS) Pilot Study (2003–2004) and the National Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (NRVA) 2003, were conducted by government, United Nations, and nongovernmental organizations in Afghanistan, as part of wider efforts characterizing Afghan livelihoods in relation to particular outcomes of interest: vulnerability to poverty, food insecurity, and malnutrition. Objective To present the data from these two surveys with nutrition as the key outcome of interest, and to further construct the understanding of the underlying causes of malnutrition, thus providing public health practitioners and other sector specialists with insight into how a variety of sectoral programs can impact nutritional outcomes in Afghanistan. Methods The NSS gathered information on livelihoods, food security, and nutrition from 20 to 40 randomly selected households in each of 26 purposively selected sentinel sites (representative of livelihood zones) during November–December 2003 and May–June 2004. The NRVA gathered information nationally from households selected with a two-stage sampling (based on livelihood zone and then socioeconomic group) during July–September 2004. Results Acute malnutrition is below emergency levels for children under five. The level of chronic malnutrition in children under five indicates a problem of public health importance. Dietary diversity in Afghanistan is not as low as expected but still shows room for improvement, particularly in remote areas and with respect to food groups associated with adequate micronutrient intake. The findings also suggest that in addition to lack of adequate household food intake, recurrent illness and suboptimal infant and young child feeding and hygiene practices contribute to poor nutritional outcomes in this age group. The survey also found poor access to health care, markets, and water for household use. Conclusions Improving nutritional status requires a multipronged approach, directly targeting malnutrition, coupled with economic growth, household livelihood security, social protection, access to public health services, and water and sanitation. Nutrition policy, programming, and monitoring need to reflect the immediate and underlying causes of malnutrition. Future research needs to be designed to quantify the relative contribution of underlying causes of poor nutrition, allowing practitioners to prioritize responses aimed at improving nutritional outcomes.
Effects of Various Iron Fortificants on Sensory Acceptability and Shelf-Life Stability of Instant Noodles
Authors: Kongkachuichai Ratchanee , Kounhawej Arunwadee , Chavasit Visith , Charoensiri Rin 
Published: November 2015

Background Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common nutritional problem in Thailand and many developing countries. One of the most sustainable and cost-effective strategies for combating iron deficiency is fortification of staple foods with iron. Objective In this study, the feasibility of fortifying instant noodles with different forms of iron fortificants (ferrous sulfate [FS], ferric sodium ethylenediamine- tetraacetic acid [NaFeEDTA], and encapsulated H- reduced elemental iron [EEI] was evaluated, and the fortified noodles were compared with unfortified noodles for changes in physical, chemical, and sensory qualities. Methods Wheat flour used to make instant noodles was fortified to produce a concentration of 5 mg of iron per 50-g serving of instant noodles (one-third of the Thai recommended dietary intake). Results Analytical data showed that the iron contents were close to 5 mg per serving of noodles fortified with FS, NaFeEDTA, or EEI (5.27 ± 0.10, 4.27 ± 0.07, and 5.26 ± 0.47 mg, respectively). The color quality (measured by L*, lightness, and b*, yellowness) of the raw dough sheet and of uncooked and cooked instant noodles fortified with FS was lower than that of the unfortified, but color quality was not changed by the addition of NaFeEDTA. The overall sensory acceptability scores of unfortified and fortified noodles were about 6 (“like slightly”). No metallic odor was observed. During 3 months of storage at room temperature, the iron fortificants did not affect the peroxide level, color, or sensory qualities of the product. Conclusions Iron fortification of wheat flour used to make instant noodles is feasible. NaFeEDTA is the preferred fortificant because of its nonsignificant effect on the color and sensory quality of the products.
Home Fortification in Emergency Response and Transition Programming: Experiences in Aceh and Nias, Indonesia
Authors: de Pee Saskia , Moench-Pfanner Regina , Martini Elviyanti , Zlotkin Stanley H. , Darnton-Hill Ian , Bloem Martin W. 
Published: November 2015

Background Improving the nutritional status of an emergency-affected population is essential, because undernutrition increases infection risk and is linked to more than 50% of childhood deaths in developing coun- tries. Emergency food aid addresses nutritional needs, including micronutrient deficiencies, but is provided only for a limited time and uses few items, so the needs of specific target groups are often not fully met. Objective To describe the post-tsunami experience with distribution of Vitalita Sprinkles in Aceh and Nias and to analyze the monitoring data gathered for the emergency response. Methods International agencies such as Helen Keller International and partners provided micronutrients in response to the tsunami emergency in Aceh and Nias and to analyze the monitoring data gathered for the emergency response. Results In March and April 2006, the percentage of children aged 6 months to 59 months who had consumed Vitalita in the previous month was more than 70% in 5 of 11 districts evaluated, 40% to 70% in another five districts, and 32% in one district. An independent survey found 25% less anemia among recipients. Almost all mothers interviewed during March to April 2006 (96.3%) had heard about Vitalita and recognized its packaging, 69% said that Vitalita contained vitamins for under-fives, 86% knew the appropriate target group for Vitalita, and 83% said it had to be mixed with solid food. Of the 26% that reported not having given Vitalita to their child in the last month, 90.5% said that their child did not like it. Conclusions and lessons learned Because the prod- uct, including its concept, was new, appropriate infor- mation and training was required as well as a thorough introduction to the beneficiaries, particularly on proper use, to ensure acceptance. This experience demonstrates that providing micronutrients as part of emergency relief and transition programming, as recently recommended by the World Health Organization/UNICEF/World Food Program, is feasible.
In Vitro Bioavailability of Iron and Sensory Qualities of Iron-Fortified Wheat Biscuits
Authors: Govindaraj Thara , KrishnaRau Leelavathi , Prakash Jamuna 
Published: November 2015

Background Because biscuits are a popular snack item and are consumed frequently by the younger population, fortification of biscuits with iron can be beneficial in preventing iron-deficiency anemia, which is widely prevalent in developing countries. Objective To determine the bioavailability of iron from biscuits fortified with either ferrous sulfate or sodium iron ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (NaFeEDTA) equivalent to 8.8 mg of iron per 100 g of flour in combination with either citric and tartaric acids at 60, 80, or 100 mg/100 g levels. Methods The study involved analysis of physical characteristics, total and ionizable iron of biscuits, and sensory qualities. The ionizable iron value was used to calculate bioavailable iron. The biscuits were evaluated for sensory attributes by 30 panelists with the help of a scorecard specially developed for biscuits. Results The amount of bioavailable iron in biscuits increased over that in controls by about 27% after the addition of ferrous sulfate and 83.8% after the addition of NaFeEDTA. The addition of citric acid (80 mg/100 g) along with ferrous sulfate increased bioavailability by about 104% over that in controls. The maximum increase was seen on addition of tartaric acid (100 mg/100 g). The amount of bioavailable iron increased by 117% after the addition of NaFeEDTA with 80 mg/100 g of citric acid and by 338% after the addition of NaFeEDTA with 100 mg/100 g of tartaric acid. Sensory evaluation tests indicated that NaFeEDTA-fortified biscuits were more acceptable than ferrous sulfate–fortified biscuits and that biscuits fortified with NaFeEDTA along with tartaric acid were similar to control biscuits in all sensory attributes. Conclusions From both the subjective and the objective evaluation of biscuits, it can be concluded that the addition of NaFeEDTA along with either citric acid (80 mg/100 g) or tartaric acid (100 mg/100 g) results in improved iron bioavailability with an organoleptically acceptable product.
Health, Livelihoods, and Nutrition in Low-Income Rural Systems
Authors: Joffe Michael 
Published: November 2015

Background Absolute poverty remains a major challenge: the proportion of the world population living with hunger, food insecurity, and undernutrition has fallen, but the absolute number remains stubbornly large. An even larger number of people have enough to eat but suffer from severe micronutrient deficiencies. Objectives To provide a conceptual framework showing the interdependence of hunger and poverty with ill health among the rural poor. Methods Review of the relevant health, nutrition, agriculture, and economics literature and organization of the findings into a systems framework. Results Economic growth is not a sufficient answer to rural poverty. The predicament of poor households can be represented in terms of a self-reinforcing cycle involving nutrition, health, and productivity. The degree of poverty limits the quantity and quality of food intake. Macro- and micronutrient deficiencies interfere with child growth and development and impair immune function, resulting in a predisposition to infectious diseases. Health status strongly influences the quantity and quality of labor and achieved educational status. The high risk of child mortality prevents households from going through the demographic transition to smaller families and better-educated children. The death of a working adult may be catastrophic for the household. This self-reinforcing cycle means that the beneficial effects of an intervention are propagated around the cycle, potentiating its impact. Each main element—nutrition, health, and productivity—also has numerous other determinants and can be influenced by interventions. Interventions that increase the carrying capacity of the household's environment are likely to be more sustainable than “technical fixes,” such as lifesaving medical treatment. Conclusions The self-reinforcing cycle is likely to be self-perpetuating without outside intervention. For any rural area where poverty reduction is planned, the key bottlenecks need to be identified. This can be done by using a causal diagram, as described in this paper.
Use of Serum Zinc Concentration as an Indicator of Population Zinc Status
Authors: Hess Sonja Y. , Peerson Janet M. , King Janet C. , Brown Kenneth H. 
Published: November 2015

Assessing the prevalence and severity of zinc deficiency in populations is critical to determine the need for and appropriate targeting of zinc intervention programs and to assess their effectiveness for improving the health and well-being of high-risk populations. However, there is very little information on the zinc status of populations worldwide due to the lack of consensus on appropriate biochemical indicators of zinc status. The objective of this review was to evaluate the use of serum zinc concentration as an indicator of population zinc status. We have reviewed the response of serum zinc concentration to dietary zinc restriction and zinc supplementation. In addition, we completed pooled analyses of nine zinc intervention trials in young children to assess the relations between serum zinc concentration of individuals before treatment and their responses to zinc supplementation. Also, in updated combined analyses of previously published data, we investigated the relation between the mean initial serum zinc concentration of a study population and their mean growth responses to zinc supplementation in randomized intervention trials among children. The results from depletion/repletion studies indicate that serum zinc concentrations respond appreciably to severe dietary zinc restriction, although there is considerable interindividual variation in these responses. There is also clear evidence that both individual and population mean serum zinc concentrations increase consistently during zinc supplementation, regardless of the initial level of serum zinc concentration. By contrast, an individual's serum zinc concentration does not reliably predict that person's response to zinc supplementation. Serum zinc concentration can be considered a useful biomarker of a population's risk of zinc deficiency and response to zinc interventions, although it may not be a reliable indicator of individual zinc status.
Integrating Nutrition Security with Treatment of People Living with HIV: Lessons from Kenya
Authors: Byron Elizabeth , Gillespie Stuart , Nangami Mabel 
Published: November 2015

Background The increased caloric requirements of HIV-positive individuals, undesirable side effects of treatment that may be worsened by malnutrition (but alleviated by nutritional support), and associated declines in adherence and possible increased drug resistance are all justifications for developing better interventions to strengthen the nutrition security of individuals receiving antiretroviral treatment. Objective To highlight key benefits and challenges relating to interventions aimed at strengthening the nutrition security of people living with HIV who are receiving antiretroviral treatment. Methods Qualitative research was undertaken on a short-term nutrition intervention linked to the provision of free antiretroviral treatment for people living with HIV in western Kenya in late 2005 and early 2006. Results Patients enrolled in the food program while on treatment regimens self-reported greater adherence to their medication, fewer side effects, and a greater ability to satisfy increased appetite. Most clients self-reported weight gain, recovery of physical strength, and the resumption of labor activities while enrolled in dual (food supplementation and treatment) programs. Such improvements were seen to catalyze increased support from family and community. Conclusions These findings provide further empirical support to calls for a more holistic and comprehensive response to the coexistence of AIDS epidemics with chronic nutrition insecurity. Future work is needed to clarify ways of bridging the gap between short-term nutritional support to individuals and longer-term livelihood security programming for communities affected by AIDS. Such interdisciplinary research will need to be matched by intersectoral action on the part of the agriculture and health sectors in such environments.