bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
School-Based Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation for Adolescent Girls: Findings from Manica Province, Mozambique
Authors: Horjus Peter , Aguayo Victor M. , Roley Julie A. , Pene Maurício C. , Meershoek Stephan P. 
Published: November 2015

Background The 1997 Demographic and Health Survey in Mozambique shows that 47% of girls 15 to 19 years old living in Manica province (west-central Mozambique) are pregnant or have already had a child. A recent survey also shows that 45% of girls 10 to 18 years old attending school are anemic. Strategies are needed to build iron stores before pregnancy and to control seasonal and chronic iron deficiency and anemia in school-aged girls. Objective To assess the program effectiveness of two school-based weekly iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation regimes (5-month supplementation vs. 8-month supplementation) in girls 10 to 18 years old attending school in Manica province. Methods Twelve schools were included in the study. Schools were ordered by descending mean hemoglobin concentration, and assigned alternately to study group 5 (six schools; 5-month supplementation) or study group 8 (six schools; 8-month supplementation). In both study groups, the weekly supplement contained 60 mg of elemental iron and 400 μg of folic acid. All girls received a single dose of mebendazol (500 mg) twice—once at the beginning of the study (T0) and once six months later (T6). Supplementation was implemented and supervised by the teachers of the schools included in the study. Between T0 and T3, girls in study group 8 received IFA supplements weekly whereas girls in study group 5 did not. Between T3 and T8, all girls in both groups received weekly IFA supplements. Results At T0, mean hemoglobin concentration and anemia prevalence were comparable in study groups 8 and 5 (125.3 ± 12.6 g/L vs. 123.8 ± 12.8 g/L; 28% vs. 29%, respectively). At T3, the mean hemoglobin concentration in study group 8 was significantly higher (126.3 ± 14.3 g/L vs. 121.5 g/dL ± 11.9 g/L p < .001) and the prevalence of anemia was lower (28% vs. 35%, p = .076) than in study group 5. At T8, after an additional 5-month supplementation period in both study groups, mean hemoglobin concentration and anemia prevalence in study groups 8 and 5 were not significantly different (126.5 ± 12.6 g/L vs. 124.9 ± 12.3 g/L; 23% vs. 27%, respectively). Conclusion In Manica Province, school-based weekly IFA supplementation is a feasible and effective intervention to prevent seasonal drops in hemoglobin concentration and increases in anemia prevalence. Short supplementation periods can have an important impact on girls' hematological status. However, the size of girls' hematological response in this study was significantly lower that that observed in studies with similar population groups, initial anemia prevalence, supplement dosing, and/or supplementation regime.
Development of Weaning Food from Sorghum Supplemented with Legumes and Oil Seeds
Authors: Asma M. Ali , El Fadil E. Babiker , El Tinay Abdullahi H. 
Published: November 2015

Background The development of low-cost, high-protein food supplements for weaning infants from local and readily available raw materials is a constant challenge for developing countries. Objective To formulate, develop, and assess the nutritive value, acceptability, and keeping quality of sorghum-based staple dried flakes as instant weaning foods. Methods Weaning blends composed of 42% sorghum supplemented with 20% legumes, 10% oil seeds, and 28% additives (sugar, oil, skim milk powder, and vanillin) were prepared according to FAO/WHO/UNU recommendations and processed in a twin-roller drum dryer. The effects of fermentation and of the addition of malt on the nutritive value and functional properties of the blends were investigated. Results The blends were found to contain 16.6% to 19.3% protein, 68.7% to 72.7% carbohydrate, 0.9% to 1.3% fiber, and 405.8 to 413.2 kcal of energy per 100 g. The iron content of the blends ranged from 5.3 to 9.1 mg/100 g, and the calcium content ranged from 150 to 220 mg/100 g. All blends reconstituted well and formed a soft paste when stirred with hot or cold water. The water-holding capacity, wettability, and bulk density were within the ranges of corresponding values of commercial weaning foods. Sensory attributes, viscosity values, and in vitro digestibility varied among the blends, whereas lysing content improved considerably ( p ≤ .05) for all blends. All blends had similar keeping quality, with no signs of spoilage or development of off-flavors or colors after 10 months of storage. Most blends remained free of aflatoxins. Conclusions Legumes and oil seeds can be effectively used in sorghum-based weaning foods as an acceptable protein and mineral supplement.
Contribution of a Novel High-Density Micronutrient Condiment (HDMC) to Nutrient Adequacy of Home-Prepared Guatemalan Dishes
Authors: Orozco Mónica , Solomons Noel W. , Briend André 
Published: November 2015

Background The diet of low-income Guatemalan populations is mostly plant-based, deficient in some vitamins and minerals, and rich in antinutritional compounds that reduce the bioavailability of several micronutrients. Objective To describe the manner in which low-income Guatemalan women in rural and urban settings would prepare dishes for main meals using a high-density multimicronutrient condiment (HDMC) and to compare the nutrient density and contribution to the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of the dishes with and without added HDMC. Methods A sample of 30 women, 15 each from rural and urban households, were enrolled. The women were given 20 g of the HDMC and asked to prepare a dish at home, serve it to their families at a time of their own choosing, record the recipe and the amount of condiment added, and report these facts to an interviewer on the following day. The nutrient content of each dish was calculated from food-composition table values for raw, whole ingredients and the package label values for the HDMC. Results For all dishes combined, the HDMC provided on average 78% of the total vitamins. The proportion of the total vitamins provided by the HDMC varied greatly among different dishes. Typically a single serving of a dish without added HDMC provided less than half of the RDA (vitamin B12 and folate) for children and adult women. The midday meal is the most important meal of the day and should provide at least half of the RDA of all essential nutrients. With the HDMC added, the dishes on average provided 2 to 10 times the RDA for nutrients such as vitamins B6 and C and niacin in the reference children, and just satisfied the RDA intake for corresponding nutrients in adult women. Conclusions The proportion of the RDAs of micronutrients provided by this novel, micronutrient-rich condiment varies over a wide range, depending on idiosyncrasies of recipe ingredients, amounts of condiment added, individuals served, and age- and physiology-dependent requirements. HDMCs could provide an efficient way to deliver essential micronutrients to vulnerable populations.
Efficacy and Effectiveness of Community-Based Treatment of Severe Malnutrition
Authors: Ashworth Ann 
Published: November 2015

Background There is a long tradition of community-based rehabilitation for treatment of severe malnutrition: the question is whether it is effective and whether it should be advised for routine health systems. Objective To examine the effectiveness of rehabilitating severely malnourished children in the community in nonemergency situations. Methods A literature search was conducted of community-based rehabilitation programs delivered by day-care nutrition centers, residential nutrition centers, primary health clinics, and domiciliary care with or without provision of food, for the period 1980–2005. Effectiveness was defined as mortality of less than 5% and an average weight gain of at least 5 g/kg/day. Results Thirty-three studies of community-based rehabilitation were examined and summarized. Eleven (33%) programs were considered effective. Of the sub-sample of programs reported since 1995, 8 of 13 (62%) were effective. None of the programs operating within routine health systems without external assistance was effective. Conclusions With careful planning and resources, all four delivery systems can be effective. It is unlikely that a single delivery system would suit all situations worldwide. The choice of a system depends on local factors. High energy intakes (> 150 kcal/kg/day), high protein intakes (4–6 g/kg/day), and provision of micronutrients are essential for success. When done well, rehabilitation at home with family foods is more cost-effective than inpatient care, but the cost effectiveness of ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF) versus family foods has not been studied. Where children have access to a functioning primary health-care system and can be monitored, the rehabilitation phase of treatment of severe malnutrition should take place in the community rather than in the hospital but only if caregivers can make energy- and protein-dense food mixtures or are given RUTF. For routine health services, the cost of RUTF, logistics of procurement and distribution, and sustainability need to be carefully considered.
Improvement of the Nutritional Quality of a Traditional Complementary Porridge Made of Fermented Yellow Maize (Zea Mays): Effect of Maize–Legume Combinations and Traditional Processing Methods
Authors: Ejigui Jeanne , Savoie Laurent , Marin Johanne , Desrosiers Thérèse 
Published: November 2015

Background Blends with a cereal–legume ratio of 70:30 have been introduced in many communities for use in the preparation of complementary foods with augmented protein quality. These foods should meet World Health Organization estimated energy and nutrient needs from complementary foods. Objective To increase energy and nutrient densities and nutrient availability in a traditional complementary porridge. Methods Yellow maize was processed by lactic acid fermentation. Peanuts (Arachis hypogea) and beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) were processed by germination, roasting, dehulling, and a combination of germination and roasting. Blends were prepared from processed peanuts and beans and cooked into porridges with viscosities less than 3,000 cp. Traditional porridge was the control and consisted of fermented yellow maize only. The porridges were analyzed for their physicochemical and nutritional properties. Results Blends increased energy and nutrient densities in porridges compared with the control (p < .05). The maize–peanuts combination yielded porridges with higher energy densities and improved nutritional quality compared with the maize–beans combinations. In vitro availability of iron did not change (p > .05) with formulation of the blends except for porridges made from maize and germinated peanuts, but there was a significant increase in zinc in vitro availability, whereas a decrease was observed for calcium in vitro availability. The energy densities of maize–peanuts porridges were sufficient to cover energy required from complementary foods for infants aged 6 to 11 months receiving four meals of complementary foods per day and an average amount of energy from breastmilk. Conclusions Maize-legume blends can efficiently improve the nutritional quality of traditional porridge. Peanuts are the best legume complements.
Iron-Deficiency Anemia among Children in Southwest Iran
Authors: Keikhaei Bijan , Zandian Khodamorad , Ghasemi Ali , Tabibi Ramin 
Published: November 2015

Background Iron deficiency is a major health problem worldwide and especially in developing countries. Iron-deficiency anemia has adverse effects on the development of children. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of iron-deficiency anemia in children under 5 years of age in southwest Iran. The study also sought to investigate the association between socioeconomic, demographic, cultural, and nutritional factors and iron-deficiency anemia in the selected area. Methods A randomized, cross-sectional study was performed of children 6 to 59 months of age living in urban and rural areas of Ahwaz District in Khuzestan Province. At eight randomly selected health centers, the children's height (or length) and weight were measured, and information on length and weight at birth was obtained from growth charts. Blood samples were taken from 337 randomly selected children. Results The results showed that 43.9% of the children had anemia and 29.1% iron-deficiency anemia. The highest prevalence of iron-deficiency anemia was in the 12- to 24-month age group. In the urban areas, infants 6 to 11 months of age had the highest prevalence of iron-deficiency anemia. Conclusions The high prevalence of iron-deficiency anemia among children in southwest Iran indicates a major nutrition and health problem.
Weeds or Useful Medicinal Plants in the Rural Home Garden?
Authors: Geldenhuys Coert J. 
Published: November 2015

Background Traditional medicines remain an important health-care service among African indigenous cultures. In South Africa, medicinal plant use (bark, roots, bulbs, and herbs) threatens biodiversity and the sustainability of this informal industry. Several realities have stimulated experimental and adaptive management research into cultivation of key high-demand medicinal plant species in and around the home gardens of poor rural communities for domestic use and for trade: declining supplies, localized extinctions, increasing market prices, and economic opportunities for commercializing traditional medicinal products. Objective and methods This paper reviews three recent South African studies aiming to create alternative medicinal plant resources to reduce dependency on the dwindling wild resources: commercial production of medicinal crop plants; chemistry of wild versus cultivated plants, and of bark versus leaves; and growing of forest tree seedlings in rural home gardens. Results Cultivation trials and chemical testing indicated that different agricultural treatments suit each species differently in terms of either rapid growth rates, strong chemical concentrations, or both. Wild-harvested plants of some species have stronger chemical concentrations than cultivated plants. For several tree species, the bark and leaves contain the same active components associated with healing. Conclusions Successful propagation is not dependent on elaborate and expensive equipment and technologies, but rather on some basic principles of plant growth and methods of manipulating these under controlled conditions. An alternative cultivation method for tree species is the production of leaves as opposed to bark. Cultivation could be done successfully at the school, in home gardens, and in production systems in the village.
Food-Coping Strategy Index Applied to a Community of Farm-Worker Households in South Africa
Authors: Kruger Rozanne , Schönfeldt Hettie Carina , Owen Johanna Hendriena 
Published: November 2015

Background In South Africa, households living in informal urban settlements, in rural areas, and on commercial farms experience various levels of dietary variety, food intake, and household hunger. Low incomes, poor food production and availability, and low spending power characterize these households. Households employ various food-coping strategies to alleviate food stress or poor food availability. Objective To apply an existing food-coping strategy (FCS) index to assess household hunger and its usefulness in identifying the level of food stress and the patterns of food coping in farm-worker households. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted. Data were gathered from women (18 to 57 years of age) responsible for food provision in a small farm-worker community in Fouriesburg, South Africa. A structured food-coping questionnaire and a standardized FCS index were used to gather data. Results The two most common FCS used were relying on cheaper food (chicken feet, diluted soya-mince soup) or less preferred food (meat bones) and employing food-seeking strategies (gathering wild foods), followed by consumption of seed stock (maize) and reduced portion sizes (protein foods and side dishes), resulting in starch-based diets of poor variety. Seasonal strategies varied according to the level of food stress experienced. Patterns of food coping were identified. Conclusions Negative FCS (limiting food choices, only consuming starchy staples) may cause poor health status. The FCS index was effectively used to assess farm-worker household food-coping behavior (early, clear signals of the level of food distress). These results could be used to allocate appropriate food aid (type of food) and to design nutrition education programs focused on positive FCS (food gathering or bartering) in a particular community to prevent suboptimal nutritional status.
Relationship between Paternal Involvement and Child Malnutrition in a Rural Area of Vietnam
Authors: Tran Bich Huu 
Published: November 2015

Background Malnutrition is a public health problem in Vietnam. Child health and the status of women have been targets for various health programs in the country. In general, reports in the literature suggest that care is positively correlated with positive nutritional status of children. In the household, the father is considered a resource for care. However, the role of paternal care in health programs has not received the attention it deserves. Objective To identify associations between the involvement of fathers in child care and housework and the nutritional status of children under 3 years of age. Methods This cross-sectional study was based on a random sample of 547 children under 3 years of age from intact families and their biological parents. The main outcome variable was child nutrition. Predictor variables represented two domains of father's involvement. Multivariable general linear modeling and multivariable logistic regression modeling were performed with the use of a combination of stepwise and hierarchical approaches in data analysis. Results The overall prevalence of underweight among children was 19.1%, and the prevalence of stunting was 14.4%. Children whose fathers did not bring them to a medical facility for immunization were about 1.7 times more likely to be underweight and stunted than those whose fathers did bring them for immunization after child's age, household economic status, and mother's education were controlled for. Father's involvement in housework was not found to be related to the prevalence of malnutrition. Conclusions Paternal involvement in child immunization should be encouraged by health-care providers who manage immunization programs.
A Global Nutritional Index
Authors: Rosenbloom Joshua I. , Kaluski Dorit Nitzan , Berry Elliot M. 
Published: November 2015

Background A standardized global nutritional index (GNI) would provide a single statistic for each country according to its overall level of nutrition, which could then guide national policies. Objectives and methods We have developed a GNI modeled on the human development index (HDI), based on three indicators of nutritional status: deficits, excess, and food security. Calculations were made within four groups of countries (GNI) (32 developed countries, 26 countries in transition, 64 low-mortality developing countries, and 70 high-mortality developing countries) as well as between them—the Global Nutrition Index World wide (GNIg). Results Complete data were available for 192 countries. The ranking of the highest and lowest countries in the four groups (with their GNIg values) is as follows: developed countries—Japan 1 (0.989), United States 99 (0.806); countries in transition—Estonia 10 (0.943), Tajikistan 173 (0.629); low-mortality developing countries—Republic of Korea 12 (0.939), Nauru 185 (0.565); high-mortality developing countries— Algeria 47 (0.876), Sierra Leone 192 (0.420). A “double burden,” in which nutrient deficits and excesses coexist in the same country, was seen in Mauritania (rank 139), South Africa (rank 146), Samoa (rank 157), Lesotho (rank 160), and Fiji (rank 169). The correlation between GNIg and HDI was intermediate (0.74, 55% of variance explained), demonstrating that good nutrition and development are not necessarily synonymous. Countries may be developed yet have a low GNIg (e. g., Australia, Canada, and the United States) and vice versa (e. g., Indonesia and China). Conclusions Since nutrition is fundamental to a nation's health and productivity, the GNI and GNIg should be used alongside the HDI to obtain an optimal index of a country's overall well-being.
Development of Field Test Kits for Determination of Microencapsulated Iron in Double-Fortified Salt
Authors: Yuan Jessica S. , Li Yao O. , Ue Judy W. , Wesley Annie S. , Diosady Levente L. 
Published: November 2015

Background Efficacy studies have shown that salt double-fortified with iodine and iron can significantly reduce the incidence rates of iron-deficiency anemia and iodine-deficiency disorders. Double-fortified salt can be prepared by mixing microencapsulated iron compounds into conventionally iodated salt. Effective implementation of a double fortification program requires field-based analytical methods to ensure iron levels in double-fortified salt. Objective To develop semiquantitative and qualitative field test kits by adopting standard analytical methods for iron determination to the analysis of iron in double-fortified salt. Methods Thermal, mechanical, and chemical strategies were assessed to enable contact between analytical reagents and the encapsulated iron compounds during the analysis. A chemical approach using nonpolar solvents was adopted in semiquantitative and qualitative field tests. The fat coating of the iron premix was removed by solvents, releasing the iron for subsequent colorimetric determination. Results Both semiquantitative and qualitative field tests were based on initial removal of the microencapsulant, followed by iron quantitation. Solvent dissolution of the coating layer was most useful for rapid release of iron. A semiquantitative field test kit was developed using a mixture of 5% heptane and 95% tetrachloroethylene to free the iron, which was then determined by the 1,10-phenanthroline method. The field test had a useful detection range of 0 to 2,000 ppm of iron. Statistical analyses revealed that the results obtained with the kit correlated well with those obtained by standard laboratory methods ( p < .001). A qualitative field test kit was developed to identify the presence of iron. Microencapsulated iron was freed with the use of tetrachloroethylene and then reacted with phenanthroline to form a visually observable coloration on the salt sample. Conclusion Semiquantitative and qualitative field test kits for iron determination in double-fortified salt have been developed and tested. These kits could be useful in quality control of double fortification of salt in small salt-production facilities and in the field, particularly in developing countries.