scholarly journals Methods and Outcomes of an Assessment of Foods Available to the Nigerian Population That Are Compliant with the Mandatory National Vitamin A Fortification Standards

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 849-849
Author(s):  
Svenja Jungjohann ◽  
Ekene Onyeagba ◽  
Adeyemi Opeoluwa ◽  
Charles Nwachukwu ◽  
Michael Ojo ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives The fortification program in the Nigeria can only be effective if the food brands consumed by most of the population comply with the vitamin A fortification standards. We conducted two market assessments designed to, (1) quantify the fortification quality (extent to which levels of fortification align with food standards) of key food brands, (2) establish the degree of food brand penetration into Nigerian markets, and (3) estimate the market share weighted availability of fortified oil, margarine, & sugar in Nigeria. Methods We visited 3500 retail outlets across zones in Nigeria to ascertain oil, margarine & sugar availability and volumes sold. In parallel, government regulators collected 10 samples from different batches of the main packaged food brands across 20 market hubs. The vitamin A content was quantified using HPLC, the average content by brand computed, and compared to the national fortification standards considering labs’ measurement uncertainties. The brand level results were weighted using the availability and market volume data to estimate fortified food coverage in the country and the proportion of the fortified food volume. Results We found 98% of margarine, 86% of oil and 85% of sugar available in Nigeria to be fortified with vitamin A. In comparison, 96%, 71% and 87% of all brands analyzed, respectively were fortified. The main 3 margarine brands (of 56) make up 90% of the margarine market and are fortified according to standard (min. 7.5 mg/kg). The main 3 oil brands (of 145) represent 75% of the oil market and are also fortified to standard (min. 6 mg/kg). The main 3 sugar brands (of 39) making up 70% of the sugar market are fortified but below the standard minimum (7.8 mg/kg). The main 3 main brands are available across all 6 geographic zones, except for the second and third sugar brands that are available in 4–5 zones. Conclusions Focus on fortification quality improvements should be directed mainly to sugar fortification. Data on brand availability and penetration permits (a) focused performance monitoring towards brands and producers reaching most consumers and geographic areas at greatest need, (b) extrapolation of brand fortification quality to estimate epidemiologic risk and benefit in the population that can be linked to one food or across multiple food vehicles providing the same micronutrients. Funding Sources Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 182-182
Author(s):  
Reina Engle-Stone ◽  
Jody Miller ◽  
Ame Stormer ◽  
Dolly Reario ◽  
Mario Capanzana ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives We aimed to develop and validate a tool to estimate vitamin A (VA) intake and identify children at risk of intake above the tolerable upper intake level (UL). Methods We developed, pilot-tested, and refined a screening tool to estimate VA intake among Filipino children 12–18 mo of age. Data were entered into tablets with pre-loaded food composition data to calculate VA intake immediately. The screening tool was used to identify children likely to have “adequate” (one group: 200–500 µg retinol activity equivalents, RAE/d) or “high” (two groups: >600 µg retinol/d) intake. Interviewers administered four 24-h recalls, one 12-h observed weighed record with 12-h recall, and a 30-d supplement questionnaire. Breastmilk intake and VA concentration were measured among breastfeeding children. We compared the screening tool and detailed dietary assessment (DDA) results for primary VA sources, group mean usual intake, and prevalence of intakes above the UL. Results Major VA sources were similar between methods: fortified milk powders, multivitamin supplements, and breastmilk; contributions from intervention programs (e.g., micronutrient powders, fortified staple foods) were low. Mean usual retinol intakes for the high groups (n = 47 and 39, respectively) were 1218 and 1313 µg/d by screening tool vs. 1096 and 931 by DDA; 70 and 77% had usual intake above 600 µg/d. In the adequate group (n = 37), mean total VA intake was 375 and 559 µg RAE/d by screening and DDA, respectively. Conclusions This screening tool provides a reasonably good rapid estimate of VA intake among Filipino children and can be useful for identifying groups with adequate to excessive intakes. Funding Sources Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1462-1462
Author(s):  
Jill Newman ◽  
Michael McBurney ◽  
Kelly Hunt ◽  
Angela Malek ◽  
Bernadette Marriott

Abstract Objectives In 2016, the United States (US) Food and Drug Administration updated the Daily Values (DVs) on the Nutrition Facts Label for packaged foods and beverages. Implementation of these changes is required by manufacturers in 2020–2021. This study modeled the possible impact of these changes on nutrient intake of children and teens from intrinsic and fortified food sources. Methods We used data from the 2009–2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) with the International Life Sciences Institute, North America Fortification Database, which identifies intrinsic, enriched, and fortified sources of nutrients in foods and beverages. In our sample of 5155 children and teens aged 4–18 yrs, we determined the usual intake (UI), % UI < the Estimated Average Requirement (% <EAR), and % ≥the Tolerable Upper Limit (% ≥ UL) based on the current DVs. We modeled estimated UI, % <EAR and % ≥ UL using the updated DVs for 10 micronutrients with the assumption that fortified food products will be reformatted to maintain current % DV claims. UI was based on two 24-hr recalls. Results Comparison of models of the current versus updated DVs overall, demonstrated increases in the UI for vitamins C, D and calcium; a decrease for vitamins A and B12; slight decreases for niacin, zinc and vitamin B6; and little change for thiamin and riboflavin. Conversely, the % <EAR increased for vitamins A, B6, B12 and zinc; slightly increased for thiamin, riboflavin and niacin; and decreased for calcium, vitamins C and D. The % ≥ UL decreased for zinc (20%), niacin (38%) and vitamin A (65%) and remained unchanged for other nutrients studied. Modeling of the % <EAR indicated that teens 14–18 yrs could be severely deficient in vitamins A, C and D. The updated DV helped mitigate this deficiency for vitamins C and D, but worsened it for vitamin A. Younger children (4–8 yrs) had the greatest impact in UI from the revised DV for vitamin C. Conclusions In 4–18 yr olds, our modeling predicts reductions in overall vitamin A intake, a recognized “shortfall nutrient”, with an especially large increase in % <EAR for teens 14–18 yrs. Teens at greatest risk are those currently dependent upon vitamin A fortified foods. Funding Sources This work was supported by the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI) North America Fortification Committee. ILSI North America is a public, nonprofit science foundation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1738-1738
Author(s):  
Alison Gernand ◽  
Yemane Berhane ◽  
Nita Bhandari ◽  
Ranadip Chowdhury ◽  
Fyezah Jehan ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Public health and clinical recommendations should be based on results from multiple studies, however trials often have outcomes that are not defined in the same way. This project aims to harmonize selected protocols, outcome definitions, and data analysis across five randomized trials of antenatal balanced energy-protein supplementation being conducted in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. Methods Harmonization efforts include a range of activities from reviewing detailed protocols, biospecimen collection plans, data dictionaries, and data analysis plans to proposing best practices and acceptable practices based on field limitations. Most studies have not begun or are early in enrollment, an ideal time frame to make changes. A two-day workshop of lead investigators, content experts and advisors will be held in late February, and harmonization activities will continue thereafter. Results All studies are examining anthropometry at birth as a primary outcome, however the timing of birth measurements (hours since birth) and types of measurements taken differ across trials. All studies are estimating gestational age by ultrasound measurements, but the gestational age at ultrasound differs (in part due to differences in timing of antenatal care by country) as well as the number of fetal biometry measures. Finally, stillbirth is a key outcome across trials, but initial definitions had slight differences that will now be harmonized. We are also able to add new, important maternal and child health outcomes to each trial that will have the same protocols from inception (e.g., microbiome). Conclusions Efforts thus far have resulted in communication between study investigators, consideration of improved protocols, and addition of new outcomes to collect across all sites. Further results are forthcoming after the February workshop, which will include documentation of how much definitions vary across studies and the challenges of standardization. We expect the harmonization process to improve overall reporting within each study and provide opportunities for better meta-analyses. Funding Sources The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 837-837
Author(s):  
Patricia Haggerty ◽  
Daniel Raiten

Abstract Objectives Background: In 2007 the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) collaborated to address concerns about the safety and efficacy of interventions to prevent and treat nutritional iron deficiency (NID) particularly in the context of malaria. The “Iron and Malaria Project” (IMP) addressed how iron might not be safe, iron assessment, and the value of interventions to address NID. This presentation will: Describe the novel approach used to achieve the IMP goals, describe the IMP accomplishments and impacts, and summarize lessons learned. Methods The IMP had: 1) Research Track: NICHD initiated 2 funding opportunity announcements resulting in 10 funded projects; 2) Translation Track: a) consultations with global stakeholders; b) risk: benefit analyses on the use of interventions to prevent and treat NID; c) a collaboration with the CDC to develop standards for a sTfR assay; d) the BOND project to harmonize the process for discovery, development and deployment of nutrient biomarkers; e) the INSPIRE project, a review of extant evidence on reciprocal relationships between nutrition and inflammation; and f) the BRINDA project, a collaboration with the CDC, GAIN, and WHO to study the impact of inflammation on interpretation of biomarkers of iron and other determinants of anemia and develop approaches to account for this interaction. Results Funded grants included 4 basic science projects exploring mechanisms to explain iron and malaria interactions and 6 clinical studies addressing various aspects of the iron malaria relationship. To date, 72 journal publications have resulted. Using the NIH Relative Citation Ratio metric, 2/3 have scientific influence scores ≥the 50th percentile of all NIH-funded research publications and 15 have scores ≥ the 90th percentile. Conclusions The IMP leveraged the attributes of this public-private partnership between BMGF and NICHD/NIH to accomplish its goals. The partnership's complementarity and synergy resulted in broad traction and collaboration with a global community invested in solving the challenges of iron and malaria. Funding Sources BMGF $9.3 million, NIH Office of Dietary Supplements $1.3 million.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 130-130
Author(s):  
Sumathi Swaminathan ◽  
Sumithra Selvam ◽  
Agnita Narendra ◽  
Tinku Thomas ◽  
Anil Vasudevan ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Vitamin A requirements in early infancy are met only by breast milk intake. It is critical to ensure adequate breast milk vitamin A levels which also helps develop liver stores. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of a maternal food-based intervention on breast milk vitamin A content Methods Pregnant women (n = 50; 24 ± 1 week of gestation) were recruited for the randomized study. A 10 g of a green leafy vegetable powder (mint/coriander/curry) providing about 3200 μg β-carotene/day, for a period of 4 months up to 1 month of lactation were provided for intervention arm. Breast milk (BM) retinol concentration and BM volume were assessed. BM retinol and beta-carotene were assayed by HPLC and BM fat by creamatocrit method. BM retinol: fat ratio was calculated. The dose-to-mother deuterium dilution technique was used to estimate BM volume through enrichment of saliva measured by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Total BM retinol content was calculated from BM volume and the BM retinol (including beta-carotene:1 vitamin A RAE = 12 μg β-carotene). Inadequacy of intake was defined as proportion of infants with intake below a requirement of 400 μg RAE/day. Analysis of co-variance was performed after adjusting for age of mother, change in maternal blood retinol from baseline and BM fat, to compare outcomes between intervention and control arm. Results Maternal age, gestational age, socio-demographic characteristics and baseline vitamin A intake were comparable in both arms. Mean BM volume was similar in the 2 arms (676 ± 102 in intervention vs 630 ± 100 ml/day in control). BM retinol content (0.72 ± 0.12 vs 0.64 ± 0.11 μg/mL; P = 0.029) and BM retinol: fat ratio [0.41 (0.31, 0.47) vs 0.29 (0.21, 0.41), P = 0.011] were significantly higher in the intervention arm. The mean total BM retinol content was significantly higher in the intervention (482.2 ± 100.7 vs 406.5 ± 89.2 μg/day; P = 0.015; Cohen's effect size 0.80). Inadequacy of infant vitamin A intake was 14.3% in the intervention arm as against 39.1% in the control arm (P = 0.065). Conclusions The food-based intervention was effective in increasing vitamin A content in breast milk and thereby vitamin A intake in infants. Funding Sources International Atomic Energy Agency.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1833-1833
Author(s):  
Nicolai Petry ◽  
James Wirth ◽  
Valerie Friesen ◽  
Fabian Rohner ◽  
Arcade Nkundineza ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Biofortification is a promising approach to increase micronutrient intakes, especially among populations that are hard to reach with other interventions. Information on the coverage of biofortified foods is needed to ascertain potential for impact, understand program performance, and identify bottlenecks. In this study, we aimed to develop and test methods and indicators for assessing household coverage of biofortified foods. Methods We developed five recall-based indicators of household coverage to assess biofortification programs building on approaches previously used to assess targeted and large-scale food fortification programs. These were: 1) consumption of the food; 2) awareness of the biofortified food; 3) availability of the biofortified food; 4) consumption of the biofortified food (ever); and 5) consumption of the biofortified food (current). We tested these indicators in a cross-sectional, cluster, household survey in 20 rural and five peri-urban areas in Musanze, Rwanda where two biofortification programs, i.e., biofortified beans and orange fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP), were implemented. Results Among the 242 households surveyed, consumption of beans and sweet potatoes was high (99% and 96%, respectively) while awareness of biofortified beans or OFSP was 66% and 49%, respectively, and availability was 24% and 11%, respectively. Overall, 15% and 11% of households had ever consumed biofortified beans and OFSP, respectively, and 10% and 2% of households were currently consuming them, respectively. The major bottlenecks to coverage were awareness and availability of the biofortified foods. Conclusions The proposed methods and indicators fill a gap in the availability of tools to assess biofortification program coverage and the results of the survey highlight their utility for assessing program performance and identifying bottlenecks. Further testing is warranted to confirm the generalizability of the coverage indicators and inform their operationalization when deployed in different contexts. Funding Sources Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1778-1778
Author(s):  
Keri Barron ◽  
Natalia Krupenko

Abstract Objectives To determine how low and high folic acid (FA) intake, combined with either low or high-fat diets, affects other vitamins in mouse liver and plasma. Methods C57BL/6NHsd mice were placed on one of six diets at weaning and maintained for 16 weeks. The diets varied in their fat content and FA levels: low fat (14% kcal from fat) vs high fat (58% kcal from fat) with 3 different FA levels- 0 ppm FA (FD), 2 ppm FA (Ctrl), 12 ppm (FS). Diets were matched for all other vitamins and minerals. Untargeted metabolomics analysis of plasma and snap-frozen liver samples was conducted at Metabolon®. Results In liver, excess dietary folic acid on a low-fat diet resulted in significantly increased levels of pantothenate, α-tocopherol, FA and several folate metabolites. When FA was over-supplemented in combination with a high fat (HF) diet, α-tocopherol was increased along with several nicotinate and pantothenate metabolites. Interestingly, the HF-FD and -FS diets demonstrated similar effects. These diets resulted in significantly decreased levels of riboflavin, thiamine, vitamin A, and vitamin B6 metabolites while increasing levels of pantetheine metabolites. In plasma, fewer changes with significant differences were observed when mice were fed HF diets. Several nicotinate metabolites were significantly elevated due to the FD diet with no change due to FS. Additionally, there were no changes in pantothenate or riboflavin in the plasma. Interestingly, the HF- FD and -FS diets induced similar responses but in opposite directions in plasma vs liver. The plasma levels of thiamine, vitamin A, and vitamin B6 metabolites were all significantly increased due to both low and high FA, whereas in the liver they were decreased. Additionally, no changes in α-tocopherol were seen in plasma, but the HF-FD diet raised γ/β-tocopherol levels over 2-fold despite equal amounts of vitamin E among all diets. Conclusions Untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed that diets with too high or too low folate affect other vitamins both in liver and plasma. These effects were further modulated by dietary fat levels. The HF-FD and -FS diets had significant impact on vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9 and E, along with their related derivatives, which may have serious implications for multiple metabolic pathways. Funding Sources NIH.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Venkatesh Mannar ◽  
Levente Diosady

Abstract Objectives To develop a quadruple fortified salt(QFS) formulation that provides100 + % of RDA for iodine and vitamin B12 and 30–50% of RDA for iron and folic acid in forms that are organoleptically stable, bioavailable and acceptable to consumers Methods Iodine was sprayed onto salt as an aqueous solution of potassium iodate. Iron was admixed as a solid premix, which was colour masked with TiO2 and encapsulated in soy stearine to provide a water-impervious coating. The iron core was made of ferrous fumarate, which was agglomerated to an average size matching salt grain, i.e., 300–500 µm. Folic acid and vitamin B12 were added either in the iodate spray solution or in the solid iron premix. The premixes and salt were stored at 25, 35 and 45°C at 65% RH for up to a year. The loss of iodine, folic acid and vitamin B12 were monitored. An optimized formulation was tested on the pilot scale at JVS Foods Pvt, Jaipur, India. Results Folic acid can be stabilized in the iodine spray solution, and triple fortified salt containing iodine, folic acid and encapsulated ferrous fumarate retained >90% of both the added iodine and folic acid for 6 months. Stable QFS was made by incorporating vitamin B12 in the solid iron premix at a 1:200 ratio. The process was scaled up to produce some 25 kg of iron and B12premix, sufficient for 5 tons of salt, or 500,000 daily doses of salt. Organoleptic testing of Indian meals produced with quadruple fortified salt were found to be acceptable by a consumer panel at the University of Delhi. Conclusions Stable quadruple fortified salt that can provide up to 50% of RDA of folic acid and iron and 100 + % of RDA of vitamin B12 and iodine has been developed. The product was pilot tested and had high consumer acceptability. The formulation could reduce the incidence of maternal and infant mortality at a cost of less than 20¢/annum. Funding Sources This research was funded by Grand Challenges Canada through the Saving Lives at Birth program, and by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Di Wu ◽  
Jiang Shu ◽  
Camila Braga Pereira ◽  
Juan Cui ◽  
Jiri Adamec ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Exosomes are natural nanoparticles that participate in cell-to-cell communication by transferring regulatory molecules such as microRNAs from donor cells to recipient cells. Previously, we have demonstrated that exosomes and microRNAs are not exclusively obtained from endogenous synthesis but may also be absorbed from milk. We assessed whether 1) exosomes contain mRNAs (i.e., RNAs other than microRNAs), 2) mRNAs are bioavailable in mice, and 3) bovine mRNAs are translated into peptides. Methods For mRNA analysis, exosomes were isolated from bovine milk using differential ultracentrifugation, and RNA cargos were analyzed by RNA-sequencing. For bioavailability analysis, a synthetic fragment of fluorophore (IRDye)-labeled bovine CSN3 mRNA was transfected into bovine milk exosomes, which were administered to Balb/c mice by oral gavage. Tissues distribution of CSN3 mRNA was assessed 24 h after gavage by using a LiCor Odyssey CLx imager. For analysis of mRNA translation, mRNA from bovine milk exosomes were translated using the rabbit reticulocyte lysate system and BODIPY-labeled lysine. Peptides were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and fluorescence was visualized using a Typhoon FLA 7000 scanner. Statistical analysis, NA. Results We detected > 3600 bovine mRNAs in exosomes. Most mRNAs were truncated; 107 mRNAs contained their natural ATG start codons. Thirteen of these mRNAs, including CSN3, encoded bovine proteins and peptides with amino acid sequences distinct from those in human and murine orthologs (Table 1). Mice absorbed CSN3 mRNA encapsulated in milk exosomes, which accumulated primarily in the liver (Fig. 1). Nine bovine peptide spots were detected by two-dimensional electrophoresis (Fig. 2). Conclusions Bovine milk exosomes contain mRNAs which are bioavailable and translated into peptides in non-bovine systems. We speculate that food mRNAs might play a role in food allergies and immune tolerance. Future studies: Identification of peptides by LC/MS-MS is in progress. We will assess the relevance of mRNA translation for allergies and tolerance in animal models. Funding Sources NIFA, NIH, Gates Foundation, PureTech, Inc. and USDA Hatch and Multistate. J.Z. is a consultant for PureTech. Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Hambidge ◽  
Carla Bann ◽  
Elizabeth McClure ◽  
Jamie Westcott ◽  
Ana Garces ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Determine if maternal characteristics modified newborn anthropometric outcomes in the WF trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01883193). Methods Secondary analysis included combined data for all 1465 maternal infant dyads in WF sites in Guatemala, India, and Pakistan who had 1st trimester ultrasounds and newborn anthropometry with the three WF arms maintained: Arm 1 commenced a comprehensive nutrition supplement ≥3 months prior to conception; Arm 2 commenced the same supplement in the 1st trimester, and Arm 3 received no trial supplements. Maternal characteristics included were: baseline, BMI, hemoglobin, age, education, SES, and parity plus newborn sex. Newborn outcomes were Z-scores for length (LAZ), weight (WAZ), and weight-to-length ratio (WLRZ). Mixed effect regression models were fit for each outcome, including treatment arm, effect modifier, and treatment arm x effect modifier interaction as predictors and controlling for study site, maternal characteristics, and newborn sex. Results Parity, anemia and newborn sex were significant effect modifiers favoring para 0 vs para ≥1, anemia vs non anemia, and newborn male vs female. Effect of Arm 1 vs 3 was significantly larger for para 0 vs ≥1 women on length and weight (Table). Arm 2 vs 3 was not associated with improvements for para 0 in weight (P = 0.273) or WLRZ (P = 0.710). Arms 1 and 2 (vs 3) were associated with significantly higher length, weight, and WLRZ for anemic women. For parity and anemia, effect sizes for Arm 1 were greater than for Arm 2 for WAZ and WLZ (P < 0.05), but not LAZ. Arm 1 and 2 were associated with significantly higher weight and WLRZ for male vs female newborn. Conclusions In diverse low resource populations, impaired fetal growth (weight and length) is substantially improved in nulliparous and in anemic women but minimally or not at all in parous and in non-anemic women. Correction of weight decrements is most pronounced with improvement in maternal nutrition commencing prior to conception. Funding Sources Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; NIH, NICHD and ODS. Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document