scholarly journals High prevalence of food taboos and dietary restrictions in lactating mothers from coastal districts of a south Indian state: a hospital based study

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 5907
Author(s):  
Vikram Kudumula ◽  
Krishna Prasad Maram ◽  
Bavana Nukala ◽  
Venkata Rama Rao Paturi
Keyword(s):  
Food Intake ◽  
Andhra Pradesh ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Adequate Nutrition ◽  
Food Items ◽  
Food Taboos ◽  
Dietary Restrictions ◽  
Lactating Mothers ◽  
Pregnancy And Lactation ◽  
Study Population

Background: Adequate nutrition during pregnancy and lactation is pivotal for wellbeing of newborn infants. However, presence of traditional beliefs and taboos associated with food intake during pregnancy and lactation could interfere with nutritional needs of growing infants resulting in a variety of nutritional disorders. Our objective was to study the prevalence of dietary restrictions and food taboos practiced by lactating women from five costal districts of the state of Andhra Pradesh, India.Methods:It was a descriptive and observational study, conducted between November 2020 to January 2021 at the Children’s Heart Institute, Andhra Hospitals, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. The study was conducted on mothers attending the out-patient clinic of pediatric cardiology department using convenient sampling technique. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect the data.Results: A total of 161 mothers have participated in the survey and, almost all of them (99.3%) have restricted one or more food item during lactation. Age of the mother, level of education and socio-economic status have no bearing on the prevalence of food restrictions and food taboos. Most commonly restricted food items include sweets, fruits, leafy vegetables, yogurt, some pulses, eggs and nuts. The concept of hot and cold food items is highly prevalent in the study population and lactating mothers have no knowledge of the nutritive value of the foods avoided/restricted.Conclusions:Food restrictions and taboos associated with food intake during post-partum period are widespread in our study population. Improving girl child education and campaigning through print and digital media are important tools in fighting against harmful traditional practices interfering with adequate nutrition during pregnancy and lactation. 

Environment and Food Taboos: Breastfeeding, Antenatal, and Postnatal Practices Among Koya Dora of East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 164-174
Author(s):  
Mopada Nani Babu ◽  
Rajesh Patnaik
Keyword(s):  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Andhra Pradesh ◽  
New Mothers ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Food Items ◽  
Food Taboos ◽  
Special Place ◽  
Mother's Milk ◽  
Mother’S Milk ◽  
Positive Health Outcomes

Food taboos are studied from varied perspectives. Breastfeeding, antenatal, and postnatal practices in most of the cultures have a special place: certain taboos are often attached to them. Breastfeeding has a plethora of positive health outcomes for infant and mother alike. Some of these practices are taboos, like abstention from feeding the newborn with mother’s milk immediately after birth or for some stipulated period. Or restrictions placed on would-be or new mothers from consumption of certain food items. This article shows that breastfeeding is natural, and its benefits accrue to the Koya Dora, while “antenatal” and “postnatal” food taboos are from outside. We conclude that Koya Dora breastfeed their children in harmony and as expected, while the food taboos do occur due to outside influences rather than as one expects would occur due to local cultural environmental reasons.

BODY WEIGHT AND FOOD CONSUMPTION OF LACTATING RATS: EFFECTS OF OVARIECTOMY AND OF ARREST AND RESUMPTION OF SUCKLING

1967 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 251-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. ÔTA ◽  
A. YOKOYAMA
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Food Intake ◽  
Food Consumption ◽  
Ovarian Function ◽  
Progressive Increase ◽  
Ovariectomized Rats ◽  
Milk Secretion ◽  
Lactating Mothers ◽  
Rate Of Increase ◽  
Pregnancy And Lactation

SUMMARY In order to assess the role of the suckling stimulus in the regulatory mechanism of body weight and food consumption of lactating rats, changes in body weight and food intake under various conditions were investigated. The results of the changes in food intake during the oestrous cycle, pregnancy and lactation, and after weaning were consistent with those reported by previous workers. The rate of increase in body weight was similar during dioestrus, early pregnancy, early lactation and after ovariectomy. Food consumption of mother rats was maintained at the lactating level for 24 hr. after the removal of suckling pups on the 12th day of lactation, then it rapidly decreased. Resumption of suckling by foster litters, 5 days after removal of the original litters, caused increase in body weight and food intake as well as the restoration of lactation in both normal and ovariectomized animals. The rate of increase in body weight arising from the resumption of suckling was similar to that observed in the ovariectomized rats that were not resuckled after removal of the litters. The increase in body weight in the resuckled rats was not necessarily associated with the enhanced food intake. In spite of vigorous suckling by pups, food intake of the resuckled animals did not show a progressive increase as in normal lactating mothers until the function of mammary glands was restored and sufficient milk was produced to increase the weight of the foster litters. After restoration of lactation food consumption of the resuckled mothers increased progressively, the increase being closely related to increased milk secretion. The greater food intake in the resuckled rats than in the non-resuckled animals, even before restoration of milk secretion, seems to indicate a direct stimulating effect of the suckling stimulus on appetite; consumption of energy associated with milk secretion is also considered to be one of the main factors in inducing the enhanced food intake in lactating rats. A further possibility that the suckling stimulus participates in the regulation of body weight and food consumption in lactating animals by changing the ovarian function is discussed.

Risk Assessment of Sulphite Exposure through Foods Among Adolescents of Delhi (India)

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (7) ◽  
pp. 685-693
Author(s):  
Arushi Jain ◽  
Pulkit Mathur
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Food Intake ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
Acceptable Daily Intake ◽  
Food Record ◽  
Government Schools ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
Food Items ◽  
Permissible Levels

Background: Sulphites added as preservatives in food have been associated with adverse health effects in humans. Objective: The present study was designed with an objective of assessing the risk of sulphite exposure through food in adolescents (12-16 years old) of Delhi, India. Methods: A total of 1030 adolescents selected from four private and four government schools of Delhi, were asked to record their food intake using a 24 hour food record, repeated on three days, for assessing exposure to sulphites. The risk was assessed using six different scenarios of exposure. Results: The actual intake for sulphites for average consumers was 0.15 ± 0.13 mg / kg b.w. / day which was 21.4% of acceptable daily intake (ADI). For high consumers (P95), it was 65% of the ADI. However, for 2 respondents, the actual intake exceeded the ADI. The major food contributors to sulphite intake were beverage concentrates (46%), ready to serve beverages (22%) followed by miscellaneous food items (16%), mainly ice creams and snowballs. Estimation of sulphite intake using different exposure scenarios revealed that for certain scenarios where the highest reported sulphite level or maximum permissible levels were considered for calculation, the high consumers exceeded the ADI, though, for average consumers, intake was well below the ADI. Conclusion: Actual intake of sulphite for average consumers was well below the ADI but for high consumers was approaching the ADI. People with sulphite sensitivity need to be aware of hidden food sources of sulphites.

scholarly journals Food-related taboos and misconceptions during pregnancy among rural communities of Illu Aba Bor zone, Southwest Ethiopia. A community based qualitative cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dereje Tsegaye ◽  
Dessalegn Tamiru ◽  
Tefera Belachew
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Birth Outcome ◽  
Fetal Head ◽  
Health Extension Workers ◽  
Traditional Beliefs ◽  
Southwest Ethiopia ◽  
Food Items ◽  
Food Taboos

Abstract Background Poor maternal nutrition adversely affects pregnancy and birth outcomes. In many societies, there are dietary restrictions due to misconceptions or food taboos during pregnancy which consequently results in the depletion of important nutrients. These cultural malpractices and beliefs can influence the dietary intake of pregnant women which subsequently affects the birth outcome. The study aimed at exploring the extent of food taboos and misconceptions during pregnancy in rural communities of Illu Aba Bor Zone, Southwest Ethiopia. Methods A qualitative study was conducted using an in-depth interviews of key informants and focus group discussions among purposively selected pregnant women and their husbands, health care workers, health extension workers, and elderly people. Data were transcribed verbatim, thematized; color-coded, and analyzed manually using the thematic framework method. Result Thorough reading and review of the transcripts generated three major themes. The primary theme was the belief and practice of taboos related to the intake of certain food items during pregnancy. Pregnant women, their husbands, and mothers-in-law believed that certain foods should be avoided during pregnancy. The second theme was foods that were held as taboo and the reason attached to it. The most common food items held as taboo were related to the consumption of vegetables like cabbage, pumpkin, milk and milk products, sugar cane, fruits like bananas and avocado and egg. The main reasons to avoid these foods were beliefs that it can be plastered on the fetal head, making fatty baby which is difficult for delivery. The third theme was the reasons underlying adherence to food taboos which is deeply embedded in the person’s believes and attitudes of the pregnant women, who were nested within the influence of the social environment surrounding them and the traditional beliefs and values of the society in general. Conclusions The results showed a widespread practice of food taboos during pregnancy in the study area. The finding suggested that there is a need for strengthening the nutrition counseling components of antenatal care follow-up and planning comprehensive nutrition education through involving important others to dispel such traditional beliefs and prevent food taboo practices in the study community.

scholarly journals Traditional food taboos and practices during pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and infant care of Zulu women in northern KwaZulu-Natal

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mmbulaheni Ramulondi ◽  
Helene de Wet ◽  
Nontuthuko Rosemary Ntuli
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Infant Care ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Traditional Food ◽  
Food Taboos ◽  
Pregnancy And Postpartum ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Postpartum Recovery

Abstract Background Traditional practices and beliefs influence and support the behavior of women during pregnancy and childbirth in different parts of the world. Not much research has been conducted to examine whether and how cultural traditions continue to shape maternity experiences of Zulu women. The aim of this study is to establish the extent at which women in certain rural communities adhere to traditional food taboos and practices during pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and infants feeding, in comparison to what is recommended by health care workers. Methods A survey was conducted in the rural northern KwaZulu-Natal between 2017 and 2020. A total of 140 women between the ages of 18 and 90 years were interviewed and they were chosen purposively based on their experiences in pregnancy, postpartum recovery, infant care, and their willingness to share the knowledge. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results Most (64%) of the participants said that they adhered to these cultural food taboos and practices. The most common foods avoided were certain fruits [mango, naartjie, orange, papaya, and peach], butternut, eggs, sweets (sugar, commercial juice, sweet food, and honey), chili, ice, and alcohol. The most recommended foods during pregnancy were leafy vegetables, fruits (except the avoided ones), liver, and fish. For postpartum recovery, women mostly consumed soft porridge, all fruits and vegetables, beetroot, and tea. Food not allowed for children younger than 2 years included meat, sugar and sweets, and chewable foods. Conclusion Differences on food taboos and practices between participants who received formal education and those who did not received it were insignificant. The beliefs about the detrimental effects of some foods were not backed up by scientific research. Restriction of some orange/yellow colored fruits during pregnancy that are rich in vitamin A and/or C may affect daily requirements of these micronutrients, and the foods recommended during pregnancy and postpartum period would not provide all the essential nutrients required for successful pregnancy. However, some of the food taboos would protect women from unhealthy eating. Our findings provide a basis for developing culturally appropriate nutritional mediation programs for Zulu women with a view to provide effective nutritional counseling.

The Winter Flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) in Long Pond, Conception Bay, Newfoundland

1971 ◽  
Vol 28 (8) ◽  
pp. 1153-1165 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. S. Kennedy ◽  
D. H. Steele
Keyword(s):  
Food Intake ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Plant Material ◽  
Early Growth ◽  
Winter Flounder ◽  
Pseudopleuronectes Americanus ◽  
Food Items ◽  
Fish Remains ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Conception Bay

Monthly samples of winter flounder taken in Long Pond from November 1962 to October 1963 indicated that the flounder moved into deeper water (7–10 m) during the summer and returned to shallow water (1–2 m) from September to June. These movements corresponded to the end of the spawning season and the ripening of the gonads respectively. Spawning occurred from March until early June, most of it in May and early June. Most males were mature at age 6 and most females at age 7. Fifty percent of the males and females were mature at 21 and 25 cm respectively. The growth rates of the males and females were similar until the age of 8, after which the females apparently outgrew the males. Early growth and fecundity were similar to those reported for other areas. No feeding took place in December or January but the flounder fed in March and continued to feed throughout the summer; food intake decreased in the fall. They were omnivorous and the type of food eaten varied with the locality. Polychaetes, plant material, and molluscs were the most common food items throughout the year. Capelin eggs and fish remains were found only during a few months of the year but were eaten in great quantities.

Limits to sustained energy intake

2001 ◽  
Vol 204 (11) ◽  
pp. 1947-1956 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. S. Johnson ◽  
S. C. Thomson ◽  
J. R. Speakman
Keyword(s):  
Food Intake ◽  
Energy Intake ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Resting Metabolic Rate ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Lower Mass ◽  
Daily Food Intake ◽  
Energy Demands ◽  
Daily Food ◽  
Pregnancy And Lactation

SUMMARYTo determine whether mice were limited in their capacity to absorb energy during late lactation, we attempted to increase the energy burden experienced by a group of female mice during late lactation by mating them at the postpartum oestrus, hence combining the energy demands of pregnancy and lactation. These experimental mice were therefore concurrently pregnant and lactating in their first lactation, and were followed through a normal second lactation. In a control group, females also underwent two lactations but sequentially, with the second mating after the first litter had been weaned. Maternal mass and food intake were measured throughout the first lactation, second pregnancy and second lactation. Maternal resting metabolic rate (RMR) was measured prior to the first mating and then at the peak of both the first and second lactations. Litter size and litter mass were also measured throughout both lactations. In the first lactation, experimental mice had a lower mass-independent RMR (F1,88=5.15, P=0.026) and raised significantly heavier pups (t=2.77, d.f.=32, P=0.0093) than the control mice. Experimental mice delayed implantation at the start of the second pregnancy. The extent of the delay was positively related to litter size during the first lactation (F1,19=4.58, P=0.046) and negatively related to mean pup mass (F1,19=5.78, P=0.027) in the first lactation. In the second lactation, the experimental mice gave birth to more (t=2.75, d.f.=38, P=0.0092) and lighter (t=−5.01, d.f.=38, P<0.0001) pups than did the controls in their second lactation. Maternal asymptotic daily food intake of control mice in the second lactation was significantly higher (t=−4.39, d.f.=37, P=0.0001) than that of the experimental mice and higher than that of controls during their first lactation. Despite the added burden on the experimental females during their first lactation, there was no increase in their food intake, which suggested that they might be limited by their capacity to absorb energy. However, control females appeared to be capable of increasing their asymptotic food intake beyond the supposed limits estimated previously, suggesting that the previously established limit was not a fixed central limitation on food intake. As RMR increased in parallel with the increase in food intake during the second lactation of control mice, the sustained energy intake remained at around 7.0×RMR.

scholarly journals THE ROLE OF NUTRITION IN A CHILD’S PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 1209-1212
Author(s):  
Mitko Kocev ◽  
Julijana Sazdova ◽  
Dejan Antonievski
Keyword(s):  
Food Intake ◽  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Food Analysis ◽  
Emotional Development ◽  
Child Nutrition ◽  
Intervention Strategies ◽  
Main Role ◽  
Adequate Nutrition ◽  
Biochemical Testing

The adequate nutrition in childhood has the main role in the physical, mental and emotional development of the child. Herein, the children are considered a prioritized part of the population that can be influenced by different intervention strategies (Deghan et al. 2005). It is of utmost importance to obtain the suitable nutrition to every child, and this is the main reason that causes most of the research on child nutrition to be conducted in the kindergartens. The analysis on the food intake and the type of food in the kindergarten can help us analyse the overall health of the children. Usually, in the process of food analysis we use various components such as the following: dietary intake, anthropometric measurements and biochemical testing. We have identified a few researches that have used the above mentioned components for assessment of the child’s nutrition that we mention in our paper as well.

Dietary Fluoride Intake of Infants

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1975 ◽  
Vol 55 (4) ◽  
pp. 517-522
Author(s):  
Emilie Wiatrowski ◽  
Louis Kramer ◽  
Dace Osis ◽  
Herta Spencer
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Food Intake ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Fluoride Content ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Infant Diet ◽  
Food Items ◽  
Fluoride Intake ◽  
Group 1

The fluoride content of various commercially available food items used in the preparation of the infant diet for the age groups from birth to 6 months has been analyzed and the total daily fluoride intake has been calculated on the basis of these data. The dietary fluoride intake totaled 0.32 mg/day for infants in the age group 1 to 4 weeks, increased in the subsequent months due to increasing food intake, and totaled 1.23 mg for infants 4 to 6 months of age. These fluoride intakes expressed per kilogram of body weight ranged from 0.07 mg/kg in the newborn to 0.16 mg/kg in the 6-month-old infant.

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