scholarly journals Household Farm Production Diversity and Micronutrient Intake: Where Are the Linkages? Panel Data Evidence from Uganda

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 4041
Author(s):  
Haruna Sekabira ◽  
Shamim Nalunga ◽  
Yves Didier Umwungerimwiza ◽  
Lydia Nazziwa ◽  
Stanley Peter Ddungu
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin A ◽  
Gender Effects ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Micronutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Impact Pathways ◽  
Farm Production ◽  
Micronutrient Intake ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Production Diversity

Hunger and malnutrition are key global challenges whose understanding is instrumental to their elimination, thus realization of important sustainable development goals (SDGs). However, understanding linkages between farm production diversity (FPD) and household micronutrient intake is important in mapping micronutrient deficiencies and hidden hunger. Such understanding would inform appropriate interventions against malnutrition. Unfortunately, empirical literature is scarce to sufficiently inform such understanding. Using nationally representative panel survey data covering about 3300 households, we study linkages between FPD and nutrition, and associated impact pathways. We analyze data using panel regression models. Results show that at least half of sample was deficient in daily energy, iron, zinc, and vitamin A intake vis-à-vis FAO recommendations. Deficiencies were most severe (85%) with vitamin A. Positive and significant associations (about 1% for each added crop/livestock species) exist between FPD and daily household energy, iron, zinc, and vitamin A intake. FPD impacts energy and micronutrient intake via two main consumption pathways; markets (about 0.01% for each shilling), and own farm production (about 0.1% for each shilling). Therefore, own farm production yields better outcomes. Gender effects also exist. Male-headed households exhibited better nutrition outcomes (energy—11%, iron—8%, and zinc—12%) mostly via markets. Effects on Vitamin A were also positive although insignificant.

scholarly journals Farm Production Diversity: Is It Important for Dietary Diversity? Panel Data Evidence from Uganda

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 1028
Author(s):  
Haruna Sekabira ◽  
Shamim Nalunga
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Gender Effects ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Impact Pathways ◽  
Farm Production ◽  
Food Expenditure ◽  
Food Security And Nutrition ◽  
Production Diversity ◽  
Household Dietary Diversity

The substantial existence of malnutrition globally, especially in developing countries, has usually driven policy initiatives to focus on improving household food security and nutrition primarily through prioritizing farm production diversity. Although indeed some empirical evidence has pointed to farm production diversity remedying malnutrition, other evidence has pointed to markets. Therefore, evidence is mixed and may be country or region variant. To contribute to closing such a gap in the literature, we used three waves of national panel survey data from Uganda and panel regression models to investigate associations between farm production diversity and dietary diversity, as well as impact pathways. We found that farm production diversity was positively and significantly associated with household dietary diversity. Farm production diversity influenced dietary diversity through own farm production, and market consumption food security pathways. The own farm production pathway showed a stronger associated impact. Increasing food expenditure by 1000 UGX via own farm production yielded an eight percentage point increment in household dietary diversity, while an equal expenditure via markets yielded a 5.3 percentage point increment. We also found existence of gender effects. Male headed households were associated with relatively poorer household dietary diversity. These findings could have broader implications for countries practicing smallholder agriculture.

scholarly journals Trends in Iron, Zinc, and Vitamin A Status Biomarkers Among Colombian Children: Results From 2 Nationally Representative Surveys

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 146-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenchao Li ◽  
Oscar F. Herrán ◽  
Eduardo Villamor
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin A ◽  
Maternal Education ◽  
Nutrition Transition ◽  
Serum Zinc ◽  
Wealth Index ◽  
Micronutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Micronutrient Status ◽  
Region Of Residence ◽  
Nationally Representative

Background: Micronutrient deficiencies are still highly prevalent in countries undergoing the nutrition transition, but nationally representative data documenting their burden in children are exceedingly rare. Objective: To examine the distribution and recent trends in micronutrient status biomarkers of Colombian children. Methods: We compared the distributions of plasma ferritin, serum zinc, and vitamin A in Colombian children between 2005 and 2010 using 2 cross-sectional, nationally representative surveys overall and by categories of sociodemographic variables. Analysis for ferritin included boys and nonpregnant girls aged 1 to 17 years. Analyses for zinc and vitamin A included children aged 1 to 4 years. Results: The mean 2010 to 2005 differences in ferritin, zinc, and vitamin A were 2.5 µg/L (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3 to 3.7), −34.9 µg/dL (95% CI: −39.6 to −30.2), and −11.5 µg/dL (95% CI: −12.3 to −10.7), respectively, after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. These differences varied significantly by region of residence. In 2010, region of residence was a significant correlate for all 3 micronutrients. Other important correlates included age and maternal education for ferritin and body mass index-for-age Z score, maternal education, wealth index, food insecurity, and urbanicity for vitamin A. Conclusions: Plasma ferritin was slightly higher in 2010 than in 2005, whereas serum zinc and vitamin A were substantially lower in 2010. In the absence of obvious causal explanations, it is uncertain whether this decline represents a worsening of micronutrient status in Colombian children or an artifact due to systematic laboratory or data management errors incurred in the surveys.

Emerging Nutrition Gaps in a World of Affluence - Micronutrient Intake and Status Globally

2011 ◽  
Vol 81 (4) ◽  
pp. 238-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manfred Eggersdorfer ◽  
Paul Walter
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Molecular Basis ◽  
Health Benefit ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Micronutrient Deficiencies ◽  
New Science ◽  
Health And Nutrition ◽  
Micronutrient Intake

Nutrition is important for human health in all stages of life - from conception to old age. Today we know much more about the molecular basis of nutrition. Most importantly, we have learnt that micronutrients, among other factors, interact with genes, and new science is increasingly providing more tools to clarify this interrelation between health and nutrition. Sufficient intake of vitamins is essential to achieve maximum health benefit. It is well established that in developing countries, millions of people still suffer from micronutrient deficiencies. However, it is far less recognized that we face micronutrient insufficiencies also in developed countries.

Review of the Micronutrient Situation in Rwanda

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 133-154
Author(s):  
Joanne E. Arsenault ◽  
Deanna K. Olney
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Vitamin A ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Micronutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Micronutrient Malnutrition ◽  
Context Specific

Background: Rwanda’s commitment to reducing malnutrition is evident in their multisectoral nutrition policy and wide array of nutrition partners. However, the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies and the suitability of current strategies to address existing deficiencies is unclear. Objective: To review the available evidence related to the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies across the life cycle and strategies in place to address them. Methods: We reviewed scientific and grey literature on nutritional problems in Rwanda, emphasizing micronutrient deficiencies and anemia, and current strategies to address micronutrient malnutrition. Results: Overall, there is scant evidence related to the types and prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies among populations across the life cycle in Rwanda. Existing evidence is primarily limited to outdated or small regional surveys focusing on iron or vitamin A among women and young children. Surveys have assessed the prevalence of anemia and indicate that anemia is very high among young children and moderately high among other age-groups. However, there are limited data on the context-specific causes of anemia in Rwanda across population groups. Current nutrition strategies mainly target women and young children and are primarily designed to reduce vitamin A deficiency and/or anemia caused by micronutrient deficiencies. Conclusions: Rwanda has many nutrition programs in place that address micronutrient deficiencies in young children and a few for women of reproductive age. However, gaps exist in knowledge of the extent of different types of micronutrient deficiencies among all populations across the life cycle and whether the delivery of nutrients through current programs is meeting actual needs.

scholarly journals Assessment of a combined strategy of seasonal malaria chemoprevention and supplementation with vitamin A, zinc and Plumpy’Doz™ to prevent malaria and malnutrition in children under 5 years old in Burkina Faso: a randomized open-label trial (SMC-NUT)

Trials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Sondo ◽  
Marc Christian Tahita ◽  
Toussaint Rouamba ◽  
Karim Derra ◽  
Bérenger Kaboré ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin A ◽  
Burkina Faso ◽  
Malaria Incidence ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Micronutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Potential Factors ◽  
Combined Strategy

Abstract Background Malaria and malnutrition represent major public health concerns worldwide especially in Sub-Sahara Africa. Despite implementation of seasonal malaria chemoprophylaxis (SMC), an intervention aimed at reducing malaria incidence among children aged 3–59 months, the burden of malaria and associated mortality among children below age 5 years remains high in Burkina Faso. Malnutrition, in particular micronutrient deficiency, appears to be one of the potential factors that can negatively affect the effectiveness of SMC. Treating micronutrient deficiencies is known to reduce the incidence of malaria in highly prevalent malaria zone such as rural settings. Therefore, we hypothesized that a combined strategy of SMC together with a daily oral nutrients supplement will enhance the immune response and decrease the incidence of malaria and malnutrition among children under SMC coverage. Methods Children (6–59 months) under SMC coverage receiving vitamin A supplementation will be randomly assigned to one of the three study arms (a) SMC + vitamin A alone, (b) SMC + vitamin A + zinc, or (c) SMC + vitamin A + Plumpy’Doz™ using 1:1:1 allocation ratio. After each SMC monthly distribution, children will be visited at home to confirm drug administration and followed-up for 1 year. Anthropometric indicators will be recorded at each visit and blood samples will be collected for microscopy slides, haemoglobin measurement, and spotted onto filter paper for further PCR analyses. The primary outcome measure is the incidence of malaria in each arm. Secondary outcome measures will include mid-upper arm circumference and weight gain from baseline measurements, coverage and compliance to SMC, occurrence of adverse events (AEs), and prevalence of molecular markers of antimalarial resistance comprising Pfcrt, Pfmdr1, Pfdhfr, and Pfdhps. Discussion This study will demonstrate an integrated strategy of malaria and malnutrition programmes in order to mutualize resources for best impact. By relying on existing strategies, the policy implementation of this joint intervention will be scalable at country and regional levels. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04238845. Registered on 23 January 2020 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04238845

scholarly journals Nutrition education, farm production diversity, and commercialization on household and individual dietary diversity in Zimbabwe

2018 ◽  
Vol 62 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Conrad Murendo ◽  
Brighton Nhau ◽  
Kizito Mazvimavi ◽  
Thamsanqa Khanye ◽  
Simon Gwara
Keyword(s):  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Farm Production ◽  
Production Diversity

scholarly journals Immunobiology of mild micronutrient deficiencies

2001 ◽  
Vol 85 (S2) ◽  
pp. S75-S80 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Bhaskaram
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Vitamin A ◽  
Immune Homeostasis ◽  
Micronutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Critical Determinant ◽  
Iron And Zinc ◽  
Microbe Interactions ◽  
Host Microbe Interactions

Nutrition is a critical determinant of the outcome of host microbe interactions through a modulation of the immune response. Besides macronutrient malnutrition, deficiencies of several macronutrients also influence immune homeostasis and thus affect infection-related morbidity and mortality. Deficiencies of micronutrients like vitamin A, iron and zinc are widely prevalent among populations living in developing countries. Besides their severe deficiencies, subclinical deficiencies are known to impair biological functions in the host, immune function being one of them. The effects of these micronutrients on various immune mechanisms are briefly reviewed in this article.

Micronutrients and Infection with COVID-19: A Critical Mini-Review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zahra Yaghtin ◽  
Richard Webb ◽  
Sayyed Saeid Khayyatzadeh
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Vitamin A ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Micronutrient Intake ◽  
Severity Of The Disease ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Low Serum

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been the cause of a global pandemic. Given the impact of nutritional status upon immune function, it is crucial to understand the relationship between micronutrient intake and severity of the disease. This mini-review aimed to summarize the known associations between specific micronutrients (vitamin A, D, E, C and zinc, selenium and magnesium) and the health of coronavirus-infected patients. Low serum levels of these micronutrients are associated with the incidence and severity of SARS-CoV-2. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the outcomes of supplementation with these nutrients.

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