To what Extent Can Food-based Approaches Ensure Dietary Adequacy for Women and Young Children in SE Asia?

Abstract

Objectives: To predict whether food-based approaches can ensure dietary adequacy for 6-23 month old children and women of reproductive age in SE Asia and to identify problem nutrients. Methods: Linear programming was used to determine whether nutritionally adequate diets based on locally available non-fortified foods (11 micronutrients ≥ WHO/FAO RNI, assuming moderate iron and zinc bioavailability) could be formulated for women and young children in 5 countries.  Model parameters were defined using nationally representative (Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia) or locally representative (Laos, Cambodian children<12 months) 24-hour recall dietary data. Problem nutrients were defined as those <100% RNI in a diet where intakes were maximised.  Nutrient adequacies, for food-based recommendations (FBR), were defined as those >65% RNI, when intakes were minimised, in diets achieving the FBR. Results: Numbers of problem nutrients ranged from 2-9, 1-8 and 0-5, for 6-8 mo, 9-11 mo and 12-23 mo old children; and from 3-7, 2-4 and 1-4 for pregnant, lactating and non-pregnant- non-lactating women, respectively, depending on the country.  In most countries, modeled FBRs ensured adequacy for ≥7 (children) and ≥5 (women) nutrients. In all countries, FBRs did not ensure adequate iron (all groups) and folate (women) intakes. Conclusions: Interventions, such as food fortification or the promotion of unutilized nutrient dense foods, are likely required to ensure dietary adequacy, for women and young children, in SE Asia. Funding: The European Commission, FP7, GA-2896-16.