Dietary diversity determinants and contribution of fish to maternal and under-five nutritional status in Zambia

Monitoring and evaluation of childhood stunting reduction program based on fish supplement product in North Sumatera, Indonesia

The government of Serdang Bedagai Regency initiated a supplementation program to reduce the high prevalence of stunting in the area by delivering extra supplementation, which were nutritious biscuits from national government and fish-based supplement produced from local resources. A 6-month study from April 2022 to September 2022 was conducted to monitor and evaluate the government program that involved 219 under-5-year-old children with height-for-age Z-score (HAZ-score) below - 2. We observed the stunting prevalence reduction by 37.00%, where 81 children recovered from stunting (HAZ-score ≥ - 2). Furthermore, the mean HAZ-score and WHZ-score (Weight-for-Height Z-score) were monitored to significantly improve by 0.97 ± 1.45 (P-value = 1.74e-14) and 1.00 ± 2.18 (P-value  = and 2.40e-8), subsequently. The most significant improvement in HAZ-score was monitored among children receiving fish-based supplements with 1.04 ± 1.44 improvement (P-value = 6.59e-17). Then, a significant WHZ-score improvement was reported from children consuming fish-based supplements and a combination of fish-based supplements with nutritious biscuits (P-value = 2.32e-8 and 5.48e-5) by 1.04 ± 2.29 and 0.83 ± 1.84, respectively. The results of the observation become evidence that the program could effectively reduce the prevalence of stunting in children below five years old, especially among children who received locally produced fish-based supplements.

Measuring dietary intake in low-and middle-income countries: a systematic review of the methods and tools for estimating fish and seafood intake

CONTEXT

Fish and seafood consumption makes an important but often under-recognized contribution to dietary patterns and nutrition, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Therefore, valid, and reliable dietary assessment tools (DATs) and methods to measure seafood consumption in resource-poor settings are needed.

OBJECTIVE

To review the available DATs that have been used to measure fish and seafood consumption in LMICs and to assess their quality.

DATA SOURCES

A systematic search of the electronic databases Scopus, Embase, and Medline was conducted, identifying 1541 initial articles, of which 122 eligible full-text articles were reviewed.

DATA EXTRACTION

Data extraction focused on the purpose of dietary assessment, setting, target population group, DAT type, administration mode, type of fish and seafood assessed, specific measure of food intake, use of a portion-size-estimation aid, and details of validity, reliability, and pilot testing of the DATs.

DATA ANALYSIS

The most common DATs used were food frequency questionnaires (n = 80; 58%), of which 36 (25%) were semi-quantitative. The majority of tools (n = 107; 78%) included measurement of consumption frequency; only 41 studies (30%) measured frequency, quantity, and type of seafood consumed. Only 41 DATs (30%) solely focused on fish or seafood intake. Most DATs were interviewer administered (n = 80; 58%), 23 (16%) mentioned the use of a portion-size-estimation aid, and validity was tested for only 13% of DATs (n = 18).

CONCLUSION

This systematic review reveals a lack of sufficient detail in the use of standard DATs to fully capture the contribution of fish and seafood to diets in LMICs. Consequently, the need to develop or adapt existing DATs to capture frequency, quantity, and type of fish and seafood intake with consideration of cultural eating practices has been highlighted. This is essential for informing appropriate interventions to leverage the nutritional benefits of seafood consumption in LMICs.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration no. CRD42021253607.

Labour migration and food security in rural Mozambique: Do agricultural investment, asset building and local employment matter?

Connections between labour migration and food security of left-behind households are still poorly understood. Using data from two waves of a longitudinal survey conducted among ever-married women in rural Mozambique, we employ multi-level ordered logit and negative binomial regressions to examine over time three possible pathways linking men's migration and its economic success to food security of left-behind households-agricultural investment, household material assets and women's local gainful employment. Our analyses find a significant positive association between migration's success, proxied by remittances, and food security and show that this association is largely mediated by household's possession of material assets.

Minimum dietary diversity and consumption of ultra-processed foods among Brazilian children 6-23 months of age

The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of minimum dietary diversity (MDD) and consumption of ultra-processed foods in children 6-23 months of age according to sociodemographic variables. Three indicators of complementary feeding of 4,354 children from the Brazilian National Survey on Child Nutrition (ENANI-2019) were built based on a questionnaire about food consumption on the day before the interview: MDD, consumption of ultra-processed foods, and MDD without the consumption of ultra-processed foods. The prevalence and 95%CI were calculated, stratified by macroregion; race/skin color, education and work status of the mother or caregiver; enrollment in the Brazilian Income Transfer Program; household food security; sanitation; and child enrollment in daycare/school. The overall prevalence of MDD was 63.4%, with lower prevalences among children who lived in the North Region (54.8%), whose mothers or caregivers had 0-7 years of education (50.6%), and lived under moderate or severe food insecurity (52.6%). Ultra-processed foods were consumed by 80.5% of the children, with the highest prevalence in the North Region (84.5%). The prevalence of MDD without ultra-processed foods was 8.4% and less prevalent among children with black mothers or caregivers (3.6%) and among those whose mother or caregiver had 8-10 years of education (3.6%). The most frequently consumed food groups from the MDD indicator were grains, roots and tubers (90.2%), dairy products (81%) and those from ultra-processed food were sweet or salty cookies/crackers (51.3%) and instant flours (41.4%). The ubiquitous presence of ultra-processed foods in the diets of Brazilian children and the low frequency of diversified foods, especially among the most vulnerable populations, indicate the need to strengthen policies and programs to ensure adequate and healthy infant nutrition.

Quantifying the contribution of mangroves to local fish consumption in Indonesia: a cross-sectional spatial analysis

BACKGROUND

Indonesia has lost more mangroves than any other country. The importance of mangroves for carbon storage and biodiversity is well recognised, but much less is known about what they contribute to the communities living near them who are called on to protect them. Malnutrition in Indonesia is high, with more than a third of children stunted, partly due to poor diets. Fish are nutrient-rich and are the most widely consumed animal source food in Indonesia, making the relationship between mangroves and fish consumption of great importance. Aquaculture is also tremendously important for fish production in Indonesia and has replaced large areas of mangroves over the last two decades.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional, spatial analysis in this study. We combined data on fish consumption for rural Indonesian coastal households from the Indonesian National Socioeconomic Survey with spatial data on mangrove forest and aquaculture area from the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry to create a cross-sectional spatial dataset. Using a mixed-effects regression model, we estimated to what extent living in proximity to different densities of mangroves and aquaculture was associated with fresh fish consumption for rural coastal households.

FINDINGS

Our sample included 6741 villages with 107 486 households in 2008. The results showed that rural coastal households residing near high-density mangroves consumed 28% (134/477) more fresh fish and other aquatic animals, and those residing near medium-density mangroves consumed 19% (90/477) more fresh fish and other aquatic animals, than coastal households who did not live near mangroves. Coastal households that lived near high-density aquaculture consumed 2% (9/536) more fresh fish, and those that lived near medium-density aquaculture consumed 1% (3/536) less, than other rural coastal households.

INTERPRETATION

Mangroves contribute substantially to the food security and nutrition of coastal communities in Indonesia. This finding means that the conservation of mangroves is important not only for carbon storage and biodiversity, but also for the communities living near them. Aquaculture does not appear to offer similar food security benefits.

FUNDING

Bureau for Economic Growth, Education, and Environment, United States Agency for International Development.

Adequate Dietary Intake and Consumption of Indigenous Fermented Products Are Associated with Improved Nutrition Status among Children Aged 6–23 Months in Zambia

Agroecological food systems and socioeconomic characteristics are known to influence household food security and food consumption patterns and consequently have an impact on child nutritional status. The present study examined food consumption patterns among children aged 6–23 months in two geographic regions of Zambia, with special focus on consumption of fermented products, and its association with illnesses and nutritional status. The cross-sectional survey enrolled a total of 213 children from Namwala and Mkushi districts of Zambia. A 24 h recall and food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) were used to determine the number of food groups consumed and consequently dietary diversity scores and food consumption patterns, respectively. Determinants of child’s linear growth as measured by Height-for-Age Z-scores (HAZ) were assessed via multiple linear regression analysis. In total, 54% of the children met the minimum dietary diversity by consuming food from at least 5+ food groups. Maize meal porridge, Mabisi (fermented milk), Chibwantu and Munkoyo (fermented beverages based on cereals) and groundnuts were among the frequently consumed foods. A higher consumption of fermented beverages was observed in Namwala compared to Mkushi district. A significant association was observed between HAZ score (rho = 0.198, p = 0.004), Weight-for-Age Z-score (WAZ) (rho = 0.142, p = 0.039) and consumption of mabisi. Dietary intake had a positive association with child nutritional status. The frequent consumption of traditional non-alcoholic cereal and milk-based fermented foods underpinned their contribution to the children’s dietary intake. Moreover, the trend would be viewed as an indicator to nutrition and policy actors on possible unoptimized potential of indigenous fermented foods’ influence in nutritional and health status among children at regional and national levels. Although Zambia has a wide range of traditional non-alcoholic fermented food products, their prospects in provision of macro- and micronutrients along with microbiota benefits remain scanty despite global efforts increasingly advocating for the inclusion of such traditional foods in food-based recommendations.

Nutritional value of the marine fish in Bangladesh and their potential to address malnutrition: A review

Marine fish are good source of essential macro- and micronutrients and major food items in coastal areas in Bangladesh. However, there is no review that details the nutritional value of marine fish in Bangladesh. Therefore, this review focuses on the nutrient composition of marine fish in Bangladesh and how the marine fish can address common nutrient deficiencies among women and children. Nutrient composition data was collected through literature searching in databases and source, including PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, WorldFish, and Bangladesh-based database Banglajol. Calculation was carried out to present how one serving marine fish could potentially meet the daily requirement of protein, iron, zinc, calcium, vitamin A, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for pregnant and lactating women and children aged 6-23 months. A total of 97 entries covering nutrient composition analysis of 67 individual fish species were extracted from 12 articles published between 1993 and 2020. Included articles contained analysis of proximate composition, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and amino acid. Twelve minerals and nine vitamins were analyzed and reported. The average energy, protein, fat, and ash content per 100 g edible raw marine fish was 343.58 kJ, 16.76 g, 4.16 g, and 2.22 g, respectively. According to available data, marine fish are good sources of protein, zinc, calcium, and DHA. Pelagic small fish, which are mainly captured by artisanal small-scale fishers, had more nutritional value than other categories of fish. Furthermore, marine small fish were found more nutritious than commonly consumed freshwater fish types in Bangladesh, including major carps, introduced carps, and tilapia. Therefore, the study concludes that marine fish have high potential to address malnutrition in Bangladesh. There was scarcity of literature regarding the nutrient composition of marine fish in Bangladesh and in South Asia as a whole, so more comprehensive quality research in this area is recommended.

Household Dietary Diversity among Households with and without Children with Disabilities in Three Low-Income Communities in Lusaka, Zambia

The purpose of this manuscript is to describe household dietary diversity (HDDS) in Lusaka, Zambia between households with and without a child with a disability living in the same communities. Cross-sectional data were collected in three low-income compounds in September 2021. Participants included households with a child with a disability enrolled in Kusamala+, a community-based program, (n = 444) and a convenience sample of adults living in the same area without a child with a disability (n = 1027). The HDDS tool asked about food groups consumed in the past 24 h by people in the household. The responses were summed (yes = 1, no = 0), range 0-12. Individual dietary diversity scores (IDDSs) were calculated for children (0-8 items). Analysis included descriptive statistics and linear regression. Mean HDDS for the households with a child with a disability was 4.8 (SD 2.1) vs. 6.1 (SD = 2.2) among households without a child with a disability (p < 0.001). The individual score for children (IDDS) for households with children with disabilities was 2.6 (SD = 1.4) vs. 3.7 (SD = 1.6) for households without a child with a disability. Households with a child with a disability had a significantly lower HDDS and IDDS in unadjusted and adjusted models (p < 0.001). National policy must assure the most vulnerable populations, and often hidden, receive focused financial and food support.

The processing, preparation, and cooking practices of small fish among poor Ghanaian households: An exploratory qualitative study

Small fish are an important part of the diet in Ghana, but malnutrition rates remain high. The nutritional quality of fish consumed in Ghana may be affected by food processing and cooking practices, but the extent to which these processes are practiced among poor Ghanaian households along the coastal belt is unknown. This study explored how poor Ghanaian households process, prepare, and cook meals containing small fish. This exploratory qualitative study used Attride-Stirling thematic network analysis. Respondents were purposively sampled from fishing communities in the coastal regions of Ghana. One-on-one interviews were performed by trained field assistants, audio recorded and videotaped, and transcribed for further data analysis. The most common small fish species identified were anchovies and herrings. Anchovies were fried and eaten whole. Herrings were eaten either smoked or fresh; for fresh herring, the head, fins, and viscera were removed before boiling. Herrings were smoked with the head and viscera; however, both the head and viscera were removed before being added to boiling soup and were not consumed. Anchovies were fried for 10 min, and herrings were boiled for 15-30 min. Processing methods and further meal preparation depend on the small fish species. Nutrient composition and contribution of small fish depend on the processing method, preparation method, and what tissues are eaten. Thus, these results will be of importance for sampling schemes for food composition tables and for the calculation of nutrient intake from small fish.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40152-023-00300-w.

Dietary diversity and associated factors among women of reproductive age in Jeldu District, West Shoa Zone, Oromia Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Women of reproductive age are at a higher risk of insufficient micronutrient intake due to their low dietary diversity which has an impact on child growth and development, anemia and low birth weight. However, there are no information from the study area. Hence, the study aimed to assess dietary diversity and associated factors among reproductive-age women in Jeldu District, West Shoa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia, 2018.

METHODS

A community-based cross-sectional study was undertaken among 634 women of reproductive age. The study participants were recruited using a systematic sampling method. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire based on 24-hour dietary recalls. The data were checked, coded, and entered into EpiData version 3.1 before being exported to SPSS Version 21 for analysis. Descriptive statistics like frequency standard deviation, mean and proportions were computed., both binary and multivariable logistic regressions were run at 95 percent confidence intervals. A P-value of <0.05 was used to declare a statistically significant association between dietary diversity and explanatory variables.

RESULTS

The proportions of women who consumed greater than or equal to five food groups were 81.9%. Agro-ecological zone of highland (AOR = 7.71: 95% CI: 3.72, 15.99), women who have a radio (AOR; 1.87: 95% CI; 1.17, 2.99) and women's decision-making power to purchase food for household (AOR; 3.93:95% CI; 2.3, 6.71) and having own mobile phone (AOR: 1.92 (1.74, 3.16)) were statistically associated with food dietary diversity.

CONCLUSION

The proportion of women who met the minimal standard for dietary variety requirements was high. The presence of radios, mobile phones, women's purchasing decision power, as well as possessing large cattle, and the agroecological zone of the participants were all important predictors of dietary variety among reproductive-age women. The local media, agriculture office, health office, and women, youth, and children office all need to pay more attention to the determinants of dietary variety in women.

Impact of Drinking Water Source and Sanitation Facility on Malnutrition Prevalence in Children under Three: A Gender-Disaggregated Analysis Using PDHS 2017-18

OBJECTIVES

The proposed research studied the determinants of male and female child malnutrition in Pakistan. More specifically, it observed the role of the sanitation facility and drinking water source as important determinants of malnutrition in a gender analysis.

METHODS

Novel data of 1010 children under three years of age from PDHS 2017-18 were used. A CIAF (Cumulative Index for Anthropometric Failure) was established to assess malnourishment in the children. Discrete-choice logistic methodology was applied in this empirical research to study the likelihood of malnourishment in children.

RESULTS

The logistic regression results depicted that factors such as a child belonging to a deprived area, the status of home wealth, and the education of the mother were common determinants of malnutrition in children. Factors such as a child having diarrhea (OR = 1.55, CI = 0.96-2.50) and the drinking water source (OR = 0.62, CI = 0.37-1.03) were separate prominent predictors of malnutrition in male children whereas the sanitation facility was the main determinant of malnutrition in female children (OR = 0.64, CI = 0.43-0.95).

CONCLUSION

This study concludes that important links exist between the drinking water source and male child malnutrition and between sanitation facilities and female child malnutrition.

Fish and Fish-Based Products for Nutrition and Health in the First 1000 Days: A Systematic Review of the Evidence from Low and Middle-Income Countries

Fish provide essential nutrients for the critical window of growth and development in the first 1000 d of life and are thus an attractive option for inclusion in nutrition-sensitive and nutrition-specific programming. We conducted a systematic review of the evidence for fish and fish-based products for nutrition and health outcomes during the first 1000 d of life in low- and middle-income countries, searching the peer-reviewed and gray literature from 1999 to 2020. Databases included PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, ProQuest, and the Clinical Trials repository. Our search returned 1135 articles, 39 of which met the inclusion criteria. All studies were dual evaluated for risk of bias. Of the included studies, 18 measured maternal health and nutrition outcomes and 24 measured infant/child outcomes (3 measured both). Our search uncovered 10 impact evaluations, all of which measured consumption of fish or fish-based complementary food products in children aged 6-24 mo. We did not find strong evidence for fish consumption in children improving child growth from the impact evaluations; however, the studies were highly heterogeneous in their design and likely underpowered to detect an effect. Results from observational studies were mixed but provided evidence that adding fish to maternal and child diets is associated with improved nutrition outcomes, such as reducing the risk of anemia and improving vitamin D status. Given the nutrient richness of fish and the fact that production is often more environmentally friendly as compared with other animal source foods, more robust evidence is needed on the role of fish consumption in nutrition interventions to inform policy and programming recommendations in low- and middle-income countries.

Sub-Saharan Africa Freshwater Fisheries under Climate Change: A Review of Impacts, Adaptation, and Mitigation Measures

Sub-Saharan Africa’s freshwater fisheries contribute significantly to the livelihoods and food security of millions of people within the region. However, freshwater fisheries are experiencing multiple anthropogenic stressors such as overfishing, illegal fishing, pollution, and climate change. There is a substantial body of literature on the effects of climate change on freshwater fisheries in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study reviews the existing literature and highlights the effects of climate change on freshwater fisheries, the adaptation strategies of fishery-dependent households in response to the effects, and fisheries’ management and mitigation efforts in the face of climate change. The general effects of climate change on freshwater environments include warming water temperatures, increased stratification, modified hydrological processes, and increased pollutants. These effects adversely affect the physiological processes of fish and the overall wellbeing of fishery-dependent people. To cope with the effects of fluctuating fishery resources due to climate change, fishery-dependent people have adopted several adaptation strategies including livelihood diversification, changing their fishing gear, increasing their fishing efforts, and targeting new species. Several management attempts have been made to enhance the sustainability of fishery resources, from local to regional levels. This study recommends the participation of the resource users in the formulation of policies aimed at promoting climate change adaptation and the resilience of freshwater fisheries for sustainable development.

More Than Fish—Framing Aquatic Animals within Sustainable Food Systems

Aquatic animals are diverse in terms of species, but also in terms of production systems, the people involved, and the benefits achieved. In this concept piece, we draw on literature to outline how the diversity of aquatic animals, their production, and their consumption all influence their impact within the food system. Built on evidence from an array of reductionist and non-reductionist literature, we suggest that food systems researchers and policymakers adapt current methods and theoretical frameworks to appropriately contextualise aquatic animals in broader food systems. We do this through combining current understandings of food systems theory, value chain, livelihoods, nutritional outcomes, and planetary boundaries thinking. We make several claims around understanding the role of aquatic animals in terms of nutritional output and environmental impacts. We suggest a need to consider: (1) the diversity of species and production methods; (2) variable definitions of an “edible yield”; (3) circular economy principles and the impacts of co-products, and effects beyond nutrient provision; (4) role of aquatic animals in the overall diet; (5) contextual effects of preservation, preparation, cooking, and consumer choices; (6) globalised nature of aquatic animal trade across the value chain; and (7) that aquatic animals are produced from a continuum, rather than a dichotomy, of aquaculture or fisheries. We conclude by proposing a new framework that involves cohesive interdisciplinary discussions around aquatic animal foods and their role in the broader food system.

The Role of Aquaculture and Capture Fisheries in Meeting Food and Nutrition Security: Testing a Nutrition-Sensitive Pond Polyculture Intervention in Rural Zambia

This study tested the efficacy of a pond polyculture intervention with farming households in northern Zambia. Longitudinal data on fish consumption and the associated nutrient intake of households (N = 57) were collected over a six-month period (September 2019-March 2020). One group of people tested the intervention while another group that practiced monoculture tilapia farming, and a third group that did not practice aquaculture, acted as control groups. A similar quantity of fish was consumed on average; however, the associated nutrient intake differed, based on the quantity and type of species consumed, particularly for those who had access to pelagic small fish from capture fisheries. There was a decrease in fish consumption from December onward due to fisheries management restrictions. The ponds provided access to micronutrient-rich fish during this time. Pond polyculture can act as a complementary source of fish to capture fisheries that are subjected to seasonal controls, as well as to households that farm tilapia. Assessments of how aquatic foods can improve food and nutrition security often separate aquaculture and capture fisheries, failing to account for people who consume fish from diverse sources simultaneously. A nutrition-sensitive approach thus places food and nutrition security, and consumers, at the center of the analysis.

Fish and complementary feeding practices for young children: Qualitative research findings from coastal Kenya

This study examines barriers to fish consumption during the complementary feeding period in two coastal counties of Kenya with high rates of child malnutrition. Study findings indicate that young child fish consumption is impacted by factors related to accessibility, food preferences, and caregiver's knowledge and beliefs about fish during the complementary feeding period. These factors are influenced by prominent community figures such as elder women and health workers, whose own beliefs and understandings are impacted by underlying cultural norms, potentially limiting fish consumption. To our knowledge, this is the first study conducted in the coastal region of Kenya to focus on understanding fish consumption attitudes and beliefs during the complementary feeding phase. Our findings represent a critical first step towards the creation of more effective policies and interventions to address the significant nutritional disparities that exist in the study population.

A photovoice assessment for illuminating the role of inland fisheries to livelihoods and the local challenges experienced through the lens of fishers in a climate-driven lake of Malawi

Small-scale inland capture fisheries provide an important source of nutritious food, employment and income to millions of people in developing countries, particularly in rural environments where limited alternatives exist. However, the sector is one of most under-valued fisheries sectors and is increasingly experiencing environmental change. This study adopts a Sustainable Livelihoods Approach and investigates how important a fluctuating inland fishery is to livelihoods, and how local perceptions on challenges corresponds to global evidence. Through an innovative participatory method; photovoice, the lived experiences and perceptions of fishers are depicted. The findings illuminate the valuable role of the sector to food and nutrition security and the complex nexus with vulnerability to climate change. The study responds to the call for more local level assessments of the impacts of climate change on inland fisheries in data-limited environments, and the value of the sector in underpinning the Sustainable Development Goals.

Unlocking the Potential of Fish to Improve Food and Nutrition Security in Sub-Saharan Africa

Approximately one-third of the global population suffering from chronic hunger are in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). In addition to high prevalence of chronic hunger, millions of people suffer from micronutrient deficiencies. Meanwhile, there is growing consensus across scientific disciplines concurring that fish plays a crucial role in improving food and nutrition security. Therefore, the present review aims to demonstrate the role of fish and the whole fisheries sector towards securing food and nutrition security in SSA by summarizing the existing literature. Fish is a treasure store of animal protein and essential micronutrients such as zinc, iodine, calcium, and vitamins, which are essential in human nutrition and have proven to help reduce the risks of both malnutrition and non-communicable diseases. Policymakers, development agencies, and society should recognize the role that the fisheries sector can play in combatting hunger and undernutrition, especially for the poor and marginalized people in SSA.

Fish Nutritional Value as an Approach to Children's Nutrition

Fish is a relatively cheap and accessible source of animal protein for human consumption even in rural communities. It is critical for global food and nutrition security, and its consumption continues to increase. As a highly nutritious food, fish consumption is highly recommended for children and expectant mothers for normal growth and development. The present paper explores the nutritional value of fish as approach to nutrition in children and its benefits. The findings reveal that fish is a valuable source of essential amino acids (EAA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that play important physiological functions for maintenance and development of fetuses, neonates, and infant brains. Therefore, it could be a valuable tool in the fight against food insecurity and malnutrition. However, fish and fish products are also highly susceptible to contamination by various organic and inorganic compounds that threaten public health. Particularly, heavy metals and biogenic amines (BAs) have shown adverse effects when contaminated fish is consumed, and the effects in children have been worse. Hence, while fish consumption is highly recommended for children's nutrition, the safety and quality of the product should always be checked to safeguard public health.

Dried small fish provide nutrient densities important for the first 1000 days

Inadequate nutrient intakes are prevalent among many populations in sub-Saharan Africa and increasing fish consumption among pregnant/lactating women and children is one strategy to improve diets and address nutrient deficiencies. We report the nutrient content of two fish-based recipes-fish powder and fish chutney-that contain dried small fish available in local markets in Zambia. The contribution of a serving of each recipe to the recommended daily intakes of iron, zinc, calcium and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for pregnant/lactating women and children 6-24 months was calculated because these nutrients are commonly deficient in African diets. We found that one 10-g serving of fish powder provides 20% or more of the daily calcium recommendation and 37% or more of the daily DHA recommendation for both pregnant/lactating women and children. A 30-g serving of fish chutney provides over 40% of the daily calcium recommendation for pregnant women and over 50% for lactating women. Additionally, we investigated the nutrient density (nutrients per kilocalorie) of the fish powder and compared it with the nutrient density of a small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplement plus (SQ-LNS-plus). SQ-LNS-plus is designed to enhance children's diets by providing micronutrients and DHA. Fish powder is similar to SQ-LNS-plus in iron and zinc density and even higher in calcium and DHA density. Consuming dried small fish as part of a daily meal can be a viable strategy for combatting nutrient deficiencies in the first 1000 days.

Locally-Procured Fish Is Essential in School Feeding Programmes in Sub-Saharan Africa

Fish make an important contribution to micronutrient intake, long-chained polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFAS), and animal protein, as well as ensuring food and nutrition security and livelihoods for fishing communities. Micronutrient deficiencies are persistent in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), contributing to public health issues not only in the first 1000 days but throughout adolescence and into adulthood. School feeding programs (SFPs) and home-grown school feeding programs (HGSF), which source foods from local producers, particularly fisherfolk, offer an entry point for encouraging healthy diets and delivering essential macro- and micronutrients to schoolchildren, which are important for the continued cognitive development of children and adolescents and can contribute to the realization of sustainable development goals (SDGs) 1, 2, 3, 5, and 14. The importance of HGSF for poverty alleviation (SDG1) and zero hunger (SDG 2) have been recognized by the United Nations Hunger Task Force and the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for African Development (AUDA-NEPAD), which formulated a strategy for HGSF to improve nutrition for the growing youth population across Africa. A scoping review was conducted to understand the lessons learned from SFPs, which included fish and fish products from small-scale producers, identifying the challenges and best practices for the inclusion of fish, opportunities for improvements across the supply chain, and gaps in nutritional requirements for schoolchildren which could be improved through the inclusion of fish. Challenges to the inclusion fish in SFPs include food safety, supply and access to raw materials, organizational capacity, and cost, while good practices include the engagement of various stakeholders in creating and testing fish products, and repurposing fisheries by-products or using underutilized species to ensure cost-effective solutions. This study builds evidence of the inclusion of nutritious fish and fish products in SFPs, highlighting the need to replicate and scale good practices to ensure sustainable, community-centred, and demand-driven solutions for alleviating poverty, malnutrition, and contributing to greater health and wellbeing in adolescence.

Choline and docosahexaenoic acid during the first 1000 days and children's health and development in low- and middle-income countries

Choline and DHA are nutrients that, when provided during the first 1000 days from conception to age 2 years, may have beneficial effects on child neurodevelopment as well as related health factors, including birth outcomes and child growth, morbidity, and inflammation. Because these nutrients are found mainly in animal-source foods, they may be lacking in the diets of pregnant and lactating women and young children in low- and middle-income countries, potentially putting children at risk for suboptimal development and health. Prior reviews of these nutrients have mainly focused on studies from high-income countries. Here, a narrative review is presented of studies describing the pre- and postnatal roles of choline, docosahexaenoic acid, and a combination of the 2 nutrients on child neurodevelopment, birth outcomes, growth, morbidity, and inflammation in low- and middle-income countries. More studies are needed to understand the specific, long-term effects of perinatal choline and docosahexaenoic acid intake in various contexts.

Fish Acquisition and Consumption in the African Great Lakes Region through a Food Environment Lens: A Scoping Review

Effective actions for the fishery and aquaculture sectors to contribute toward improving nutrition rely on an understanding of the factors influencing fish intake, particularly amongst vulnerable populations. This scoping review synthesises evidence from 33 studies in the African Great Lakes Region to examine the influence of food environments on fish acquisition and consumption. We identified only two studies that explicitly applied a food environment framework and none that linked policy conditions with the contribution of fish to diets. Economic access to fish was represented in the largest number of included studies (21 studies), followed by preferences, acceptability and desirability of fish (17 studies) and availability and physical access (14 studies). Positive perceptions of taste and low cost, relative to other animal-source foods, were drivers of fish purchases in many settings; however, limited physical and economic access were frequently identified as preventing optimal intake. In lakeside communities, fish were increasingly directed toward external markets which reduced the availability and affordability of fish for local households. Few studies considered intra-household variations in fish access according to age, gender or physiological status, which represents an important knowledge gap. There is also scope for future research on seasonal influences on fish access and the design and rigorous evaluation of programmes and policies that address one or more constraints of availability, cost, convenience and preferences.

The nutritional profile of indonesian salmon van Java mahseer T. soro species

T. soro, in Indonesia called salmon van Java is of high economic value, and due to high demand, its culture has been intensively studied and developed. This study aimed to assess the nutritional value of wild and cultured T. soro. The fish’s proximate compositions, minerals, as well as amino and fatty acid profiles were analyzed. A t-test analysis was used to identify differences between treatments. Results showed that the fat content of wild T. soro was higher than that of cultured fish, but the protein, water, and ash contents between the two groups were not significantly different (p >0.05). T. soro was considered a lean fish with higher concentrations of PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids) than MUFAs (monounsaturated fatty acids). The amino acid profile was dominated by lysine, phenylalanine, and allo-isoleucine. Both groups of fish were a good source of macro- (Na, K, Ca) and microminerals (Zn, Fe), except for selenium (Se). The two groups were not significantly different (p >0.05) in ω3, ω6, and PUFAs, indicating that culturing T. soro in proper ways could substitute for wild T. soro.

Iron-rich food consumption and associated factors among children aged 6-23 months in sub-Saharan Africa: A multilevel analysis of Demographic and Health Surveys

INTRODUCTION

Anemia remains a major public health problem for children in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Iron-rich foods consumption has a determinant role on the anemia status. Hence, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of good consumption of iron-rich foods and its associated factors among children aged 6-23 months in SSA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The recent Demographic and Health Survey data sets of thirty-five SSA countries were used. Data were analyzed using STATA/MP version 16.0 and all statistical analyses were done after weighting the data. A generalized linear mixed model using Poisson regression with robust error variance was used to determine factors associated with good consumption of iron-rich food. Association of variables was declared at a p-value of ≤0.05 and adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) ratio with its 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated for each variable.

RESULTS

The total weighted samples of 77,001 children aged 6-23 months were included. The prevalence of consumption of iron rich foods was 42.1% (95% CI: 41.78-42.48). Children with age of 12-17 (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.89-2.04) and 18-23 months (aPR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.97-2.14), who took drugs for intestinal parasites (aPR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.26-1.34), with postnatal check within 2 months (aPR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.06-1.13), and children from women with ANC visit of 1-3 (aPR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.24-1.37) and ≥4 (aPR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.34-1.48) had higher prevalence of good consumption of iron rich foods. Moreover, the prevalence of consumptions of iron rich foods was higher among children from; family with rich (aPR = 1.36, 95%CI: 1.30-1.42) and middle (aPR = 1.14 95% CI: 1.09-1.19) wealth index, and mother with media exposure (aPR = 1.26, 95%CI: 1.22-1.31).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of good consumption of iron-rich foods among children aged 6-23 months in SSA countries is low. Child factors, family factors, and community-level factors were significantly associated with consumption of iron rich foods. Strategies to increase the consumption of iron-rich foods during this critical stage of growth and development should be designed in SSA.

The Contribution of Thai Fisheries to Sustainable Seafood Consumption: National Trends and Future Projections

Sustainably feeding a growing human population is one of the greatest food system challenges of the 21st century. Seafood plays a vital role in supporting human wellbeing, by providing bioavailable and nutrient-dense animal-source food. In Thailand, seafood demand is increasing, and wild capture fishery yields have plateaued, due to oceanic ecosystem degradation and fishery stock exploitation. In this study, we investigated the supply trend of fishery products and subsequent seafood-derived nutrient availability over the last decade. In addition, we explored the possibility of predicting seafood availability and consumption levels, including adherence to Thailand’s national food guide and global dietary recommendations for sustainable seafood consumption. Our findings indicate that, at national-level, fishery products supplied between 19% and 35% of the Thai populations recommended dietary protein intake, 4–6% of calcium, 6–11% of iron, and 2–4% of zinc from 1995 to 2015. Nevertheless, our research also reports that if Thailand’s wild-caught seafood production were to decrease by 13%, as is highly likely, by 2030, the country might face a per capita supply deficit of fish and shellfish to meet healthy and sustainable dietary recommendations (28–30 g/day), let alone the current Thai average intake (32 g/day). Although a 1% per year increase in aquaculture production might bridge this supply gap, policymakers and relevant fishery stakeholders must consider the long-term environmental impacts of such an approach in Thailand.

Sustained intake of animal-sourced foods is associated with less stunting in young children

The value of animal-sourced foods (ASFs) in providing key nutrients, particularly for child growth and where diets are of low quality, is understood mainly from cross-sectional assessment of current consumption. Longitudinal panel data from Nepal, Bangladesh and Uganda were used here to assess associations among previous (lagged) and contemporaneous ASF intake with linear growth of children aged 6-24 months. Lagged ASF consumption was significantly correlated with a 10% decline in stunting in Nepali children who consumed any ASF in the previous year, while current intake was associated with a 9% decline in stunting in Uganda. Previous consumption of two or more ASFs showed a stronger association, ranging from a 10% decline in stunting in Bangladesh to a 16% decline in Nepal. This novel lagged analysis emphasizes the need for regular and appropriate levels of ASF intake by young children to support healthy growth in resource-constrained settings.

The effect of maternal depressive symptoms on infant feeding practices in rural Ethiopia: community based birth cohort study

BACKGROUND

Maternal depression and other psychosocial factors have been shown to have adverse consequences on infant feeding practices. This study explored the longitudinal relationship of maternal depressive symptoms and other selected psychosocial factors with infant feeding practices (IFPs) in rural Ethiopia using summary IFP index.

METHODS

This study uses existing data from the ENGINE birth cohort study, conducted from March 2014 to March 2016 in three districts in the southwest of Ethiopia. A total of 4680 pregnant women were recruited and data were collected once during pregnancy (twice for those in the first trimester), at birth, and then every 3 months until the child was 12 months old. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect data on IFPs, maternal depressive symptoms, household food insecurity, intimate partner violence (IPV), maternal social support, active social participation, and other sociodemographic variables. A composite measure of IFP index was computed using 14 WHO recommended infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practice indicators. High IFP index indicated best practice. Prenatal and postnatal maternal depressive symptoms were assessed using the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9). Linear multilevel mixed effects model was fitted to assess longitudinal relationship of IFPs with maternal depression and other psychosocial factors.

RESULTS

Reports of higher postnatal depressive symptoms (ß = - 1.03, P = 0.001) and IPV (ß = - 0.21, P = 0.001) were associated with lower scores on the IFP index. Whereas, reports of better maternal social support (ß = 0.11, P = 0.002) and active social participation (ß = 0.55, P < 0.001) were associated with higher scores on the IFP index. Contrary to expectations, moderate household food insecurity (ß = 0.84, P = 0.003), severe household food insecurity (ß = 1.03, P = 0.01) and infant morbidity episodes (ß = 0.63, P = 0.013) were associated with higher scores on the IFP index.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, a multitude of factors are related to IFPs and hence coordinated, multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder interventions including maternal depressive symptoms screening and management are needed to improve infant feeding practices.

Fish nutrient composition: a review of global data from poorly assessed inland and marine species

OBJECTIVE

Our understanding of the nutrient contribution of fish and other aquatic species to human diets relies on nutrient composition data for a limited number of species. Yet particularly for nutritionally vulnerable aquatic food consumers, consumption includes a wide diversity of species whose nutrient composition data are disparate, poorly compiled or unknown.

DESIGN

To address the gap in understanding fish and other aquatic species' nutrient composition data, we reviewed the literature with an emphasis on species of fish that are under-represented in global databases. We reviewed 164 articles containing 1370 entries of all available nutrient composition data (e.g. macronutrients, micronutrients and fatty acids) and heavy metals (e.g. Pb and Hg) for 515 species, including both inland and marine species of fish, as well as other aquatic species (e.g. crustaceans, molluscs, etc.) when those species were returned by our searches.

RESULTS

We highlight aquatic species that are particularly high in nutrients of global importance, including Fe, Zn, Ca, vitamin A and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and demonstrate that, in many cases, a serving can fill critical nutrient needs for pregnant and lactating women and young children.

CONCLUSIONS

By collating the available nutrient composition data on species of fish and other aquatic species, we provide a resource for fisheries and nutrition researchers, experts and practitioners to better understand these critical species and include them in fishery management as well as food-based programmes and policies.

The contribution of small-scale, privately owned tropical aquaculture to food security and dietary diversity in Bolivia

New aquaculture systems are emerging in new contexts around the world in part due to aquaculture’s perceived development benefits. However, linkages between aquaculture and food security in these systems are unclear. This study investigated the impact of emerging small-scale, business-oriented fish culture in central Bolivia on the food security and dietary diversity of aquaculture producers (n = 40) and workers (n = 26) in the value chain and compared them to local non-aquaculture farmers (n = 40). Three pathways were investigated: fish consumption, household income, and women’s participation. Food insecurity was widespread and did not vary in a statistically significant way between groups, but a trend toward greater food security amongst aquaculture producers was observed. Dietary diversity was highly homogenous, with the notable exception of high fish consumption amongst producers. Aquaculture was related to higher income, and income has a modest positive effect on food security for aquaculturists and non-aquaculture farmers, but not aquaculture value chain workers. Income did not have an effect on dietary diversity. Women’s involvement in aquaculture was correlated positively to productivity, profitability, and size of operation, while male-only aquaculture was negatively correlated to these. The value chain generated employment, especially for women, but average wages were higher for men. The research provides important insight into aquaculture-food security linkages by showing that the introduction of small-scale business-oriented aquaculture systems can provide nutritious products for regional consumption and can have positive effects on food security but is not sufficient to change local dietary preferences more broadly.

Nutritional and social contribution of meat in diets: Interplays among young urban and rural men

Considering the recent increase in the demand for meat and its subsequent implications for health and food security, there is an increasing need to explore its nutritional and social importance among young men in settings experiencing nutrition transition. A better understanding of meat in the diets of this group could contribute to the design of socio-culturally appropriate interventions to improve healthy eating, as these men are key decision makers in family food choices. This mixed-methods study aimed to assess the nutritional and social contribution of meat in the diet of young adult men in urban and rural Zambia. A food frequency questionnaire, multiple pass 24-h dietary recall, anthropometric measurements and a socio-demographic questionnaire were utilized while qualitative interviews explored the socio-cultural importance of meat consumption. Rural and urban participants had an isocaloric diet. All macronutrient intakes except carbohydrates were significantly higher in the urban population than the rural population (p < 0.01). Zinc intake was significantly greater in the urban than the rural sample (χ² (39) = 40, p-value = 0.04). Except for vitamin A, calcium and folate, participants met the recommendations for all micronutrients. Regardless of being rural or urban, the higher the participant's level of education, the weaker the socio-cultural importance of meat. In both settings, increased consumption of meat was associated with prosperity, authority and respect within society. There are strong social and cultural beliefs among participants about meat consumption, reflecting the symbolic meaning in their customs. These findings could help improve the design and implementation of dietary interventions, incorporating specific cultural beliefs and socio-economic factors in the targeted population, to achieve healthy eating practices.

Dietary habits associated with growth development of children aged < 5 years in the Nouna Health and Demographic Surveillance System, Burkina Faso

Background

Knowing which dietary habits are associated with child growth could lead to better long-term health outcomes and improve the design of food-based interventions. We aimed to identify dietary habits that are associated with the growth development of children aged < 5 years living in rural Burkina Faso.

Methods

This study used cross-sectional baseline data from 514 children (8–59 months) within the Nouna Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) in 2018. Household socio-demographics and child dietary habits, height and weight were assessed. We constructed scores for dietary diversity (DDS) and food variety (FVS), and extracted exploratory dietary pattern scores (DPS) using principal component analysis (PCA). Child growth was measured using height-for-age (HAZ) and weight-for-height z-scores (WHZ). We used multiple-adjusted linear regressions considering for socio-economic factors to quantify associations.

Results

In this study population (median 36 ± 14 months old), stunting (HAZ < − 2) was seen in 26% and wasting (WHZ < − 2) in 7%. The DDS (median 7 ± 2 food groups) was positively associated with WHZ, while the FVS (median 13 ± 8 food items) was inversely associated with HAZ. We identified 4 dietary patterns: leaves-based, beans and poultry-based, maize and fish-based, and millet and meat-based diets. Only the maize and fish-based diet showed a statistically significant and here positive trend for associations with WHZ.

Conclusion

Growth development of children aged < 5 years continues to be a health problem in the Nouna HDSS. A higher dietary diversity and food variety and dietary patterns characterized by maize and fish and beans and poultry intake appear to be beneficial for growth of young children in this area.

Fish as a source of (micro)nutrients to combat hidden hunger in Zambia

Fish is an excellent source of protein, but can also be a good source of micronutrients. In Zambia fish is the main animal food source for poor women and children, two groups which are likely to suffer from inadequate micronutrient supply (hidden hunger). Although the potential of fish to combat hidden hunger is increasingly recognized and fisheries and aquaculture have been identified as key resources in addressing food and nutrition security issues in Zambia, only limited information on the nutrient composition of consumed fish species and products is available. Thus the objectives of this paper are to give a quantitative description of the nutritional composition of fish and fish products consumed in Zambia, and to estimate their potential to the Recommended Daily Intakes (RDIs) of micronutrients. Therefore approximately forty fish species in various kinds of processing were collected and prepared following local customs. Samples were analysed for macronutrients such as protein and fat. Contents of B-vitamins and minerals were also analysed. Protein content was overall similar, while fat content and fatty acid composition varied considerably. Most fish contained high amounts of niacin and cobalamin, but small fish usually contained the most cobalamin. Small fish contained up to 32 times the amount of calcium than other fish and often contained more iron and zinc, too. Overall small fish species, which are commonly consumed by poor women and children, can be used to combat hidden hunger in Zambia, due to high levels of cobalamin, calcium, iron and zinc.

Healthy pregnancies and essential fats: focus group discussions with Zambian women on dietary need and acceptability of a novel RUSF containing fish oil DHA

BACKGROUND

Nut butter-based Ready to Use Supplemental Foods (RUSF) are an effective way to add nutrients and calories to diets of malnourished and food insecure populations. The RUSF formulations have been further modified to add micronutrients including iron and folic acid needed during pregnancy and lactation. Because docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6 n-3) enhances fetal development and birth outcomes, it has been suggested that perhaps RUSF formulations for pregnancy should also include this Omega 3 fatty acid. The goal of the present study was to gain an understanding of Zambian women's knowledge of nutritional needs in pregnancy through structured focus group discussions, and to formulate and determine the acceptability of a RUSF with DHA.

METHODS

Structured focus group sessions were conducted among women attending an antenatal clinic at the University Teaching Hospitals in Lusaka, Zambia. Dietary and nutrition knowledge was surveyed through structured dialogue that was recorded by audio and transcribed verbatim. An RUSF containing 400 mg DHA from fish oil in 50 g RUSF was designed and assessed for fatty acid content and product stability. Participants then sampled the RUSF-DHA, provided feedback on taste, and were surveyed about willingness to consume the novel formula using a standardized hedonic instrument.

RESULTS

The participants' knowledge of foods recommended for use in pregnancy included fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish. Most women reported eating fish at least once per week, although the specific type of fish varied. Most did not have prior knowledge of the importance of consuming fish during pregnancy or that some fish types were more nutritional than others as they included omega 3 fatty acids. The participants were uniformly accepting of the RUSF-DHA for the purpose of enhancing birth and developmental outcomes, but were critical of the aroma in hedonic testing.

CONCLUSIONS

Women were committed to consuming a healthy diet that would impact the outcome of pregnancy, and were receptive to advice on the importance of consuming foods such as fish as a source of DHA. The RUSF-DHA formulation was acceptable due to the potential benefits for the developing infant, however, the fishy odor may be limiting for long-term daily use.

Determinants of age-appropriate breastfeeding, dietary diversity, and consumption of animal source foods among Indonesian children

Global child feeding practices remain suboptimal. In this study, we assess the determinants of age-inappropriate breastfeeding, dietary diversity, and consumption of 3+ types of animal source foods (ASFs) using 11,687 observations from combined data from the Indonesian Demographic Health Survey of 2012 and 2017. We used linear and logistic regression after adjusting for the complex sampling design. Child's age and quality of antenatal care (ANC) were associated with all outcomes. Socio-economic status and labour force participation were positively associated with higher dietary diversity score, ASF consumption, and age-inappropriate breastfeeding. More ANC visits and having consultation at ANC were associated with more dietary diversity. Higher women's knowledge level was associated with more dietary diversity and consuming more ASF. Compared with western Indonesia, more children in eastern Indonesia were age-inappropriately breastfed and had lower dietary diversity. The Indonesian government needs to develop programmes to improve child feeding particularly in eastern Indonesia, focusing on improving dietary diversity and ASF consumption in poorer households and on prolonging breastfeeding in richer households. Women's labour force participation should be encouraged, but programmes for working mothers are also needed to support continued breastfeeding and to express breast milk. ANC and postnatal programmes need improved consultation sessions for child feeding.