Food consumption pattern as a method for prediction of nutrient deficiencies

ABSTRACT

This presentation will focus on possible prediction of nutrient deficiencies in the Egyptian diet. The study of food consumption patterns and knowledge of the diversity of the diet will allow the prediction of nutritional deficiencies as vitamin A, B[12] and C. Choices of basic staples and methods of preparation will predict iron, zinc and niacin deficiencies while knowledge of local soil and water will predict iodine and selenium. During the years 1993 and 1994 approximately 7000 households were sampled from five Egyptian governorates. The food consumption pattern was recorded by using a quantitative 24 hour recalls of food intake for the adult female respondent and for a child between two and six years of age. The results show that underweight among women was relatively rare but obesity was common. Among children, almost one third were short for their age, reflecting the cumulative effects of mild to moderate undernutrition. Energy and protein intakes were generally adequate. A substantial proportion of women and children had diets which were low, relative to recommended intakes in vitamin A, calcium, riboflavin, vitamin C and vitamin B[12]. The results will be discussed in relation to household food security concepts and the possible role of changing food consumption patterns to combat nutrient deficiencies