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Fotakis EA, Kontele I, Tzoutzou M, Grammatikopoulou MG, Arvanitaki E, Sergentanis TN, Kotrokois K, Kornarou E, Vassilakou T. Food Insecurity in Greece and across the Globe: A Narrative Literature Review. Foods 2024; 13:1579. [PMID: 38790879 PMCID: PMC11121129 DOI: 10.3390/foods13101579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Food insecurity comprises a major global public health threat, as its effects are detrimental to the mental, physical, and social aspects of the health and well-being of those experiencing it. We performed a narrative literature review on the magnitude of global food insecurity with a special emphasis on Greece and analyzed the major factors driving food insecurity, taking into consideration also the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. An electronic search of international literature was conducted in three databases. More than 900 million people worldwide experience severe food insecurity, with future projections showing increasing trends. Within Europe, Eastern and Southern European countries display the highest food insecurity prevalence rates, with Greece reporting a prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity ranging between 6.6% and 8% for the period 2019-2022. Climate change, war, armed conflicts and economic crises are major underlying drivers of food insecurity. Amidst these drivers, the COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on food insecurity levels around the globe, through halting economic growth, disrupting food supply chains and increasing unemployment and poverty. Tackling food insecurity through addressing its key drivers is essential to any progress towards succeeding the Sustainable Development Goal of "Zero Hunger".
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanouil Alexandros Fotakis
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 196 Alexandras Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece; (E.A.F.); (I.K.); (E.A.); (T.N.S.); (K.K.); (E.K.)
| | - Ioanna Kontele
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 196 Alexandras Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece; (E.A.F.); (I.K.); (E.A.); (T.N.S.); (K.K.); (E.K.)
| | - Milia Tzoutzou
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 72300 Sitia, Greece;
| | - Maria G. Grammatikopoulou
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Eirini Arvanitaki
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 196 Alexandras Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece; (E.A.F.); (I.K.); (E.A.); (T.N.S.); (K.K.); (E.K.)
- Open Elderly Care Center, Municipality of Keratsini-Drapetsona, 18756 Athens, Greece
| | - Theodoros N. Sergentanis
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 196 Alexandras Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece; (E.A.F.); (I.K.); (E.A.); (T.N.S.); (K.K.); (E.K.)
| | - Konstantinos Kotrokois
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 196 Alexandras Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece; (E.A.F.); (I.K.); (E.A.); (T.N.S.); (K.K.); (E.K.)
| | - Eleni Kornarou
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 196 Alexandras Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece; (E.A.F.); (I.K.); (E.A.); (T.N.S.); (K.K.); (E.K.)
| | - Tonia Vassilakou
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 196 Alexandras Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece; (E.A.F.); (I.K.); (E.A.); (T.N.S.); (K.K.); (E.K.)
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Dutta A, Suri S, Rai M, Malik RA, Acharya R, Pandey P. Indicators of Malnutrition Among School-Going Children in an Eastern State (West Bengal) of India. Ecol Food Nutr 2024; 63:229-250. [PMID: 38526225 DOI: 10.1080/03670244.2024.2334064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
This study identified determinants of malnutrition among school children in West Bengal, India. A total of 896 children aged between 4 and 13 years in eight districts were evaluated. BMI, weight, and height-for-age z-scores were used to categorize the stages of malnutrition. The study results revealed that the average height of the boys and girls was as per the standards set by the National Council of Health Sciences. Body mass index of the children ranged between 14.4 and 21.42 kg/m2, and stunting was 56.77%. Age and stunting were positively correlated in 5- to 10-year-old children. The most common deficiency was of fluoride.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuradha Dutta
- Department of Foods & Nutrition, College of Community Science, GBPUA&T, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Shweta Suri
- Amity Institute of Food Technology (AIFT), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India
| | - Meenal Rai
- Department of Foods & Nutrition, College of Community Science, GBPUA&T, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Rushda Anam Malik
- Department of Foods & Nutrition, College of Community Science, GBPUA&T, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Ranjana Acharya
- Department of Foods & Nutrition, College of Community Science, GBPUA&T, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Pooja Pandey
- Department of Foods & Nutrition, College of Community Science, GBPUA&T, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India
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Mphamba PN, Chirwa GC, Mazalale J. An evolution of inequality of opportunity in the nutritional outcomes of under-five children in Malawi. SSM Popul Health 2024; 25:101606. [PMID: 38292048 PMCID: PMC10825516 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2024.101606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Malnutrition among children is a significant public health and development issue, especially in low- and middle-income countries, Malawi inclusive, which contributes to preventable diseases and deaths. Significant socioeconomic disparities persist, which affect access to and equal distribution of basic nutrition. This study analyzed the extent and trends of Inequality of Opportunity (IOP) in the nutritional outcomes of children aged 0-59 months. Methods The study used nationally representative data from the 2006, 2013-14, and 2019-20 Malawi Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey. In terms of method, we examined IOP in stunting, wasting, and underweight indicators, using the Human Opportunity Index and the Dissimilarity Index in 55,723 children. The Shapley-value technique decomposed the relative IOP. Results We find the largest share of circumstance-driven inequality in stunting (8.96 percent), followed by underweight (1.91 percent), and then wasting (0.90 percent). The Shapley-value decomposition results indicate the child's age (29.15 percent for stunting, 12.42 percent for underweight, and 52.36 percent for wasting) and gender (8.28 percent, 18.36 percent and 8.87 percent), wealth (6.36 percent, 22.87 percent and 8.54 percent), and mother's education (6.28 percent, 11.29 percent and 5.51 percent) as the dominant contributors to IOP for all three nutritional outcome indicators; stunting, underweight and wasting, respectively. Conclusion The findings suggest that policies aimed at narrowing the wealth and education inequality gap could help equalize nutrition opportunities for children in Malawi.
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Iddrisu WA, Gyabaah O. Identifying factors associated with child malnutrition in Ghana: a cross-sectional study using Bayesian multilevel ordinal logistic regression approach. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e075723. [PMID: 38110390 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-075723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In developing countries, malnutrition is a noteworthy concern related to the well-being of people, and this study aimed to determine the factors that affect malnutrition among children below 5 years in Ghana. DESIGN The study used a secondary data source, specifically the Ghanaian Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey Six (MICS 6), which was conducted by the Ghana Statistical Service in 2017-2018. The MICS data are hierarchical, as children are categorised within households, and households are further grouped within a higher cluster, violating the independence assumption that must be addressed in the analyses. This study used a Bayesian multilevel ordinal logistic regression to model, identify and analyse the factors linked to child malnutrition in Ghana. SETTING The setting of the study was the household level across the previous 10 administrative regions in Ghana. PARTICIPANTS Data for 8875 children under 5 years were used for the study. The data were gathered from households in all 10 administrative regions of Ghana using a sampling procedure consisting of stratification and random selection to ensure national representation. RESULTS The results showed that the Northern Region of Ghana had the highest occurrence rate of severe and moderate malnutrition, and factors such as the count of children's books or picture books, whether the child experienced fever in the last 2 weeks, age and sex of the child, and the child's household wealth index quintile were strongly linked to malnutrition among Ghanaian children. CONCLUSION These findings underscore the intricate interplay of factors contributing to child nutrition in Ghana and suggest that addressing malnutrition necessitates a comprehensive approach that considers factors such as access to healthcare and reading materials, household wealth, and other social and environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wahab Abdul Iddrisu
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Ghana Communication Technology University, Accra, Ghana
| | - Opoku Gyabaah
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Ghana Communication Technology University, Accra, Ghana
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Hills AP, Norris SA, Byrne NM, Jayasinghe S, Murphy-Alford AJ, Loechl CU, Ismail LIC, Kurpad AV, Kuriyan R, Nyati LH, Santos IS, Costa CS, Wickramasinghe VP, Lucas MN, Slater C, Yameen A, Ariff S. Body composition from birth to 2 years. Eur J Clin Nutr 2023:10.1038/s41430-023-01322-7. [PMID: 37563231 DOI: 10.1038/s41430-023-01322-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Providing all infants with the best start to life is a universal but challenging goal for the global community. Historically, the size and shape of infants, quantified by anthropometry and commencing with birthweight, has been the common yardstick for physical growth and development. Anthropometry has long been considered a proxy for nutritional status during infancy when, under ideal circumstances, changes in size and shape are most rapid. Developed from data collected in the Multicentre Growth Reference Study (MGRS), WHO Child Growth Standards for healthy infants and children have been widely accepted and progressively adopted. In contrast, and somewhat surprisingly, much less is understood about the 'quality' of growth as reflected by body composition during infancy. Recent advances in body composition assessment, including the more widespread use of air displacement plethysmography (ADP) across the first months of life, have contributed to a progressive increase in our knowledge and understanding of growth and development. Along with stable isotope approaches, most commonly the deuterium dilution (DD) technique, the criterion measure of total body water (TBW), our ability to quantify lean and fat tissue using a two-compartment model, has been greatly enhanced. However, until now, global reference charts for the body composition of healthy infants have been lacking. This paper details some of the historical challenges associated with the assessment of body composition across the first two years of life, and references the logical next steps in growth assessments, including reference charts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shane A Norris
- University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | - Leila I Cheikh Ismail
- University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ayesha Yameen
- Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology (PINSTECH), Nilore, Pakistan
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Singh SK, Chauhan A, Sharma SK, Puri P, Pedgaonkar S, Dwivedi LK, Taillie LS. Cultural and Contextual Drivers of Triple Burden of Malnutrition among Children in India. Nutrients 2023; 15:3478. [PMID: 37571415 PMCID: PMC10420920 DOI: 10.3390/nu15153478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
This study examines malnutrition's triple burden, including anaemia, overweight, and stunting, among children aged 6-59 months. Using data from the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-2021), the study identifies risk factors and assesses their contribution at different levels to existing malnutrition burden. A random intercept multilevel logistic regression model and spatial analysis are employed to identify child, maternal, and household level risk factors for stunting, overweight, and anaemia. The study finds that 34% of children were stunted, 4% were overweight, and 66% were anaemic. Stunting and anaemia prevalence were higher in central and eastern regions, while overweight was more prevalent in the north-eastern and northern regions. At the macro-level, the coexistence of stunting, overweight, and anaemia circumstantiates the triple burden of childhood malnutrition with substantial spatial variation (Moran's I: stunting-0.53, overweight-0.41, and anaemia-0.53). Multilevel analysis reveals that child, maternal, and household variables play a substantial role in determining malnutrition burden in India. The nutritional health is significantly influenced by a wide range of determinants, necessitating multilevel treatments targeting households to address this diverse group of coexisting factors. Given the intra-country spatial heterogeneity, the treatment also needs to be tailor-made for various disaggregated levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shri Kant Singh
- International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai 400088, India; (S.P.); (L.K.D.)
| | - Alka Chauhan
- International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Delhi 110012, India;
| | - Santosh Kumar Sharma
- The George Institute for Global Health, New Delhi 110025, India; (S.K.S.); (P.P.)
| | - Parul Puri
- The George Institute for Global Health, New Delhi 110025, India; (S.K.S.); (P.P.)
| | - Sarang Pedgaonkar
- International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai 400088, India; (S.P.); (L.K.D.)
| | - Laxmi Kant Dwivedi
- International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai 400088, India; (S.P.); (L.K.D.)
| | - Lindsey Smith Taillie
- Carolina Population Center, Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA;
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Batool M, Saleem J, Zakar R, Iqbal S, Shahzad R, Butt MS, Haider S, Fischer F. Double-Blind Parallel Treatment Randomized Controlled Trial of Prebiotics' Efficacy for Children Experiencing Severe Acute Malnutrition in Southern Punjab, Pakistan. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:children10050783. [PMID: 37238332 DOI: 10.3390/children10050783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of malnutrition among children under five is alarmingly high in Pakistan. However, there are ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF) available which may be used to treat children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM). This study aims to assess the efficacy of prebiotics as a synergistic additive to RUTF to enhance blood parameters and anthropometric measurements in children with uncomplicated SAM living in Southern Punjab, Pakistan. A double-blind parallel treatment randomized controlled trial was conducted on 204 children aged 6-59 months. Participants were randomized and allocated to the placebo (n = 102) or experimental arms (n = 102) in a 1:1 ratio. One group of children was provided with RUTF and 4 g prebiotics, while the other group was given RUTF and starch as a placebo. Participants recruited for both arms were given treatment for eight weeks, and then their biochemical and anthropometric outcomes were evaluated. A substantial difference between the mean weight, mid-upper-arm circumference, haemoglobin, haematocrit, platelet count, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, and albumin was revealed. During the two-month follow-up phase of the trial, children who were enrolled in the treatment group gained about 20% of their initial weight (pre-study mean weight = 5.44 ± 1.35 kg; post-study mean weight = 6.53 ± 1.45 kg). The analysis showed a significant difference (p < 0.005) between the control and treatment groups for MUAC and complete blood counts. Conclusively, supplementation with RUTF and prebiotics has proven to be an efficient, effective, and safe therapy for children suffering from SAM to improve their growth and development indicators and reduce the dangers of malnutrition in comparison to RUTF alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munazza Batool
- Department of Public Health, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54590, Pakistan
| | - Javeria Saleem
- Department of Public Health, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54590, Pakistan
| | - Rubeena Zakar
- Department of Public Health, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54590, Pakistan
| | - Sanaullah Iqbal
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Ruhma Shahzad
- Department of Public Health, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54590, Pakistan
| | | | - Shahroz Haider
- Bakhtawar Amin Medical and Dental College, Multan 60600, Pakistan
| | - Florian Fischer
- Institute of Public Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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Adequate Dietary Intake and Consumption of Indigenous Fermented Products Are Associated with Improved Nutrition Status among Children Aged 6–23 Months in Zambia. DAIRY 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/dairy4010010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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PULAT DEMİR H, KARŞIDAĞ K. İlköğretim Çağındaki Çocuklarda Obezite Üzerinde Etkili Olan Bazı Faktörlerin İncelenmesi: İstanbul Örneği. İSTANBUL GELIŞIM ÜNIVERSITESI SAĞLIK BILIMLERI DERGISI 2022. [DOI: 10.38079/igusabder.1199259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Amaç: Çocukluk çağında obezite tüm dünyada artmaktadır. Bu çalışma ilköğretim çağındaki çocuklarda obezite üzerinde etkili olan bazı faktörlerin araştırılması amacıyla yapılmıştır.Yöntem: Çalışma İstanbul'da iki farklı okulda 621 ilköğretim öğrencisi üzerinde gerçekleştirilmiştir. Çocuklar 7-15 yaş grubunda olup rastgele örneklem yöntemi ile seçilmiştir. Çocuklara demografik özellikler, beslenme ve fiziksel aktivite ile ilgili sorulardan oluşan bir anket uygulanmış olup, bazı antropometrik ölçümleri alınmıştır. Çocukların Beden Kütle Indeksi (BKİ) değerleri Türk çocuklarının persentillerine göre sınıflandırılmıştır. Veriler SPSS 13.0 programı ile değerlendirilmiştir.Bulgular: Öğrencilerin %47,5’i kız, %52,5’i erkektir. BKİ sınıflandırmasında öğrencilerin %11,8'i obez bulunmuştur. Özel okuldaki öğrencilerde obezite prevalansı %17,3 devlet okulundaki öğrencilerde %6,6’dır (p<0,05). Üniversite mezunu anne ve babaların çocuklarında, aile birey sayısı üç kişi olanlarda obezite oranı daha fazladır (p<0,05). Beslenme alışkanlıklarına göre düzenli akşam yemeği tüketmeyenlerde ve sevinçli/mutlu olduğunda iştah değişimi olmayanlarda daha fazla obezite oranı görülmüştür (p<0,05). Ayrıca, okula özel araba ile giden öğrencilerin obezite oranı en fazladır (%18,2; p< 0,05).Sonuç: Çalışma sonucunda çocuklarda obezite oranı yüksek eğitim düzeyine sahip anne ve babaların çocuklarında, özel okula giden çocuklarda ve üç kişilik ailelerde yaşayanlarda daha yüksek bulunmuştur. Çocuklarda obezite gelişimini önlemek için okullarda düzenli olarak antropometrik ölçümlerin alınması, öğrencilere ve ebeveynlere sağlıklı beslenmeye yönelik eğitimlerin verilmesi faydalı olabilir.
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Lazarus G, Junaidi MC, Oswari H. Relationship of Functional Constipation and Growth Status: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2022; 75:702-708. [PMID: 36053122 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0000000000003600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Functional constipation (FC) and malnutrition are 2 of the most common diseases affecting children worldwide with long-term consequences. We hereby performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to analyze the relationship between these 2 entities. METHODS We searched PubMed, American Academics of Pediatrics (AAP), Cochrane, ClinicalTrials.gov (from inception to December 11, 2021) using "constipation," "growth," and "children" as the keywords. Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used as the risk of bias assessment tool. Meta-analysis using the random-effects model was done. RESULTS Eighteen studies involving 33,410 children were chosen in this study. Meta-analysis of all the studies showed statistically significant relationship between FC with both overweight/obesity [odds ratio (OR) = 1.75; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.11-2.76; P = 0.02], in Asian countries subgroup, and undernutrition (OR = 2.38; 95% CI = 1.43-3.97; P < 0.001) in Asian countries using ROME criteria's subgroup. Normal weight patients were also more prevalent in non-FC patients in Asia (OR = 0.54; 95% CI = 0.38-0.76; P < 0.001). The relationship between FC and short stature is still inconclusive. CONCLUSIONS FC is correlated with the prevalence of both overweight/obesity and undernutrition. Future studies should evaluate the causal relationship and whether FC treatment could help.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glen Lazarus
- From the Gastrohepatology Division, Department of Child Health, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
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Tesfaw LM, Woya AA. Potential mediators of the link between wealth index and anthropometric indices of under-five children in Ethiopia. Front Public Health 2022; 10:981484. [PMID: 36311561 PMCID: PMC9606741 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.981484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Malnutrition of under-five children has adverse effects on child's health and development, such as growth failure and muscle wasting. The household wealth index has a direct contribution to child malnutrition despite little attention being given to its indirect effect through other factors. This study aimed to identify the potential mediators of the link between wealth index and malnutrition. Methods In this study, a cross-sectional study design was implemented based on the data obtained from the 2019 Ethiopia Mini Demographic and Health Survey (EMDHS), which consists of a total of 3,918 under-five children. Mediation analysis of structural equation (SEM) was implemented to determine and estimate the effects of potential mediators of the link between wealth index and under-five children malnutrition. Results Among 3,918 under-five children involved in this study, 51.4% were male children and 20.2% were from urban areas. The place of delivery of the majority of mothers (56.1%) was at home, and the majority of children were from the poorest household (36.4%). The estimated effects of height-for-age of female children were higher (1.31:95% CI = 0.45, 0.200), indicating that female children had a lower likelihood of stunting than males. As compared to children in an urban area, children from rural areas were more likely to be stunted (-0.269; 95%CI = -0.388, -0.135). The estimated total indirect effects of wealth index on stunting and underweight was 0.69 (95% = 0.045, 0.094) and 0.036 (95% = 0.013, 0.054), respectively, and significant (p-value of <0.05). Conclusion Environmental, maternal, biological, and behavioral factors were the potential mediators of the link between the wealth index and the anthropometric indices. Besides, the total effects of the household wealth index had a significant effect on stunting, underweight, and wasting in which children from a household with low economic status were more likely to be malnourished.
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New and Old Challenges in Pediatric Health Policies. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9081196. [PMID: 36010086 PMCID: PMC9407002 DOI: 10.3390/children9081196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Sotiraki M, Malliou A, Tachirai N, Kellari N, Grammatikopoulou MG, Sergentanis TN, Vassilakou T. Burden of Childhood Malnutrition: A Roadmap of Global and European Policies Promoting Healthy Nutrition for Infants and Young Children. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9081179. [PMID: 36010069 PMCID: PMC9406702 DOI: 10.3390/children9081179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Childhood malnutrition is a global epidemic with significant public health ramifications. The alarming increase in childhood obesity rates, in conjunction with the COVID-19 pandemic, pose major challenges. The present review aims to critically discuss policies and action plans promoting healthy nutrition among infants and children, globally. Since the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989 and the joint consortium held by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) that led to the “Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding”, several policymakers and scientific societies have produced relevant reports. Today, the WHO and UNICEF remain the key players on the field, elaborating the guidelines shaped by international expert teams over time, but we still have a long way to go before assuring the health of our children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianthi Sotiraki
- MSc Programme in Public Health, Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, Athens University Campus, 196 Alexandras Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: (M.S.); (T.V.)
| | - Aggeliki Malliou
- MSc Programme in Public Health, Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, Athens University Campus, 196 Alexandras Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Ntaniela Tachirai
- MSc Programme in Public Health, Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, Athens University Campus, 196 Alexandras Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikoletta Kellari
- MSc Programme in Public Health, Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, Athens University Campus, 196 Alexandras Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria G. Grammatikopoulou
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University General Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41221 Larissa, Greece
| | - Theodoros N. Sergentanis
- MSc Programme in Public Health, Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, Athens University Campus, 196 Alexandras Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Tonia Vassilakou
- MSc Programme in Public Health, Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, Athens University Campus, 196 Alexandras Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: (M.S.); (T.V.)
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Assunção AGL, Cakmak I, Clemens S, González-Guerrero M, Nawrocki A, Thomine S. Micronutrient homeostasis in plants for more sustainable agriculture and healthier human nutrition. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2022; 73:1789-1799. [PMID: 35134869 PMCID: PMC8921004 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erac014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The provision of sustainable, sufficient, and nutritious food to the growing population is a major challenge for agriculture and the plant research community. In this respect, the mineral micronutrient content of food crops deserves particular attention. Micronutrient deficiencies in cultivated soils and plants are a global problem that adversely affects crop production and plant nutritional value, as well as human health and well-being. In this review, we call for awareness of the importance and relevance of micronutrients in crop production and quality. We stress the need for better micronutrient nutrition in human populations, not only in developing but also in developed nations, and describe strategies to identify and characterize new varieties with high micronutrient content. Furthermore, we explain how adequate nutrition of plants with micronutrients impacts metabolic functions and the capacity of plants to express tolerance mechanisms against abiotic and biotic constraints. Finally, we provide a brief overview and a critical discussion on current knowledge, future challenges, and specific technological needs for research on plant micronutrient homeostasis. Research in this area is expected to foster the sustainable development of nutritious and healthy food crops for human consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana G L Assunção
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1871 Frederiksberg, Denmark
- CIBIO-InBIO, Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, University of Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
| | - Ismail Cakmak
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, 34956 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Stephan Clemens
- Department of Plant Physiology and Faculty of Life Sciences: Food, Nutrition and Health, University of Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Manuel González-Guerrero
- Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas (UPM-INIA), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón (Madrid), Spain
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