乌鲁木齐市213名汉族孕妇膳食营养状况调查

目的：了解乌鲁木齐市汉族孕妇膳食营养摄入及各种营养素达标情况,以便改善和提高孕妇的营养状况。方法随机选择自治区妇幼保健院营养门诊就诊的213名汉族孕妇作为调查对象,采用问卷方式24小时膳食回顾法对每个调查对象进行膳食调查,建立数据库,与《中国居民膳食营养素参考摄入量（ DRIs）》进行比较分析。结果孕妇膳食结构不合理,虽然孕期蔬菜与水果类摄入量已达到中国营养学会推荐摄入量,但其他种类食物却低于推荐摄入量。孕早期能量摄入2086．70kcal,孕中期3200．40kcal,孕晚期3650．70kcal,分别占RNI的90．70％、128．00％和130．40％;孕早期蛋白质摄入61．60kcal,孕中期71．70kcal,孕晚期71．30kcal,分别占RNI的82．10％、89．60％和83．90％,而且植物性蛋白质摄入过多,动物性蛋白摄入量低于全国30％的平均水平;孕妇膳食中钙、铁主要来源是植物性食物,分别占65％和90％,但在植物性食物中钙、铁的吸收率很低;维生素C、维生素B 6以及叶酸摄入不足,其中叶酸摄入量严重缺乏,孕早期叶酸摄入68．50μg,孕中期84．90μg,孕晚期93．20μg,分别占RNI的11．40％、14．20％和15．50％。结论孕妇各期膳食结构不合理;孕早期热能及营养素不能满足机体需要,孕中、晚期膳食较为合理,但维生素B6、维生素C、叶酸的摄入水平严重不足;动物性蛋白、钙、铁摄入不足。     

2009年浙江省3个城市居民膳食碘摄入量评估

目的 评估浙江省不同地区居民膳食碘摄入水平.方法 2009年在浙江省内陆和沿海地区抽取杭州、台州、舟山市180户家庭共497人,采用总膳食研究方法进行膳食调查,统计人群各种食物的消费量,按照所得的食物消费量数据烹调加工并混合成可食的各种食物类别制作成膳食样品.采用四甲基氢氧化铵提取-电感耦合等离子体-质谱法测定膳食样品中碘含量.食物消费量与样品(烹饪加工后的熟样)中碘含量相乘得到碘膳食摄入量.以2001年中国营养学会公布的碘推荐摄入量(RNI)和可耐受最高摄入量(UL),评估膳食碘摄入量.结果3个城市居民膳食碘摄入为421.0 μg/d(标准人),M=358.5 μg/d.P5(第5百分位数)、P25、P75、P90、P95分别为145.7、267.6、495.6、774.1、1273.0 μ g/d.5.2％的居民每日膳食碘摄入低于RNI,87.5％的居民每日膳食碘处于RNI与UL之间,7.2％的居民每日膳食碘摄入超过UL.不考虑烹饪损失,食盐每日供给的碘占膳食碘摄入量的81.6％.加工烹饪食物后,膳食碘的57.2％来源于蔬菜类,13.0％来源于谷类,8.5％来源于水产类.每日膳食碘摄入超过UL的人群其海藻类摄入明显高于每日膳食碘摄入小于RNI人群和膳食碘处于RNI-UL之间的人群.结论 浙江省3个城市居民总体膳食碘摄入量尚未达到最高限值,且碘摄入不足与摄入过高情况并存,碘盐和海藻类食物是膳食碘的主要来源.     

青岛市农村老年人群膳食营养摄入状况调查

目的 了解山东省青岛市农村老年人群的膳食营养状况.方法 采用24h膳食回顾法调查农村500名老年人的食物消费、营养素摄入和膳食构成的情况.结果 男、女老年人平均每人日摄入能量分别为推荐摄入量(RNI)的91.8%和85.2%.蛋白质摄入量达到RNI的91.4%和87.1%,维生素A的摄入量为RNI的64.0%和583%.维生素C的摄入量为RNI的63.9%和56.2%,维生素E的摄入量为适宜摄入量(AI)的60.7%和53.9%;老年人膳食能量的60%以上来自植物性食品,其中谷类食品占56.5%;蛋白质的食物来源中,谷类食品占39.7%,动物性食物占38.7%;男、女老年人膳食中碳水化合物提供的能量分别占总能量的66.2%和69.0%,脂肪占17.5%和15.8%,蛋白质占16.3%和15.2%.结论 老年人膳食中蛋类和水产品的摄入充足;水果、蔬菜、谷类的摄入量较低;摄入的能量基本能够满足机体的需要,蛋白质的食物来源较好;维生素E、C和A等抗氧化维生素摄入不足;三大营养素的供能比中脂肪提供的能量偏低.     

K44次旅客列车乘务员膳食营养结构调查及评价

目的了解列车乘务员的膳食营养状况，为提供合理的膳食结构，平衡营养提供科学依据。方法通过对K44次旅客列车上212名乘务员在出乘运行途中3日内摄入的食物总量运用现场查帐法进行调查。计算出人均日摄入各种营养素的量，与推荐的每日膳食中营养素供给量(RDA)比较。结果K44次旅客列车乘务员人均每日摄入的各种营养素，除钙、核黄素(维生素B2)，视黄醇当量(维生素A)的摄入相对不足以外，其他营养素的摄入量基本充足。摄入的营养素主要来源于植物性食物，占74．24％；其次来源于动物性食物，占16．04％；豆类食物来源占9．72％。结论K44次旅客列车乘务员的膳食营养与中国营养协会推荐的RDA标准相比较，除钙、维生素B2、维生素A的摄入相对不足外，其他营养素的摄入量基本充足。     

青岛市体检人群日常膳食脂肪摄入调查分析

目的探讨青岛居民日常膳食中脂肪的摄入量,分析膳食脂肪摄入构成。方法在青岛市市立医院2012年健康查体人群中随机抽取189例进行体格检查、病史调查、空腹血生化检查、膳食调查。通过简化的食物频率表进行现场调查问卷,询问每一个调查对象过去一年中各类食物的摄入频率和摄人量。结果青岛居民每日每人粮谷类食物的平均摄入量约200g,薯类食物约26g,畜禽肉及内脏约85g,海产品约73g,其中小黄鱼、海虾和蛤蜊的摄入量较其他海产品高;坚果类和油脂类平均摄入量分别约23g和40g,摄入量较高。脂肪约占摄入总能量的37％,其中比重最高的为油脂类,约占摄入脂肪的43％,其次为坚果类（约11％）,其他分别为畜禽肉类（约5％）,海产品（约1．8％）。饱和脂肪酸（SFA）：单不饱和脂肪酸（MUFA）：多不饱和脂肪酸（PUFA）的比值为1：1．5：1．49,比例不均衡,其中MUFA、PUFA占总脂肪酸比例较高,而ω-3PUFA摄入量较低,人均每天仅约为0．15g。结论青岛居民膳食中营养素摄入齐全,脂肪摄人偏高,脂肪酸比例失衡,这样的膳食结构不利于预防和控制血脂异常及心血管等疾病。     

2009年浙江省3个城市居民膳食碘摄入量评估

目的 评估浙江省不同地区居民膳食碘摄入水平.方法 2009年在浙江省内陆和沿海地区抽取杭州、台州、舟山市180户家庭共497人,采用总膳食研究方法进行膳食调查,统计人群各种食物的消费量,按照所得的食物消费量数据烹调加工并混合成可食的各种食物类别制作成膳食样品.采用四甲基氢氧化铵提取-电感耦合等离子体-质谱法测定膳食样品中碘含量.食物消费量与样品(烹饪加工后的熟样)中碘含量相乘得到碘膳食摄入量.以2001年中国营养学会公布的碘推荐摄入量(RNI)和可耐受最高摄入量(UL),评估膳食碘摄入量.结果3个城市居民膳食碘摄入为421.0 μg/d(标准人),M=358.5 μg/d.P5(第5百分位数)、P25、P75、P90、P95分别为145.7、267.6、495.6、774.1、1273.0 μ g/d.5.2％的居民每日膳食碘摄入低于RNI,87.5％的居民每日膳食碘处于RNI与UL之间,7.2％的居民每日膳食碘摄入超过UL.不考虑烹饪损失,食盐每日供给的碘占膳食碘摄入量的81.6％.加工烹饪食物后,膳食碘的57.2％来源于蔬菜类,13.0％来源于谷类,8.5％来源于水产类.每日膳食碘摄入超过UL的人群其海藻类摄入明显高于每日膳食碘摄入小于RNI人群和膳食碘处于RNI-UL之间的人群.结论 浙江省3个城市居民总体膳食碘摄入量尚未达到最高限值,且碘摄入不足与摄入过高情况并存,碘盐和海藻类食物是膳食碘的主要来源.     

惠州学院164名在校女生膳食营养状况调查

目的了解女大学生膳食营养状况,为开展高校膳食营养教育提供参考。方法采用24h膳食记录法和查帐法对惠州学院164名随机抽样的女大学生进行连续3d的膳食调查,通过实验室检查进行营养状况评价。结果惠州学院在校女生能量摄入量只占RNI的73%,钙摄入量只占RNI的42%;碳水化合物、维生素B1、维生素B2、铁、锌摄入量不足;动物性食品偏少;血液钙、镁、铁、铜、锌浓度偏低。结论惠州学院女生膳食结构不合理,应调整膳食结构,增加动物性食物的摄入,提高膳食能量、钙、维生素B1、维生素B2、微量元素的摄入量。     

中国居民微量营养素的摄入

目的：依据１９９２年第三次全国营养调查的结果,分析全国各年龄居民１００２０１人的微量营养素摄入情况。方法：以中国的食物成分表为计算依据,用１９８８年修订的“推荐每日膳食中营养素供给量（ＲＤＡ）”作为评价指标,用ＳＡＳ统计软件进行分析。结果：钙是中国居民膳食中缺乏最明显的营养素,有５１．０％～６７．６％的城乡个体每日钙摄入量不足１／２ＲＤＡ;全国平均视黄醇当量的摄入量占ＲＤＡ的６１．７％;核黄素的摄入量占ＲＤＡ的５８．４％;铁的摄入量并不低,然而缺铁性贫血是我国居民中普遍存在的营养缺乏病;居民膳食中锌、硒、硫胺素摄入量在８０％～９０％ＲＤＡ;烟酸、抗坏血酸、维生素Ｅ比较充足。结论：对于钙和铁的缺乏应调整膳食结构或适当使用强化食品加以改善。     

中国居民微量营养素的摄入

目的：依据１９９２ 年第三次全国营养调查的结果,分析全国各年龄居民１００ ２０１ 人的微量营养素摄入情况。方法：以中国的食物成分表为计算依据,用１９８８年修订的“推荐每日膳食中营养素供给量（ Ｒ Ｄ Ａ）”作为评价指标,用 Ｓ Ａ Ｓ 统计软件进行分析。结果：钙是中国居民膳食中缺乏最明显的营养素,有５１ ．０ ％ ～６７ ．６ ％ 的城乡个体每日钙摄入量不足１／２ Ｒ Ｄ Ａ; 全国平均视黄醇当量的摄入量占 Ｒ Ｄ Ａ 的６１７ ％ ;核黄素的摄入量占 Ｒ Ｄ Ａ 的５８ ．４ ％ ;铁的摄入量并不低,然而缺铁性贫血是我国居民中普遍存在的营养缺乏病;居民膳食中锌、硒、硫胺素摄入量在８０ ％ ～９０ ％ Ｒ Ｄ Ａ;烟酸、抗坏血酸、维生素 Ｅ 比较充足。结论：对于钙和铁的缺乏应调整膳食结构或适当使用强化食品加以改善。     

北京山区3所小学学龄儿童膳食营养素摄入量与生长发育状况研究

目的：了解北京近郊山区学龄儿童膳食营养素摄入量与体格发育状况，方法：采用膳食调查等方法调查学龄儿童膳食营养素摄入量状况；测量其同期身高，体重，计算身体质量指数（BMI）并与正常参考值比较。结果：（1）受检儿童膳食能量、蛋白质、铁、硫胺素与维生素C平均每日摄入量均达RDA的85％以上，膳食钙、锌、视黄醇与核黄素分别低于RDA的70％，膳食钙摄入量仅占RDA的36．9％。（2）食物频率调查显示，食物构成比较单调，经常摄入的是米，面和蔬菜，而鱼类，肉类、猪肝、豆制品等很少摄入，经常不吃早餐的儿童占27．1％，早餐食物质量不高，主要为方便面，米饭，缺乏牛肉，豆浆，鸡蛋等。（3）平均身高，体重与全国调研标准基本符合。男生超重检出率为9．77％，肥胖检出率为4．78％；女生超重检出率为10．93％，肥胖检出率为2．50％，结论：该人群膳食主体是以植物性食物为主，缺少动脉性食物，豆类及其制品，属温饱型膳食结构，应采取合理的综合干预措施，有效地改善其膳食营养状况。     

Nutritional status of the elderly in Naples

Nutritional status (anthropometry, food habits, thiamin and riboflavin status) has been evaluated in 136 (70 males and 66 females) free living healthy elderly individuals (age range 65-69 yrs) from the district of San Carlo Arena that can be considered representative of the sociocultural and economic level of the city of Naples. By assuming as reference values those of middle aged individuals, 50 percent of elderly men and 85 percent of elderly women showed different degree of excess body fat. As far as food habits are concerned legumes, vegetables and fruit daily intake was quite high whilst alcohol consumption was low. Furthermore milk and eggs intake was low and infrequent. Although prevalence of excess body weight was high, total daily energy intake was found to be equal or slightly above dietary recommendations for the elderly. Diet composition showed a high protein intake whilst CHO and fat intake was slightly below recommendations. Micronutrients' intake was insufficient for calcium in 10 percent of both males and females and for iron in 20 percent of men and 40 percent of women. Niacin intake was low in about 50 percent of both men and women. Thiamin nutritional status was found low in 20 percent of men and women and riboflavin status in 40 percent of men and 20 percent of women. In conclusion obesity and overweight are very frequent in an urbanized sample of free living healthy elderly individuals of Naples. On the other hand serum calcium and iron and some vitamin deficiency is not uncommon. The composition of the diet seems to be also poor in some micronutrients.     

Dietary habits of the Somali population in Liverpool,with respect to foods containing calcium and vitamin D: a cause for concern?

BACKGROUND: A large percentage of Liverpool Somalis have vitamin D deficiency and low calcium excretion. The dietary habits of Liverpool Somalis were investigated with respect to food items containing calcium and vitamin D. METHODS: A questionnaire, administered by a Somali field worker, assessed the intake of food of 60 adult (45 females and 15 males; mean age 42 years) and 10 child (seven females and three males; mean age 10 years) Somali volunteers. Questions concerned personal details, health (bone and muscle problems) and dietary habits including the frequency of consumption of food items containing substantial amounts of calcium and vitamin D. Results Most subjects reported bone and muscle pain. Eating habits reflected traditional customs. Foods containing substantial amounts of calcium and vitamin D were consumed infrequently. Milk was only consumed in tea. Those self-reporting bone pain consumed eggs, cheese and beans rarely. CONCLUSION: The food choices of these individuals with regard to bone health is a cause for concern and indicates a likelihood of low calcium and vitamin D intake.     

Older adults need guidance to meet nutritional recommendations

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the diet of healthy, free-living senior volunteers to the dietary reference intakes (DRIs) and Food Guide Pyramid recommendations. METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional assessment of dietary habits, as measured using a standardized food frequency questionnaire, among 1,740 healthy Southwestern U.S. adults, aged 51 to 85 years. Assessment of independently-living volunteers to chemoprevention trials provides an efficient mechanism to profile typical dietary habits among the older adult population. RESULTS: Daily estimated macronutrient intakes exceeded recommended proportions of protein and fat. In contrast, more than 60% of this senior population reported dietary vitamin D, vitamin E, folate and calcium intakes below estimated average requirements (EAR). Based on the Food Guide Pyramid recommendations, fewer than 10% of the older adults consumed the recommended daily dairy and grain servings. More females than males consumed recommended vegetable (49% versus 40%) and fruit (53% versus 48%) servings (p < 0.05). More males consumed recommended grain (11% versus 7%) and protein (78% versus 73%) servings (p < 0.05) than females. CONCLUSIONS: Mean micronutrient intakes compared well with DRIs, although fewer than one-half of these older adults consumed recommended levels for vitamin D, vitamin E, folate, and calcium or daily food servings of dairy, grains, vegetables or fruits. Since the beneficial aspects of foods are not limited to essential nutrients, nutrition recommendations to older adults may be improved by emphasizing daily servings of nutrient-dense choices within the Food Pyramid.     

Dietary Pattern among Schoolchildren with Normal Nutritional Status in Navarre,Spain

A nutrition survey was carried out (food intake registration of three consecutive school days) in a randomly selected group of 353 schoolchildren (188 males and 165 females) with normal nutritional status. The average age of the surveyed students was 10.5 years (CI 95%: 10.3–11.7). There were no significant differences between both sexes in mean values for calorie intake (males: 2072.7 ± 261.7 and females: 2060.9 ± 250.6) and intake of macronutrients, minerals and vitamins. Cereals (34%), dairy products (19%) and meats (17%) were responsible for approximately 70% of total calorie intake. Protein accounted for 20.3% of energy intake, carbohydrates for 48.8%, total fat for 30.9%, and saturated fat for 12.6%. Cholesterol intake was excessive and over two-thirds of protein intake was from animal sources. The mean intakes of calcium, iodine and Vitamins A, D and E were below recommended levels. The dietary patterns of the schoolchildren with normal nutritional status differed from the Mediterranean diet. Intakes of meat were too high and dairy products and cereals consumption was relatively limited; while that of vegetables; legumes; fruits and fish were insufficient; leading to excessive protein and fat intake from animal sources and insufficient mineral (calcium and iodine) and Vitamins A; D and E intake.     

Dietary vitamin B-6 intake and food sources in the US population: NHANES II, 1976-1980

Dietary vitamin B-6 intake and food sources were estimated from the Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES II) dietary data for 11,658 adults aged 19-74 y. The average daily intake of vitamin B-6 was 1.48 +/- 0.01 mg (mean +/- SEM) for the total population, 1.85 +/- 0.02 for males and 1.14 +/- 0.01 for females. Seventy-one percent of males and 90% of females consumed less than the 1980 recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of vitamin B-6. Sixty-four percent of all survey respondents reported a ratio of vitamin B-6 to dietary protein of less than 0.02 (expressed as mg/g protein). Foods from animal and plant sources provided 48% and 52% of the total vitamin B-6, respectively. Vitamin B-6 intake decreased (P less than 0.0001) with increasing age and decreasing education and income status. Beef steaks and roasts, alcoholic beverages, potatoes, ready-to-eat cereals, and milk were important dietary sources of vitamin B-6.     

1991-2009年中国九省区膳食营养素摄入状况及变化趋势(六)18～49岁成人膳食钙摄入量及变化趋势

目的 了解1991-2009年中国18～49岁成人钙摄入状况、钙的食物来源及变化趋势。方法 选取1991年～2009年“中国居民健康与营养调查”七轮调查中18～49岁成年居民作为本次研究对象,按地区分层纵向分析历年来成人钙摄入量水平、钙食物来源分布及变化趋势。结果 1991-2009年间,我国成人平均每日钙摄入量总体呈上升趋势,2009年成年男性钙摄入量为415.3mg/d,成年女性钙摄入量为367.3mg/d;2009年城市、郊区、城镇、农村四类地区成年男性钙摄入量达到推荐的适宜摄入量(AI)的比例为6.6%、6.6%、2.8%和4.3%,成年女性钙摄入量达到AI的比例为2.8%、3.6%、2.6%和2.1%。钙的食物来源主要为蔬菜、豆类、谷类,三类食物提供的钙占70%以上,奶类食物提供的钙在4%以下。结论 在过去的近20年间,我国18～49岁成人钙摄入水平仍然较低,奶类、豆类等钙的优质食物来源提供钙的比例偏低是钙摄入不足的主要原因。     

Measurement of individual differences in intake of green and yellow vegetables and carotenoids in young unmarried subjects

In this study, a dietary survey for 3 weekdays of young unmarried subjects [workers and students, 159 males and 160 females, ages 18-19y (17.2%), 20-24 y (56.2%), 25-29 y (18.6%), 30-34 y (6.7%) and 35 y- (1.3%)] was performed. We evaluated the intake of green and yellow vegetables in this survey and determined the carotenoids (beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lycopene, beta-cryptoxanthin, and lutein+zeaxanthin) in 15 kinds of green and yellow vegetables frequently consumed. The carotenoid intake of each subject was calculated from the intake of these vegetables and the amount of carotenoid. Moreover, we studied the intake of protein, fat, and dietary fiber, and investigated its relationship to the intake of vegetables. The mean green and yellow vegetable intake/d in all subjects was 60.5 +/- 58.7 g, much lower than the recommended level [120 g/d, (Health Japan 21 by Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)]. The intake of green and yellow vegetables was greater in females than males, and in workers than students. In all subjects, the mean total carotenoid intake/d was 2852.8 +/- 2354.3 microg. In the total intake of carotenoids, there was no difference between males and females; however, the intake was greater in workers than in students. The intake of beta-carotene and a-carotene was greater in males than females. However, the intake of beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and lutein+zeaxanthin was greater in females than males. The group with the low green and yellow vegetable intake had not only a low carotenoid intake, but also a low intake of protein, fat, and dietary fiber. Therefore, it was suggested that carotenoid absorption may be affected by a low intake of protein, fat, and dietary fiber.     

Dietary intake and nutritional status of young vegans and omnivores in Sweden

BACKGROUND: Adolescents sometimes become vegetarian for ethical rather than health reasons. This may result in health problems caused by lack of interest in and knowledge of nutrition. OBJECTIVE: We compared the dietary intake and nutritional status of young Swedish vegans and omnivores. DESIGN: The dietary intakes of 30 vegans (15 males and 15 females; mean age: 17.5 +/- 1.0 y) and 30 sex-, age-, and height-matched omnivores were assessed with the use of a diet-history interview and validated by the doubly labeled water method and by measuring nitrogen, sodium, and potassium excretion in urine. Iron status and serum vitamin B-12 and folate concentrations were measured in blood samples. RESULTS: The diet-history method underestimated energy intake by 13% and potassium intake by 7% compared with the doubly labeled water method and 24-h urine excretion, respectively. Reported dietary nitrogen and sodium intakes agreed with the 24-h urinary excretion measure. Vegans had higher intakes of vegetables, legumes, and dietary supplements and lower intakes of cake and cookies and candy and chocolate than did omnivores. Vegans had dietary intakes lower than the average requirements of riboflavin, vitamin B-12, vitamin D, calcium, and selenium. Intakes of calcium and selenium remained low even with the inclusion of dietary supplements. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of low iron status among vegans (20%) and omnivores (23%). Two vegans with low intakes of vitamin B-12 had low serum concentrations. CONCLUSION: The dietary habits of the vegans varied considerably and did not comply with the average requirements for some essential nutrients.     

Small fish is an important dietary source of vitamin A and calcium in rural Bangladesh

Fish plays an important role in the Bangladeshi diet, constituting the main animal food in rural households. Fish consumption is dominated by wild small (length<25 cm) indigenous fish species (SIS). A study was conducted to evaluate the dietary contribution of vitamin A and calcium from fish in rural Bangladesh. Seasonal fish consumption was surveyed in 84 rural households in Kishoreganj district using a 5 day recall method. Fifty-nine of the households practised aquaculture, producing carps and SIS in small ponds. The intra-household distribution of a standardised fish dish was surveyed in 20 households by weighing. The contribution of vitamin A and calcium from fish was calculated as a nutrient contribution ratio, expressing the nutrient intake from fish relative to the recommended intake at household level. The mean amount of fish consumed in all households was 37 g raw edible parts/person/day (median=27) in July 1997. 82 g raw edible parts/person/day (median=64) in October 1997, and 55 g raw edible parts/person/day (median=42) in February 1998. A total of 44 fish species was recorded in the diet. SIS contributed 84% of the total fish intake. Fish bought in the local markets was the most important source of fish in both fish-producing and non-fish-producing households. The intra-household fish distribution showed that the heads of the households (all males) were favoured over females and other males. In October, the; mean nutrient contribution ratio for vitamin A was 40% (median=23%) and for calcium was 32% (median=26%). SIS contributed more than 99% of vitamin A and calcium intakes from the total fish intake. Mola, a vitamin A-rich SIS, was produced in 34 of the fish-producing households. Mola harvested from the ponds and consumed in the households contributed, on average, 21% (median=18%) of the household recommended intake of vitamin A in a 7 month period. SIS is an important and perhaps irreplaceable dietary source of vitamin A and calcium, and promotion of the availability and accessibility of SIS for the population in rural Bangladesh should be given priority.     

Small fish is an important dietary source of vitamin A and calcium in rural Bangladesh

Fish plays an important role in the Bangladeshi diet, constituting the main animal food in rural households. Fish consumption is dominated by wild small (length&lt;25 cm) indigenous fish species (SIS). A study was conducted to evaluate the dietary contribution of vitamin A and calcium from fish in rural Bangladesh. Seasonal fish consumption was surveyed in 84 rural households in Kishoreganj district using a 5 day recall method. Fifty-nine of the households practised aquaculture, producing carps and SIS in small ponds. The intra-household distribution of a standardised fish dish was surveyed in 20 households by weighing. The contribution of vitamin A and calcium from fish was calculated as a nutrient contribution ratio, expressing the nutrient intake from fish relative to the recommended intake at household level. The mean amount of fish consumed in all households was 37 g raw edible parts/person/day (median=27) in July 1997. 82 g raw edible parts/person/day (median=64) in October 1997, and 55 g raw edible parts/person/day (median=42) in February 1998. A total of 44 fish species was recorded in the diet. SIS contributed 84% of the total fish intake. Fish bought in the local markets was the most important source of fish in both fish-producing and non-fish-producing households. The intra-household fish distribution showed that the heads of the households (all males) were favoured over females and other males. In October, the; mean nutrient contribution ratio for vitamin A was 40% (median=23%) and for calcium was 32% (median=26%). SIS contributed more than 99% of vitamin A and calcium intakes from the total fish intake. Mola, a vitamin A-rich SIS, was produced in 34 of the fish-producing households. Mola harvested from the ponds and consumed in the households contributed, on average, 21% (median=18%) of the household recommended intake of vitamin A in a 7 month period. SIS is an important and perhaps irreplaceable dietary source of vitamin A and calcium, and promotion of the availability and accessibility of SIS for the population in rural Bangladesh should be given priority.