A review of the dietary diversity and micronutrient adequacy among the women of reproductive age in low‐ and middle‐income countries

Abstract

The dietary quality of women of reproductive age (WRA) is particularly important during preconception, conception, and pregnancy for themselves and their offspring. Poorly diversified diets resulting in inadequate micronutrient consumption may have adverse effects on their health. This narrative review summarizes the findings of studies reporting on dietary diversity and micronutrient intake by WRA in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). Studies on WRA aged 15–49 years in LMICs, with a sample size of more than 150, report dietary diversity and multiple micronutrient intake based on 24‐h dietary recall/food weighed record/food frequency questionnaire, and published between January 2011 and June 2021 were included. The results were compared to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recommended cut‐off for dietary diversity and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recommended age‐ and sex‐specific estimated average requirements (EARs) for micronutrient intake. This review includes 35 articles, of which 21 focused on dietary diversity and 14 on micronutrient intake. The results showed that WRA in LMICs had inadequate dietary diversity, with mean food group consumption of only 3.0–4.84, and around 42.3%–90% of women consumed inadequately diversified diets (<5 food groups). Additionally, most studies found that WRA did not consume adequate amounts of essential micronutrients, particularly calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, folate, and vitamin B12. However, the intake of vitamin C, niacin, and vitamin B6 was above the required levels. In conclusion, this review highlights the common inadequacy of dietary diversity and multiple micronutrient intake among WRA in most LMICs. Effective measures involving improving dietary diversity, food fortification with micronutrients, and supplementation programs could help improve the dietary quality and intake of optimal micronutrients by women in LMICs.

Fish Bones as Calcium Source: Bioavailability of Micro and Nano Particles

“…Its main findings were that people from low- and middle-income countries are at greater risk of inadequate calcium intake, and that individuals from high-income countries are not exempt from this condition [ 23 ]. This is consistent with a recent review in women from low- and middle-income countries [ 24 ] who presented calcium intakes below the estimated adequate requirement (EAR) of 800 mg/d in 13 out of the 14 countries studied [ 9 ]. In Chile, where the present study was conducted, the National Food Consumption Survey showed that calcium intake in adults is 40–50% of the EAR [ 12 ].…”

Dietary Quality and Associated Factors among Women of Reproductive Age in Six Sub-Saharan African Countries

“…Cameroon wealth status: dark green leafy vegetables poor vs. medium p = 0.026; flesh foods poor vs. medium p = 0.001, poor vs. rich p < 0.001; eggs poor vs. rich p < 0.001, medium vs. rich p = 0.035; dairy poor vs. medium p < 0.001, poor vs. rich p < 0.001; MDD poor vs. medium p = 0.037, poor vs. rich p < 0.001. 2 Côte d' Ivoire dairy poor vs. rich p = 0.041. 3 Kenya rural vs. urban: other vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables p < 0.001; flesh foods p < 0.001; eggs p = 0.014; MDD p < 0.001; All-5 p < 0.001.…”

“…The global burden of micronutrient malnutrition is high among women of reproductive age (WRA) [ 1 , 2 ]. Nutrient-poor diets, coupled with higher physiological needs, increase women’s vulnerability to adverse health and reproductive outcomes.…”