Are dietary intake and nutritional status influenced by gender? The pattern of dietary intake in Lao PDR: a developing country

Abstract

Background: Recognition of discrepancies between men and women in nutritional intake is important to tackle food and nutrition insecurity and the often-double burden of malnutrition. The purpose of this study was to assess nutritional status and dietary intake of the Lao population, with a focus on possible influences of gender.Methods: Dietary intake was assessed in a national cross-sectional study of 1771 randomized participants aged from 1.01 to 89 years, using 24-h dietary recall. Dietary reference intakes were used to assess nutrient insufficiency. Chi-square test was used to evaluate gender differences and multiple univariate logistic regression to examine associations between gender, nutritional status, demographics and nutrient insufficiency. Results: Nutrient insufficiencies were higher among pregnant and lactating women than other adult men and women, especially for protein and micronutrients such as vitamin B3, B1, C and other vitamins. Dietary intake and BMI were similar between men and women; all had insufficient intake of all types of nutrients, except sodium. However, women had lower intake than men for almost all nutrients and age groups. The prevalence of overnutrition was higher among those aged 18 years and over for both sexes. Among adult women (15-49.9 years old) and older adult women (50 years old or above), the proportions were: underweight 8.6% (both groups), overweight 18.4 and 20.5%, and obese 34.2 and 39.1%, respectively. Among pregnant and lactating women, the rates of underweight were 7.5 and 1.4%, of overweight were 17.8 and 27.1%, and obese, 21.9 and 40.0%. Among adult and older men, 3.2 and 8.3% were underweight; 21.0 and 18.6% were overweight and 28.2 and 27.6% were obese. Multiple univariate logistic regressions revealed that the factors rural area, dry season and Northern-Lowland region were associated with inadequate micronutrient intake among children, adolescents and adults of both genders. Conclusions: Dietary intakes were alarmingly micronutrient-insufficient. Macronutrient imbalance and double burden of malnutrition were confirmed in both sexes. Gender differences were limited; men and women had similarly insufficient intakes, but pregnant and lactating women were disproportionately affected. Nutritional interventions should also take men and older people into account to solve nutrition problems.

Comparison of Nutrient Intake in Lao PDR by the Korean CAN-Pro and Thailand INMUCAL Analysis Programs

“…Insufficient intake of dairy products and fruit can cause insufficient intake of Ca and micronutrients, and contribute to the inadequate nutrition levels of developing countries ( Allen, 2003 ; Díaz et al, 2003 ; Ramakrishnan, 2003; Müller and Krawinkel, 2005 ). Consistent with our results, a recent study using INMUCAL on the nutritional status of individuals of all ages in Laos revealed that vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and micronutrients, including Ca and Fe, are inadequately ingested ( Ratsavong et al, 2020 ).…”

Traditional prenatal and postpartum food restrictions among women in northern Lao PDR

“…While food insecurity is assumed to be a major determinant of malnutrition in Lao PDR, analysis by The World Bank demonstrated that insufficiently diverse diets are of greater concern than meeting caloric intake (Osornprasop & Pimhidzai, 2016 ). In a nationally representative food consumption survey, >80% of pregnant and lactating women were estimated to have insufficient intakes of vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and calcium (Ratsavong et al, 2020 ).…”

Relationship of Vitamin D Intake with Obesity in Adolescents

“…Generally, men need more nutrients than women. 20 This study used respondents in the age range of 18-25 years which was included in the category of late teens. Based on previous research, young adults or adolescents were known to be at risk for vitamin D deficiency which was influenced by habits such as consuming vitamin D below the recommended limit per day and lack of outdoor physical activity.…”

“…7,10 Research has shown that an increase in BMI was associated with lower levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25D), the active form of vitamin D in the body. [19][20][21] The mechanism of vitamin D deficiency in obese patients included high-fat accumulation resulting in a decrease in the bioavailability of vitamin D in the body due to the fat-soluble nature of vitamin D, causing a reduction in the release of vitamin D from fat into the systemic circulation. 22,23 There are two pathways for vitamin D intake: the first comes from food and beverages consumed.…”