Food consumption and serum nutritional status of people living in the Kathmandu valley in Nepal

Abstract

The present food intake study revealed that the amounts of food consumption for both sexes, especially for the females, were mostly insufficient although the serum parameters were at the normal levels. The energy intake of both sexes was lower than that of estimated requirements and those in Terai region. The relatively high serum TG level of the subjects may be due to the consumption of large amounts of cereals containing much carbohydrate. Our findings suggested a marked influence on food consumption by food price and income in spite of the easier food availability in the city, and also lack of knowledge about nutrients and health, thus there is need for improvement of the nutritional status of this group of people.

Developing a socio-ecological model of dietary behaviour for people living with diabetes or high blood glucose levels in urban Nepal: A qualitative investigation

“…This is particularly the case because men are often found to have less healthy dietary practices than women in Nepal and elsewhere [ 108 , 109 ]. Additionally, daughters-in-law were often tasked with cooking for the entire household, and take the last position in household serving order [ 88 , 107 , 110 – 112 ] with women often eating only once men have finished [ 88 ]. This can be down to a range of factors including power dynamics with their mother-in-law [ 113 ] This has implications for both men and women with diabetes, for example women in the household may consume unhealthier food, or carry a burden of caring for other members of the household, potentially causing higher levels of strain both physically and mentally.…”

“…Culturally constructed gender roles play a significant role due to the importance of male/female division in food preparation. This indicated the continuation of cultural traditions even in a modernised urban environment [ 88 , 107 , 110 – 112 ]. Increasing numbers of women are working outside the home, their changing role in society means that they now often have to work inside (domestically–cooking food etc.)…”

Situation of Iron Deficiency and Its Management Prioritizing Dietary Intervention in Nepal

“…Though the primary cause of anemia is iron deficiency, it often occurs due to a decreased number of red blood cells or lower amount of hemoglobin or decreased oxygenbinding ability of hemoglobin molecule. These consequences were often attributed to ineffective hematopoisis, hemorrhage, hemolysis, lower iron intake than needed (Table 1), poor absorption of the iron in the intestines, vitamin A deficiency, hook worm, and malarial infection 2,[8][9][10][11][12][13] . There is a need of studying the etiology of anemia among children 6-23 months and other strata for Nepal through a micronutrient status survey so as to know to which extent anemia is attributed to iron and other concomitant causes like malaria, infections, inflammation, and other micronutrient deficiencies, etc.…”