Food consumption, iron intake and dietary patterns of urban pregnant women from different socioeconomic populations in central Iran† ‡

Factors Influencing Vitamin A Intake and Programmes to Improve Vitamin A Status

“…In Tanzania, vegetable intake, hence provitamin A intake, may be higher in the "lean" season than after the harvest, which reflects the inferior status associated with these plants [57]. In contrast, in Iran there is higher consumption of green vegetables with increased economic status [58].…”

“…Similarly, in Hyderabad, India, tomatoes are considered a prestige food and are eaten more frequently by the wealthier segments of the population [54]. In Iran fruits are consumed in low quantities because of economic restraints [58]. In contrast, children who gather wild fruits in the Taita Hills in Kenya are able to eat these as an alternative to the high-priced commercial snack foods available on the school compounds [61].…”

“…In the United States, sweet potatoes, carrots, and other vitamin A-rich vegetables are consumed yearround, with few if any seasonal fluctuations [51]. In contrast, roots and tubers are reported to be seasonal in their availability and intake in Iran and Papua New Guinea [30,58].…”

“…In Iran. it has been noted that there is a lower intake of roots and tubers among the low-income groups [58]. Likewise, their consumption is erratic in Ethiopia because of constraints on cash flow [53].…”

“…In Iran, eggs are classified as "cold. " so they are eaten less during warmer periods, sometimes being replaced by vegetable dishes [58]. A survey of hunter-gatherer societies [81] found restrictions on the consumption of eggs during pregnancy among the Walbiri (an Australian aboriginal society), during lactation among the Inuit, and at menarche among the Hare Indians.…”