Food Consumption Patterns and Nutrient Intakes of Children and Adolescents in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: A Call for Policy Action

Abstract

The Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) has witnessed significant social and economic changes that may have influenced the diet of children and adolescents, and increased the risk for obesity and malnutrition in this age group. This review aims to characterize and assess food consumption patterns and nutrient intakes amongst school-aged children (5–10 years) and adolescents (10–19 years) in countries of the EMR. Electronic databases (MedLine, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar) were searched for relevant articles published between 2005 and 2020; international organizations and governmental websites were also searched. Available studies documented low intakes of fruits, vegetables and fiber, inadequate consumption of water, milk and dairy products, coupled with high intakes of fat, saturated fat, and sugar sweetened beverages, as well as a frequent consumption of energy-dense, nutrient poor foods such as sweet and savory snacks. Micronutrient inadequacies were also observed, particularly for calcium, iron, zinc and vitamins A, D, C, and folate. Acknowledging the impact that nutrition may have on building societies and transforming the lives of children, adolescents and their families, there is a crucial need for a food system approach in developing and implementing national and regional policies and interventions aimed at improving the diet of children and adolescents.

Review of the Nutrition Situation in Jordan: Trends and Way Forward

“…Moreover, despite the increased consumption of milk and dairy products over time, less than half of adolescents reached the recommended intake of three servings per day [ 126 ]. Comparable findings were reported by different cross-sectional studies in Jordan, which also documented high consumption of sweetened beverages, sweets and chocolate, cakes and cookies, French fries, and potato chips [ 127 , 128 , 129 ]. Among adults and WRA, high consumption of salt was reported where the mean intake levels reached double the WHO recommendation of less than 5 g/day [ 126 ].…”

Adherence to Low Carbohydrate Diet in Relation to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

“…Assessment of the contribution of low carbohydrate diet to chronic conditions is particularly relevant for Middle East countries, where people usually consume high amounts of carbohydrates and low amounts of dietary proteins ( 18 , 19 ). Although the quantity of dietary fat intake in these countries is not so high, the quality of dietary fats needs further attention.…”

Actual aspects of sports nutrition in children

“…Витамины являются незаменимыми пищевыми факторами, которые обладают выраженной биологической активностью и в большинстве случаев обеспечивают реализацию каталитических реакций организма. Юные спортсмены часто испытывают поливитаминную недостаточность (характерно выявление дефицита витаминов А, С, группы В, Е, РР) [9]. Минеральные вещества обеспечивают правильный рост и развитие костного скелета, зубов, мышечной, нервной ткани, принимают активное участие в процессах кроветворения, выработке различных ферментов и гормонов [10].…”

“…Кроме того, отмечается недостаточная обеспеченность организма витаминами, микроэлементами, такими как железо, магний, цинк. Для детей-спортсменов характерна также поливитаминная недостаточность [9].…”