Identifying Critical Nutrient Intake in Groups at Risk of Poverty in Europe: The CHANCE Project Approach

Abstract

The aim of the CHANCE project is to develop novel and affordable nutritious foods to optimize the diet and reduce the risk of diet-related diseases among groups at risk of poverty (ROP). This paper describes the methodology used in the two initial steps to accomplish the project’s objective as follows: 1. a literature review of existing data and 2. an identification of ROP groups with which to design and perform the CHANCE nutritional survey, which will supply new data that is useful for formulating the new CHANCE food. Based on the literature review, a low intake of fruit and vegetables, whole grain products, fish, energy, fiber, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B12 and C, folate, calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium and zinc and a high intake of starchy foods, processed meat and sodium were apparent. However, the available data appeared fragmented because of the different methodologies used in the studies. A more global vision of the main nutritional problems that are present among low-income people in Europe is needed, and the first step to achieve this goal is the use of common criteria to define the risk of poverty. The scoring system described here represents novel criteria for defining at-risk-of-poverty groups not only in the CHANCE-participating countries but also all over Europe.

Food consumption among overweight and obese working Malay women in urban settings

“…11 A systematic review of studies in Europe showed that people in low socioeconomic groups were less likely to consumed healthy food such as fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and fish, and whole grain and another study in Ireland showed that economically disadvantaged women (unemployed/low occupation social class/low formal education) tend to consumed higher fat, saturated fat and refined sugar compared to economically non-disadvantaged women. 12,13 In a nutshell, those who are overweight and obese need know the sources (or types/categories) of food that had consistently caused their energy excess. This study aims to determine the trend of food consumption among a group of overweight and obese Malay women working in public sector in urban areas by using the MDG to estimate food quantity.…”

Authorised EU health claims for wheat bran fibre

“…Following an extensive review of the literature, the project identified that low intake of fruit and vegetables, whole grain products, fish, energy and fibre was particularly prevalent in this group (Nikolic et al, 2014). The EU CHANCE project aims to develop novel and affordable nutritious foods to optimise the diet and reduce the risk of diet-related diseases among groups at risk of poverty.…”

Investigation of Variations in the Human Urine Metabolome amongst European Populations: An Exploratory Search for Biomarkers of People at Risk‐of‐Poverty

“…Today, only few studies have been conducted to reveal the major differences in the dietary habits of ROP and affluent (AFF) populations . One study has shown differences in the quality of diets between the ROP and AFF groups, with low‐income populations consuming less fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, and whole grain and with a higher tendency of eating processed meat, white bread, and starchy foods . Moreover, it has been reported that populations at ROP consume less calories, lower levels of fiber, vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C, and folate), and minerals (calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, and zinc) and higher levels of sodium .…”

“…One study has shown differences in the quality of diets between the ROP and AFF groups, with low‐income populations consuming less fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, and whole grain and with a higher tendency of eating processed meat, white bread, and starchy foods . Moreover, it has been reported that populations at ROP consume less calories, lower levels of fiber, vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C, and folate), and minerals (calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, and zinc) and higher levels of sodium . However, these findings remain elusive due to the relatively small groups of populations that were included in these studies.…”

“…The study involved more than 1300 Europeans from five different countries with different ethnicity, culture, and economic status to investigate nutritional insufficiencies using 1 H‐NMR‐based urine metabolomics. Volunteers recruited in the study were divided into two groups based on their economic status, ROP, and AFF, based on criteria defined in the literature, and covered a wide age span, both genders, and different nationalities living in the EU.…”