Assessing Dietary Intakes from Household Budget Survey in Armenia, 2008-2019

Household budget surveys are used regularly to estimate dietary intakes. The study aims to assess the trends in food consumption and nutrient intake, according to 14 dietary indicators from household budget surveys in Armenia. Data on food consumption was obtained from Armenian Integrated Living Conditions Surveys, 2008-2019. The results indicate that the consumption of all types of foods, including plant-origin has decreased, whereas the consumption of foods of animal origin has mostly stayed stable. Over time, the energy and macronutrient intakes of Armenians have decreased, while the contribution of each food group to total energy and nutrient intake has not changed. More than 50% of total energy, protein, and carbohydrate intake is attributable to cereals and bakery products. The population is characterized by macronutrient variations; the amounts of energy and carbohydrate intake are below the recommended values set by WHO/FAO, total fat intake is at the highest recommended level, while the amount of protein exceeds the threshold. Based on the findings there is an urgent need to increase awareness of nutritional requirements and a need to change widespread dietary practices, such as irregular meal intake and omission of breakfast.4s

Assessment of Heme and Non-Heme Iron Intake and Its Dietary Sources among Adults in Armenia

Adequate dietary iron (Fe) intake is crucial for preventing Fe-deficient anemia, a recognized global public health concern which is important in Armenia. This study aimed to analyze the intake of Fe, both heme (from animal tissues) and non-heme (more prevalent, but less efficiently absorbed), as well as the Fe dietary sources, among adults in a representative national sample in Armenia. The study was conducted on 1400 individuals aged 18–80 and above, who were enrolled from all regions of Armenia. The Fe intake was assessed through a 24 h dietary recall survey, while Fe occurrence was determined through atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). The results showed a high proportion of adults with a Fe intake lower than the average requirements set by EFSA (65%, 80% and 85% of males, total females and females at fertile age, respectively). Main Fe sources were bread, fruits and vegetables; heme Fe accounted only for p p < 0.05), while the age-group 36–55 years had higher intakes of total Fe. Our data call for comprehensive nutritional security strategies in order to reduce iron deficiency in Armenia, that represents a public health concern

Trans-Fatty Acids in Fast-Food and Intake Assessment for Yerevan's Population, Armenia

There are stringent regulations applicable for trans-fatty acid (TFA) limitations from food supply across the world. However, in Armenia, there is a scarcity of data on TFA content in food products and their consumption levels. Considering that fast-food is among the major contributors to TFA intake, this study aims to assess the dietary exposure of TFAs through the consumption of fast-food in Yerevan, Armenia. Eleven types of fast-food were included in the study. The Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was used to evaluate daily fast-food consumption. TFA contents in samples were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Mean daily fast-food consumption values ranged from 14.68 g/day to 76.09 g/day, with popcorn as the lowest and pastry as the highest consumed food. The study results indicate that the aggregate average daily intake (DI) of TFA is 0.303 g/day. Even though TFA DI values do not exceed the WHO limit of 1%, they substantially contribute to daily TFA intake and may exceed the limit when combined with other foods. Hence, it is recommended to carry out continuous monitoring of TFA content in the food supply to ensure consumer health protection.4s

The Effect of Trans Fatty Acids on Human Health: Regulation and Consumption Patterns

Health effects of trans fatty acids (TFAs) on human organisms can vary according to their type, structure, composition, and origin. Even though the adverse health effects of industrial TFAs (iTFAs) have been widely discussed, the health effects of natural TFAs (nTFAs) are still questionable. Hence, it is important to review the literature and provide an overall picture on the health effects of different TFAs coming from industrial and ruminant sources, underlining those types that have adverse health effects as well as suggesting methods for reducing their harmful effects. Multiple databases (PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, etc.) were searched with the key words “trans fatty acid sources”, “ruminant”, “industrial”, “conjugated trans linoleic acid”, “human”, “coronary heart disease”, “cancer”, etc. Reference lists of the studies were scanned discussing the health effects of iTFAs and nTFAs. The review of the literature showed that iTFAs are found to be more harmful than ruminant-produced nTFAs. Although several beneficial effects (such as reduced risk of diabetes) for nTFAs have been observed, they should be used with caution. Since during labeling it is usually not mentioned whether the TFAs contained in food are of industrial or natural origin, the general suggestion is to reduce their consumption