Violence as an Under-Recognized Barrier to Women’s Realization of Their Right to Adequate Food and Nutrition: Case Studies From Georgia and South Africa

This article addresses under-acknowledged barriers of structural violence and discrimination that interfere with women’s capacity to realize their human rights generally, and their right to adequate food and nutrition in particular. Case studies from Georgia and South Africa illustrate the need for a human rights–based approach to food and nutrition security that prioritizes non-discrimination, public participation, and self-determination. These principles are frustrated by different types of structural violence that, if not seriously addressed, pose multiple barriers to women’s economic, public, and social engagement. </jats:p

Supplementary feeding with locally-produced Ready-to- Use Food (RUF) for mildly wasted children on Nias Island, Indonesia: comparison of daily and weekly program outcomes

Ready-to-Use Foods (RUFs) in the form of fortified cereal/nut/legume-based biscuits (±500 kcal and 8-10% protein per 100 g) were tested among mildly wasted children from October 2007 to June 2008, and were labelled as RUF-Nias biscuits. This study reports on a comparison of supplementary feeding program outcomes of mildly wasted children with weight-for-height z-score (WHZ) ≥-2 to &lt;-1.5 SD aged ≥6 to &lt;60 months old given locally produced RUF-Nias biscuits within daily (in semi-urban areas) and weekly (in rural remote regions) distribution and supervision program settings. In the Church World Service project area, all eligible children were recruited continuously from monthly community-based screening programs and admitted into existing nutrition centers managed by the community on Nias Island, Indonesia. Individual discharge criterion of the programs was WHZ ≥-1.5 SD. Of the index children admitted in daily programs (n=51), 80.4% reached target WHZ, which was higher than in weekly programs (72.9%; n=48) by a similar length of stay of about 6 weeks. Weight gain of the children in daily programs was higher (3.1±3.6 g/kg body weight/day) than in weekly programs (2.0±2.1 g/kg body weight/day), and they achieved significantly higher WHZ at discharge. However, the majority of caretakers preferred weekly programs due to lower time constraints. Locally produced RUF in the form of biscuits for treatment of mild wasting among children demonstrated promising results both in daily and weekly communitybased intervention programs

Iodine status in pregnant women and school children of the Aira district in Ethiopia

Iodine deficiency is a public health problem in Ethiopia. This study was conducted to investigate the iodine status of pregnant women and school children of Aira district, west Ethiopia. A school-based survey of children and a clinic-based assessment that focused on pregnant women were conducted from May to June 2014. Spot urine and salt samples were collected and their iodine concentrations determined by an ammonium persulfate test and titration, respectively. Qualitative information was obtained by focus group discussions and individual interviews. The median urinary iodine excretion found in school children (n = 73) and pregnant women (n = 40) were 70.5 μg/l (95% CI, 48.1 μg/l–83.8 μg/l) and 88.6 μg/l (95% CI, 66.9 μg/l–113.5 μg/l), respectively. About 72.6% of the school children and 80% of the pregnant women had insufficient iodine intake. 67% of household salt samples (n = 46) contained iodine ˂15 ppm. In addition to its health consequences, iodine deficiency has negative social impacts. A deformed physical appearance (with clinical signs of goitre) entails psychological tensions, and is also considered to reduce chances for marriage. Iodine levels both in urine and salt samples indicated that the majority of school children and pregnant women from this study were at risk of iodine deficiency disorders. Thus, raising awareness about the nutritional importance of iodized salt and its proper packaging with sealed containers which reduce iodine loss should be promoted

Dietary supplement use among lactating mothers following different dietary patterns – an online survey

Abstract Background Breastfeeding is important for the healthy growth and development of newborns, and the nutrient composition of human milk can be affected by maternal nutrition and supplementation. In Germany, iodine supplementation is recommended for all lactating mothers, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation is recommended for mothers with inadequate or no fish intake. Vitamin B12 supplementation is required for strict vegans during lactation, and other nutrient supplementation may be necessary depending on the individual's nutritional status. To address the lack of data on dietary supplements used by lactating mothers following a vegetarian or vegan diet, an online survey was conducted in Germany, with a focus on iodine, DHA, and vitamin B12. Methods Study participants were asked to report whether they followed specific dietary patterns (omnivorous [OM], vegetarian [VT], vegan [VN]) as well as their use of dietary supplements. Relationships between diets and supplement use were analyzed using chi-square tests. Results 2054 lactating women were included (1240 OM, 410 VT, and 404 VN) in this analysis. Within OM, VT and VN, at least one dietary supplement was taken by 67.3%, 84.9% and 98.0% respectively (p < 0.001). Overall, 53.2% OM, 66.8% VT, 88.4% VN reported taking at least one supplement containing iodine (p < 0.001). 54.6% OM, 61.7% VT and 58.2% VN reported supplements containing vitamin B12, while 34.1% OM, 40.2% VT and 38.6% VN mentioned supplements containing DHA (p < 0.05). Conclusion More than half of the participants reported the use of supplements during lactation with the highest proportion in vegans. However, over one third of the mothers did not report supplementing with iodine, regardless of their dietary pattern and most participants also did not report DHA supplements. It is worrisome that a high number of vegans did not report vitamin B12 supplementation, but this could be partly due to issues with reporting. It is crucial to provide further education to breastfeeding mothers about the importance of taking micronutrient supplements, especially for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet. This will help ensure that mothers and their breastfed infants receive optimal nutrition for a healthy development

Infant Feeding Practices, Nutrition, and Associated Health Factors during the First Six Months of Life among Syrian Refugees in Greater Beirut, Lebanon: A Mixed Methods Study

The objective was to describe infant feeding practices, nutrition and related health aspects of infants under six months among Syrian refugees in Greater Beirut, Lebanon. A cross-sectional study was conducted among Syrian refugee mothers with infants under six months in July&ndash;October 2018 (N = 114). Additionally, eleven focus group discussions were conducted to explore supportive factors and barriers associated with early breastfeeding practices. The prevalence of pre-lacteal feeding was high (62.5%), whereas early initiation of breastfeeding was low (31%), and exclusive breastfeeding very low (24.6%). One-fifth of the infants were anemic (20.5%) and 9.6% were wasted. A significantly higher proportion of non-exclusively breastfed infants had a fever and took medicines than those who were exclusively breastfed. Supporting factors of adequate infant feeding practices comprised knowledge on maternal nutrition and exclusive breastfeeding, along with receiving support from healthcare professionals and family members. Identified barriers included preterm delivery, pre-lacteal feeding, an at-risk waist circumference and moderate to severe depression among mothers, bottle feeding, early introduction of food, maternal health reasons, breastmilk substitutes&rsquo; distribution, and misinformation offered by mothers-in-law. To address sub-optimal feeding practices documented among Syrian refugees, awareness on proper breastfeeding practices, maternal nutrition, and psychosocial support should be provided to mothers and family members alike