Urban-rural differences in food intake of poor families in Guatemala]

The present paper deals with the urban-rural differences in food consumption patterns and nutrient intake of poor families in Guatemala, based on consumption data collected in 1987 using the 24-hour dietary recall method. The main results show mean intake energy and protein levels below the mean recommended allowances in both groups of families included in the study. Higher levels of protein and calorie intakes, however, are also reported for families in the urban areas. In spite of the fact that caloric and protein intake levels are lower in the urban sector, the food consumption pattern is more diversified and of better quality than the habitual diet of the rural families. This explains why a higher average level of calcium and vitamin A (retinol equivalents) is observed, in comparison with the rural families.     

The hypolipidemic effect of calcium-containing compounds and vitamin D2 in the rat

Two per cent dietary calcium carbonate alone (Group 1), in combination with vitamin D₂ (Group 2) or oyster shell calcium with vitamin D₂ (Group 3), was added to an atherogenic diet containing 20% fat and 2% cholesterol and fed to adult male Holtzman strain rats to evaluate the hypolipidemic effects of these supplements. A control group received the same diet, but the calcium was replaced by sand. After 21 days the serum cholesterol concentrations were lower by 35, 27 and 22%, respectively, in experimental groups 1, 2 and 3, compared to the controls. Serum triglyceride concentrations were lower by 10% in experimental groups 1, 2 and 3, compared to the controls. Serum triglyceride concentrations were lower by 10% in groups 1 and 2, and 17% in group 3. Concomitant with these decreases in serum lipids, there were increases in fecal 3-β-hydroxy-5-ene sterol, total glyceride and free fatty acid excretion. Serum calcium was elevated in the rats fed diets containing calcium when compared with the controls, whereas serum magnesium was depressed in thesy animals. Less calcium was excreted in the feces of rats fed calcium carbonate in combination with vitamin D than in those fed calcium carbonate. The results indicate a possible means of simultaneously treating both calcium deficiency and hyperlipidemia with a single agent.     

Food consumption patterns of children 4 to 14 years old in Valencia, Venezuela

Results from a nutritional assessment are presented to establish the usual food consumption pattern of 438 children between 4-14 years of age, from a low income urban community in Valencia, Venezuela. Food intake data were collected through multiple 24 hours recalls and converted to individual food item weight in grams. Amounts of energy, macronutrients, iron, calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C were estimated to compare them to national references. The food pattern was established according to intake frequency per food item and per food groups. Arepa was the most commonly consumed food item, and a main source of kilocalories, protein, carbohydrates, iron, and vitamin A. Unlike coffee, fruits were not among the most commonly consumed foods. Black beans were the main source of protein. Cookies and sodas were among the major sources of energy. Energy and nutrient intake were adequate, except for calcium (67% in preschoolers y 43% in school-aged children). Preschoolers' diet showed a better adequacy for all nutrients (p < 0.005), except for iron which was significantly higher in school-aged children. Since children below 15 years old are still forming food behaviors and habits, they are an ideal group to develop nutritional education strategies to modify harmful patterns such as high intake of sodas, and low intakes of calcium rich foods.     

Dihydro-vitamin K1: Primary food sources and estimated dietary intakes in the American diet

Dihydro-vitamin K₁ was recently identified as a dietary form of vitamin K produced during the hydrogenation of vitamin K₁-rich vegetable oils. Dihydro-vitamin K₁ is absorbed, with measurable levels in human plasma following dietary intake. To determine the primary food sources of dihydro-vitamin K₁ in the American diet, 261 foods from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Total Diet Study (TDS) were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Of these foods, 36 contained dihydro-vitamin K₁. Fast-food items that were otherwise poor sources of vitamin K₁, such as french fries and fried chicken, contained appreciable amounts of dihydro-vitamin K₁ (36 and 18 μg/100 g, respectively). These nutrient values were then applied to the FDA TDS consumption model to determine average dietary intake of dihydro-vitamin K₁ in 14 age-gender groups. With the exception of infants, all age-gender groups had estimated mean daily dihydro-vitamin K₁ intakes of 12–24 μg, compared to mean daily vitamin K₁ intakes of 24–86 μg. The vitamin K₁ and dihydro-vitamin K₁ intakes were summed, and the dietary contribution of dihydro-vitamin K₁ was expressed as a percentage of total vitamin K intake. Children reported the highest intakes of dihydro-vitamin K₁ (30% of total vitamin K intake), followed by a progressive decrease in percentage contribution with age. There are currently no data on the relative bioavailability of dihydro-vitamin K₁ but, given its abundance in the American diet, this hydrogenated form of vitamin K warrants further investigation.     

Food consumption and dietary adequacy according to income in 1,200 families, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, 1973-1974

Data from a household expenditure survey of 1,200 Manaus families performed by the Amazonas State Government in 1973-74 are analyzed by income group. The per cent frequency of families buying different foods and the daily per capita consumption of each were calculated. The daily per capita intakes of energy, protein, vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, nicotinic acid, ascorbic acid, calcium, phosphorus, iron and zinc were estimated and their adequacy evaluated. In contrast to the south and northeast of Brazil, the main bulk of the diet was derived from cereals and fish. The quantities of eggs, meats, fruit and vegetables consumed per person, increased 50-100% as income improved, whereas fish consumption decreased 30%. The nutrients quantitatively most deficient were zinc, vitamin A, calcium, thiamine and riboflavin, with 60-80% of low and middle income families not achieving safe levels of intake for zinc and vitamin A. The beneficial effect of income on the adequacy of calcium, thiamine and riboflavin intake was quantitative. For zinc and vitamin A, increased income was associated with a qualitative improvement in the diet, principally due to the increased consumption of meat and liver. These results are discussed in relation to existing clinical evidence of deficiency states in the region.     

The dietary score as a simplified methodology in processing and analyzing food consumption data

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the dietary score as a valid and rapid alternative procedure for the processing and analysis of food consumption data in Guatemala. The dietary score consists in assigning points to a diet based upon the number of servings the diet provides of each one of the eight groups in which food has been classified. The size of the serving for each food receiving points was estimated based on available data describing the food pattern of Guatemala. The caloric contribution of each of the eight groups to the total caloric intake was also calculated, and information on the caloric and nutrient needs of the Guatemalan population is discussed. In this communication, the dietary score was compared to the percentage of adequacy for energy and nutrients in 392 diets of women, and children between the ages of 24 and 60 months. Half of the dietaries were collected using the 24-hour recall method, while in the other half, the direct weighing method was used. Nutritional adequacy was estimated from food composition tables and based on the recommended energy and nutrient intake figures. In addition, by utilizing the adequacy indices for energy and nutrients, a binary variable was developed to describe the overall adequacy of the diet. This variable describes the probability a diet has of being adequate, given the dietary score obtained. In conclusion, the dietary score was found to be a valid, rapid and efficient alternative for the processing and evaluation of food consumption information, collected by means of either the direct weighing of foods or the 24-hour recall methods.     

Comparison of results from two dietary interview methods

The objective of this study was to compare the food consumption and nutrient intakes obtained through a 24-h dietary recall (DR) and a consumption tendency interview (CTI). Both instruments DR and CTI were applied simultaneously in groups of 264 schoolchildren and 272 adults. Information on age, sex, literacy, occupation, and head of family's social security system was also obtained. Body weight and height were measured and the body mass index BMI was calculated. Food portions and nutrient intakes were described and compared by using means, standard deviation. ANOVA, and product moment Pearson' correlation. No significant differences were detected between both methods with respect to mean consumption of cereals, fruits, meats and sugars. Dairy products and oil consumption were found to be larger according to CTI: 0.6 +/- 1.7 y 0.3 +/- 0.9 portions, respectively (p < 0.01). In terms of nutrient intakes, there were no differences in beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and zinc. Mean differences of energy and selected nutrients were lower than 10% of total intake, except by omega-3 fatty acid, cholesterol, vitamin E, and folate. Correlation coefficient between both methods was < 0.4 for most foods and nutrient intakes. Correlation was slightly higher in adults regarding cereals dairy and sugar (approximately 0.5). Both methods DR and CTI produce similar results when applied at the population level, but can be significant different on individuals. The suitability of each method will depend on the objectives of the study.     

The development and evaluation of the Australian child and adolescent recommended food score: a cross-sectional study

Vitamin D may have a role in many chronic conditions in addition to bone health. Nutritional surveys among Americans have reported high levels of vitamin D insufficiency, especially among Blacks and Latinos. Our study examined variation in vitamin D supplementation practices in an adult health plan population by age, gender, and race-ethnicity. Self-report data from a 2008 general health survey in a large Northern California health plan were used to characterize number and types of sources of vitamin D supplementation (multivitamin, calcium with D, singular D) among women and men aged 25-85, overall, by race-ethnicity, and for obese, diabetic, and hypertensive subgroups. In this population, 40% of women and 54% of men ≤ 50, and 24% of women and 53% of men aged 51-85 get no vitamin D from dietary supplements. Higher vitamin D supplementation among women > 50 is associated with higher reported intake of calcium with D. Black and Latina women aged 25-85 and Filipinas in the ≤ 50 age group were significantly less likely than non-Hispanic Whites to get vitamin D from supplements, whereas vitamin D supplementation practices among Chinese women did not significantly differ from non-Hispanic Whites. Among men, Latinos aged 25-85 and Black and Chinese ≤ 50 were significantly less likely than non-Hispanic Whites to get vitamin D from supplements. Similar race-ethnic differences in vitamin D supplementation patterns were observed for people in the obese, diabetic, and hypertensive groups. Our survey results suggest that in 2008, a large percentage of women and an even larger percentage of men in a large Northern California health plan get no vitamin D from dietary supplements, and that Blacks and Latinos and obese adults, who are at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency, are also the least likely to get any vitamin D from dietary supplements.     

Role of vitamin d on the inhibition of gastrin production after Cisplatin treatment

In rats cisplatin induces hypocalcemia, bloating of the stomach, and ulceration ameliorated through calcium supplements. This study was undertaken to test the role of calcium on the gastrin mRNA production in vitro and in vivo. RIN B6 cells were cultured in medium with calcium (1.8, 3.6 and 7.2 mM) and the active form of vitamin D (calcijex). Cisplatin was added (10 mug/ml) for 12 hrs and cells were harvested for RNA from various treatment groups. Male Wistar rats were treated with cisplatin (9 mg/kg), before and after vitamin D (0.3 mg/100g/week). The rats were killed and stomach tissues excised on 1, 6, 10 and 15 days after cisplatin treatment. RNA from the stomach was analyzed using the northern blot technique. Gastrin mRNA was suppressed after cisplatin treatment both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro calcium but not vitamin D additions partially prevented the gastrin mRNA. In vivo, however, vitamin D and calcium were equally effective in preventing gastrin mRNA loss.     

A multi-nutrient supplement reduced markers of inflammation and improved physical performance in active individuals of middle to older age: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Background

Evidence suggests that folate deficiency may be causatively linked to depressive symptoms. However, little is known on the status of use of folic acid and vitamin supplements among people with mental disorders. This study examined the prevalence and the likelihood of use of folic acid or vitamin supplements among adults with depression and anxiety in comparison to those without these conditions.

Methods

Using data from 46, 119 participants (aged ≥ 18 years) in the 2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey, we estimated the adjusted prevalence and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals for taking folic acid and vitamin supplements among those with ever diagnosed depression (n = 8, 019), ever diagnosed anxiety (n = 5, 546) or elevated depressive symptoms (n = 3, 978, defined as having a depression severity score of ≥ 10 on the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 diagnostic algorithm).

Results

Overall, women were more likely than men to take folic acid supplements 1-4 times/day (50.2% versus 38.7%, P < 0.001) and vitamin supplements (62.5% versus 49.8%, P < 0.001). After multivariate adjustment, men with ever diagnosed depression or anxiety were 42% and 83%, respectively, more likely to take folic acid supplements < 1 time/day; 44% and 39%, respectively, more likely to take folic acid supplements 1-4 times/day; and 40% and 46%, respectively, more likely to take vitamin supplements compared to men without these conditions (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). Women with ever diagnosed depression were 13% more likely to take folic acid supplements 1-4 times/day and 15% more likely to take vitamin supplements than women without this condition (P < 0.05 for both comparisons). Use of folic acid and vitamin supplements did not differ significantly by elevated depressive symptoms in either sex.

Conclusion

The prevalence and the likelihood of taking folic acid and vitamin supplements varied substantially by a history of diagnosed depression among both men and women and by a history of diagnosed anxiety among men, but not by presence of elevated depressive symptoms in either sex.     

Diet,Plasma, Erythrocytes,and Spermatozoa Fatty Acid Composition Changes in Young Vegan Men

There has been increasing interest in vegan diets, but how this dietary pattern regulates tissue fatty acids (FA), especially in men, is unclear. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of a vegan diet on plasma, erythrocyte, and spermatozoa FA composition in young men. Two groups consisting of 67 young (18–25 years old) men were studied. One group following an omnivore diet but did not consume fish, shellfish or other marine foods (control, n = 33), and another group following a vegan diet (vegan, n = 34) for at least 12 months were compared. Dietary intake was assessed via a food frequency questionnaire and a 24-h recall. FA composition was measured in plasma, erythrocyte phospholipids, and spermatozoa by gas–liquid chromatography. Compared to controls, the vegan group had higher reported intakes of carbohydrate, dietary fiber, vitamins (C, E, K, and folate), and minerals (copper, potassium) but lower intakes of cholesterol, trans FA, vitamins B₆, D, and B₁₂, and minerals (calcium, iron, and zinc). Vegan's reported a lower saturated FA and not arachidonic acid intake, both groups did not intake eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), but vegan's showed a higher alpha linolenic acid ALA intake. Vegans had higher plasma, erythrocyte phospholipid, and spermatozoa ALA, but lower levels of other n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), especially DHA. Vegans were characterized by higher ALA, but lower levels of other n-3 PUFA, especially DHA in plasma, erythrocytes, and spermatozoids. The biological significance of these findings requires further study.     

Nutritional status of marginated children of the Madrid's autonomous community, Spain

The nutritional status of 101 institutionalized students aged 6 to 13 was assessed from the dietary and biochemical points of view. The children were pupils of a Youth Care Boarding School. The dietary survey revealed an adequate nutrient intake which met the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) in most cases as well as a high protein intake (250% of RDA). A slight deficiency in energy, zinc, magnesium and vitamins B2 and C was found in some cases in the eldest group. Blood parameters (erythrocyte counts, hematocrit, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular values, serum proteins, albumin, globulins, albumin/globulin ratio, urea and cholesterol) showed slightly lower values, mainly on hemoglobin, than those obtained from other similar groups. Nevertheless, urine parameters (nitrogen, urea, uric acid and creatinine) were higher, may be due to the high protein intake, energy deficiency and non-dietary factors such as lack of affection, socioeconomic problems, etc. All of these factors cause a rise in the students' catabolism. Correlations between dietary and biochemical data seem to corroborate that there is a shortage of energy, zinc, riboflavin, magnesium and vitamin C intakes in some cases, which limits the build up of several blood elements.     

Food intake of students graduating from basic education in the metropolitan area of Santiago, Chile

This study pursued to evaluate the adequacy of the dietary intake of students graduating from Basic Education in the Metropolitan Area of Santiago, Chile. A random sample of 258 students from public and non-public schools (1:1), of both sexes (1:1) and from high, medium and low socioeconomic level (SEL) (1:1:1), was selected. Standard procedures for 24-hr dietary recall individual interviews were used to collect data. The students' dietary intake was then compared with the FAO/WHO 1973 Recommended Dietary Allowances. Results revealed that 53.5% and 62.0% of the sample registered a deficient and excessive intake for energy and protein, respectively. Protein contributed 13.2% of the dietary energy, fat, 27.1%, and carbohydrates, 59.8%. Animal and vegetable protein intake was found in the proportion of 1:1. As findings indicated, the dietary intake of students differed significantly according to SEL. Deficiencies in energy, vitamin A, riboflavin, niacin and calcium intake were observed, in both sexes, besides iron deficiency in the female group. It is considered that results could be useful for food and nutrition planning in school feeding programs.     

Vitamin D and Calcium Supplementation Accelerate Vascular Calcification in a Model of Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum

Arterial calcification is a common feature of pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE), a disease characterized by ABCC6 mutations, inducing a deficiency in pyrophosphate, a key inhibitor of calcium phosphate crystallization in arteries. Methods: we analyzed whether long-term exposure of Abcc6^−/− mice (a murine model of PXE) to a mild vitamin D supplementation, with or without calcium, would impact the development of vascular calcification. Eight groups of mice (including Abcc6^−/− and wild-type) received vitamin D supplementation every 2 weeks, a calcium-enriched diet alone (calcium in drinking water), both vitamin D supplementation and calcium-enriched diet, or a standard diet (controls) for 6 months. Aorta and kidney artery calcification was assessed by 3D-micro-computed tomography, Optical PhotoThermal IR (OPTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and Yasue staining. Results: at 6 months, although vitamin D and/or calcium did not significantly increase serum calcium levels, vitamin D and calcium supplementation significantly worsened aorta and renal artery calcification in Abcc6^−/− mice. Conclusions: vitamin D and/or calcium supplementation accelerate vascular calcification in a murine model of PXE. These results sound a warning regarding the use of these supplementations in PXE patients and, to a larger extent, patients with low systemic pyrophosphate levels.     

Effects of hyperoxia and diet on murine tissue levels of vitamin E and polyunsaturated fatty acids

One hundred eighty-six adult female mice were studied to examine the effect of manipulating dietary vitamin E and fractional inspired oxygen concentrations (FiO₂) on tissue levels of vitamin E, total polyunsaturated fatty acids (TPUFA) and conjugated dienes (CD) as an index of lipid peroxidation. Animals were fed custom diets containing either 0, 50 or 150 ppm DL-α-tocopheryl acetate. Once plasma vitamin E levels of mice fell below 0.2 mg/dl (at week 19), all mice were placed in chambers containing either room air (FiO₂≈0.21) or FiO₂>0.95 for the next 72 hr. Dietary manipulation had a major impact on the levels of vitamin E in plasma, lung and perirenal adipose tissues (p<0.0001, p<0.0001 and p<0.005, respectively). Dietary vitamin E deprivation was associated with significant reductions in lung glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities (p<0.05) and in plasma TPUFA levels (p<0.05). No significant effect attributable to either diet or FiO₂ was observed for liver vitamin E, liver TPUFA or lung TPUFA levels, or for those of CD in any tissue examined. Adipose TPUFA levels were depressed in all dietary groups exposed to FiO₂>0.95, when compared with those of groups exposed to room air. The high FiO₂ exposures also were associated with marked reductions in lung to body weight ratios (p<0.01). These data suggest that dietary vitamin E treatment after long-term feeding can modify vitamin levels in plasma, lung and adipose tissue, and lung GPX activities. Vitamin E levels in liver seemed less responsive to our dietary manipulations in adult female mice, though expressing liver vitamin E levels in terms of TPUFA revealed significant differences between the ratios from 0 and 150 ppm vitamin E groups (p<0.05).     

Zur endogene Lipidperoxidation bei diätetischer Belastung des Masthuhns

Endogenous Lipid Peroxidation in Broiler Chickens under Dietary Loads Growing broiler chickens were fed a Vitamin E-deficient diet containing 10% reesterified triglyceride from soy-bean-oil. Six groups with day-old broiler chicken were supplemented with 0, 20 or 100 ppm of vitamin E. On each vitamin level one group was fed with the fresh fat, the other was supplied with the fat being oxidized. Clinical data and development of body weight were registered. The animals were euthanised after 3 weeks. Pentane production of liver mitochondria and microsomes was measured and tocopherol concentrations were determined as well as the GSH-PX-activity in liver cytosol and plasma. Deficiency of vitamin E together with a high level of dietary linoleic acid leads to an imbalance in peroxidative and antioxidative metabolism and finally to disease. It is discussed if the clinical signs after consumption of linoleic acid-rich oxidized oils are caused by specific toxic secundary products.     

Effects of dietary protein and lupine alkaloids on growth and survivorship ofSpodoptera eridania

Toxic chemicals and nutrients are often positively correlated within and among plants. We studied how such correlations affect the suitability of plants as food for herbivores by assessing the growth and survivorship ofSpodoptera eridania (army worm) on artificial diets containing lupine alkaloids and casein. We found that (1) the effects of casein were determined by other dietary components: increased dietary casein led to increased larval growth only when the diet was also high in wheat germ. (2) Dietary alkaloids were effective at very low concentrations, reducing both growth and survivorship. The alkaloids lupanine and sparteine were not synergistic in their effects, and the interaction between alkaloids and casein was significant only in the low-wheat-germ diets. (3) The effects of casein and alkaloids were generally apparent only in the first instar, and the growth of fifth-instar larvae was unaffected by diet. (4) Using these artificial diet experiments, we can make simple predictions about the food quality of plants grown under various nutrient regimes. These predictions are consistant with recent ideas about optimal plant defenses.     

Nutrition and cancer: A review of the evidence for an anti-cancer diet

It has been estimated that 30–40 percent of all cancers can be prevented by lifestyle and dietary measures alone. Obesity, nutrient sparse foods such as concentrated sugars and refined flour products that contribute to impaired glucose metabolism (which leads to diabetes), low fiber intake, consumption of red meat, and imbalance of omega 3 and omega 6 fats all contribute to excess cancer risk. Intake of flax seed, especially its lignan fraction, and abundant portions of fruits and vegetables will lower cancer risk. Allium and cruciferous vegetables are especially beneficial, with broccoli sprouts being the densest source of sulforophane. Protective elements in a cancer prevention diet include selenium, folic acid, vitamin B-12, vitamin D, chlorophyll, and antioxidants such as the carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, lycopene, lutein, cryptoxanthin). Ascorbic acid has limited benefits orally, but could be very beneficial intravenously. Supplementary use of oral digestive enzymes and probiotics also has merit as anticancer dietary measures. When a diet is compiled according to the guidelines here it is likely that there would be at least a 60–70 percent decrease in breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers, and even a 40–50 percent decrease in lung cancer, along with similar reductions in cancers at other sites. Such a diet would be conducive to preventing cancer and would favor recovery from cancer as well.     

3 problem vitamins in Latin America

The list of vitamins recognized as essential in human nutrition is extensive. Only some of them, however, are attributed an important role in public health. The present paper deals with three of these selected because their deficiencies still prevail in important sectors of population in the Latin American Region: vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin D. For each vitamin the paper discusses the scientific bases for their requirements, as well as pragmatic considerations to be taken into account for the derivation of recommended dietary intakes. Reference is made to the logic of applying the concepts of nutrient density when developing guidelines for the design of diets for the family and the community. Adequate nutrient density means that when a diet is consumed in sufficient amounts to satisfy energy requirements, the needs for essential nutrients are also being met. For the above reasons, the principle of expressing the recommended levels of intake of vitamin A and C per 1,000 kilocalories has been followed. This is not the case with vitamin D which, in view of its special feature of being synthesized endogenously, is not really a vitamin in the strict sense of the term and, therefore, a rational and consistent relationship with the energy of the diet cannot be established.     

Food based approaches to improve vitamin and mineral nutrition adequacy

This paper, using the nutrient density concept and the development of Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDG), explores the nutritional adequacy of food patterns based on the main staples around the world--maize, wheat, rice and potato. The nutritional adequacy of the vitamins A, C, folates and the minerals iron, zinc and calcium in diets composed by these staples is analyzed. Projected diets modified by the addition of foods high in vitamins and minerals, based on food table composition information, are analyzed for changes in nutritional adequacy, in order to cover the nutritional requirements of all family members. This theoretical exercise shows that diets diversified by the addition of relatively small quantities (27-70 g) of foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes and meat improve substantially the nutritional adequacy of the vitamins A, C, folates, iron and zinc. In the case of calcium, the addition of a dairy source becomes essential. From the practical point of view, the implementation of the food based approach requires a national effort in order to support the production of nutrient rich foods and to promote consciousness of nutrient bioavailability, so that people may obtain all nutrient potential from foods. Simultaneously, the need of fortification programs at the national level is recognized. This is the case for critical nutrients, where requirements might be above the potential in available foods. A similar situation occurs in the case of vulnerable groups like pregnant women and infants, who need supplementation to ensure nutritional adequacy of their diets. In conclusion, the use of FBDG is a good alternative for improving the nutritional adequacy of diets based predominantly on staple foods. However, food fortification and supplementation programs directed to vulnerable groups are necessary and complementary practices to the FBDG implementation.