Intake of dietary fiber in the Central American isthmus: nutritional implications

Mean intakes of dietary fiber (DF) were estimated in the population of Central America and Panama, using the results of dietary surveys conducted in 1969 and 1986 both in rural and urban areas, as well as data on the DF content of foods as consumed in the region. Data on preschool children were also estimated. The results indicated that DF intake in urban areas is lower than that of rural areas, particularly in Costa Rica and Panama. In 1969, intake varied from 32g in El Salvador to 15g in Panama in urban areas, while in rural areas intake was from 45g in El Salvador to 13g in Panama. The foods which contributed most to the total intake in Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras were tortillas and beans, while in Costa Rica and Panama, beans provided the largest intake. In preeschool children, intake was 12.5g in El Salvador and 5.4g in Costa Rica in 1969, which is the same tendency as that found for adults. From more recent data on food intake, it was found that DF intake had decreased in the rural areas of El Salvador, Honduras and Costa Rica, being between 4 and 9% in the first two countries and 12% in Costa Rica. In the urban area of the latter, from 1969 to 1986 a decrease in DF intake of around 20% has taken place.     

Evolution of the nutritional and food situation of the metropolitan area of San Jose, Costa Rica]

Evolution of food and nutrient intake patterns in urban San José, Costa Rica, during the last decade, was studied comparing data from the last two national surveys (1978, 1982) and 1987 data obtained from 5 families previously included in the 1982 survey. Total food and nutrient intake was found to be similar to the 1982 results, although the pattern was altered, with a substantial decreased contribution of milk products to both energy and protein intakes. A small but constant decrease in the intake of more than half of the foods registered was also observed. Nevertheless, the nutritional adequacy of energy (from 100 to 78%), retinol (from 83 to 69%), riboflavin (from 94 to 63%), iron (from 106 to 69%) and niacin (from 103 to 81%), were found to be significantly lower than in previous years. The findings herein reported suggest that the effects of the economic crisis initiated in 1980 on food availability, could well be showing a time lag.     

Chemical composition of food products derived from wheat and corn produced in Costa Rica

Twenty one wheat and corn based food products elaborated in Costa Rica were analyzed by chemically with the purpose of having data on local foods. The analytical methods to determine proximate composition were AOAC's. Energy was estimated by calorimetric bomb and dietary fiber (DF) by the gravimetric enzymatic method. Also food portion size was estimated and related with DF content for food classification. The values of the nutrients per food were established and compared with others reported in foreign tables commonly used in the country. Fat and energy content in cookies are higher than in salad breads and crackers. Wheat and corn based food products are classified either as low or very low DF sources (< 2.9 g FD/portion). Corn "tortilla" DF content duplicates bread's and the fiber is basically insoluble. Marked differences were founded in the nutritive composition of specific foods when compared with values reported in foreign food tables. In other foods, as corn based products, similarities in the chemical composition were common. The chemical composition of the studied local foods shows the potential of the diet to be atherogenic, an important aspect to be considered with relation to the main causes of mortality in Costa Rica population. The more compatible food composition table with our data is the Central American, followed by the Latin American one. The necessity of having data on the chemical composition of local foods has been demonstrated.     

Lipid and lipoprotein profile of Chinese immigrants living in Costa Rica

The lipid profile and food pattern of 50 Chinese immigrants living in San José, Costa Rica were studied during 1999. The results showed that 35% of the immigrants had high levels of total cholesterol (> or = 5.16 mmol/L) and 51% had high concentrations of LDL-Cholesterol (> or = 2.84 mmol/L). Moreover, 36% of them had high levels of triglycerides (> 1.69 mmol/L) and only the 15% had low concentrations of HDL-cholesterol (< or = 0.90 mmol/L). The ratio of men with high levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides and low levels of HDL-cholesterol was larger that the one in women; although this difference was not significant. 41% of the studied population presented Castelli's Indexes (TC/HDL-C) above 4.5. In general, around 80% of the Chinese immigrants consume vegetables 5-6 times/week and 50% consume fruits with the same frequency. A high percentage of the immigrants eat food with animal protein more than 3 times/week and around 23% eat frequently snacks and fast foods. Our data suggest that the Chinese immigrants still keep some characteristics of their nutritional culture. Nevertheless, they have changed their food pattern to a more atherogenic one. It's important that nutritionists and other health professionals evaluate in detail the factors associated with the change in the food pattern of the immigrants, in order to avoid an increase in the rates of morbi-mortality of coronary disease in this group of population.     

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.     

Nutritional anemia in nursing women in Costa Rica

It is reported the prevalence, magnitude and determinant factors of nutritional anaemia in a sample of nursing women (NW), collected during the National Nutrition Survey, of Costa Rica done in 1996. Nutritional anaemia was determinate through measurements of haemoglobin, and plasma ferritin, folates, cianocobalamin and retinol. Methodologies used were cianometahaemoglobin, solid phase immunoradiometric assay, solid phase radioimmunoassay and high-pressure liquid chromatography. WHO cut-off points were used. Anaemia was present in 22.1% of the women. Iron and folate deficiency were found in 48.7 and 84.2% NW, respectively. The magnitude of anaemia was mild and iron and folate deficiencies were severe. Vitamin B12 and A deficiencies were 5.3 and 4.9%, respectively and did not represent a public health problem in this group. Prevalent deficiency was mixed (iron and folates, 46.6%) followed by exclusive folates deficiency (32%). Anaemia was caused by a combined deficiency of iron and folates (61.1%) and most iron deficiencies were accompanied by folates (92%). The logistic regression analysis demonstrated that low socio-economic level of NW and their families was the principal factor determining the appearance of nutritional anaemia, and educative interventions to the mother are possibly recommended. In conclusion anaemia in NW is a moderate health problem of nutritional type, that is more important when severe folates and iron deficiencies are present in Costa Rica. These problems have remained constant throughout the last three decades; although recently, possibly an improvement has occurred because the prevalence of neural tube defects in the infant population has reduced, maybe due to food iron and folates fortification public health policies implementation.     

Nutritional characterization of carbohydrates and proximal composition of cooked tropical roots and tubers produced in Costa Rica

Tropical roots and tubers (TRT) are important staple foods in the tropics. TRT are produced by small farmers and have received only limited attention. The objective of this paper was to evaluate nutritionally important carbohydrate fractions and proximal composition of cooked cassava (Manihot esculenta), cocoyam- or tannia- (Xantosoma sp) and yam (Dioscorea alata) grown in Costa Rica. Twenty boiled samples of each TRT were analyzed for proximal composition, following AOAC protocols. Carbohydrate fractions (dietary fiber, available and resistant starch) and alpha-amylolysis rate were assessed by enzymatic methods. All TRT analyzed consisted mainly of water and carbohydrates, representing moderate dietary fiber and energy sources. They show a low protein level and contain no fat. Moisture, protein, ashes and dietary fiber contents vary significantly (p<0.01) among the three species. In terms of their proximal composition, these locally grown TRT differ from TRTs cultivated in the South Pacific area, but appear similar to other Latin American varieties. In all samples most of the dietary fiber (84-88%) is insoluble; available starch ranges between 74 and 84% of the dry matter, whereas resistant starch content varied between 0.7 and 1.7%. Amylolysis rate was similar for cassava and cocoyam, whereas a significantly slower digestion (p<0.01) was recorded for yam. Compared to values reported in the literature for other starchy foods and to gelatinized potato starch, used as reference sample, the studied TRT showed intermediate amylolysis rates. It is concluded that consumption of these TRT may be promoted in Costa Rica and other countries with a similar nutritional situation.     

Use of flour of pejibaye fruit (Bactris gasipaes H.B.K.) in bread making

Trial were conducted in Costa Rica in 1984 and 1985, to determine the possibility of substituting pejibaye (Bactris gasipaes H.B.K.) meal for wheat flour in bread. Utilization in three distinct mixtures was examined: 90:10, 85:15 and 80:20 percentage of wheat flour to percentage of pejibaye meal, respectively. The breads were made, and dough analyses were conducted at "Molinos de Costa Rica, S.A.", the country's principal flour mill. Chemical analyses were carried out at the University of Costa Rica. Results indicate a marked inverse relationship between both initial dough development time and dough strength maintenance, and the content of pejibaye meal present in the flour mixture. Consequent problems with sufficient dough expansion preclude utilization of this fruit meal for bread-making in proportions significantly greater than 10% of the total composite flour. The above-mentioned findings reflect the high nutritional value of the pejibaye fruit. Although the protein content is inversely correlated with the amount of pejibaye meal in the mixture, vitamin A and fat contents are positively correlated. This fact demonstrates that the utilization of pejibaye meal in bread-making may well be in some ways considered as a form of nutritional enrichment. As a final conclusion drawn from the results of analyses of the trials and sensory observations, the 90% wheat flour with 10% pejibaye meal mixture apparently was the optimum substitution level of the breads examined. The potential macroeconomic ramifications on the Costa Rican economy of producing and utilizing pejibaye meal in bread-making, are highly favorable.     

Prevalence of anemia, iron and folate deficiency in children 7 years smaller. Costa Rica, 1996

In 1996, were studied in Costa Rica 961 children with ages between one and six years, with representation for metropolitan, urban and rural zones of the country. The classification approaches applied were emitted by the Pan-American Health Organization and the World Health Organization. The preschooler population presented in the national environment a prevalence of anemia of 26.3% (children from 1 to 4 years with hemoglobin < 11.0 g/dL and those from 5 to 6 years old with hemoglobin < 12.0 g/dL). The prevalence of Iron depletion (Ferritin < 12 ng/mL) and iron deficiency (Ferritin < 24 ng/mL) were 24.4% and 53.8%, respectively. The folate deficiency (< 6.0 ng/mL) was 11.4%. The iron deficiency was higher in children smaller than 4 years, being the maximum deficiency in the 1 year-old (75%). More than 40% of the preschool children presented sub-clinical deficiency of iron; of them, 10% showed severe deficiency of iron without presence of anemia. The children from the rural area presented the highest prevalence of anemia and iron depletion, while the metropolitan area met more frequency with iron deficiency. The nutritional anemias still constitute a moderate problem of public health in Costa Rica. The main cause is iron deficiency, associated in small proportion with folate deficiency and other factors associated with the erythropoiesis.     

Evolution of salaries and the price of food and domestic fuels in the city of La Paz (1975-1985)

An analysis was performed on the variations of the food purchasing power of the average industry wage during the period comprised between 1975 and 1984 (increase of 7%), and of the minimum wage between November 1982 and August 1985 (decline of 73%). Development of retail prices in La Paz, for the main food groups, beverages and fuels, was analyzed over the same periods. Variations in work time, paid at average industry wage or at minimum wage, needed to acquire such foodstuffs, beverages or fuels, were also carefully studied. Similarly, development of the cost of calories and proteins was examined. Trends in accessibility of calories and proteins are described. Between 1975 and 1984 these included: a progressive decline in the number of foods that are sources of "cheap" or "very cheap" calories; the same trend was observed with regard to foods which are sources of "cheap" or "very cheap" proteins: A decline in their number and even the disappearance of any source of "very cheap" proteins, and an ever-increasing dependence on agro-industry and foreign imports (notably wheat). Finally, some proposals are made for the purpose of contributing to the establishment of food and nutrition planning. In particular, suggestion is made to automatically reevaluate the minimum wage on the basis of monetary inflation, in order to maintain at least the food purchasing power of the minimum wage. Maintaining this purchasing power greatly determines the nutritional status of the wage-earning population which purchases the most essential foodstuffs.     

Serum total homocysteine and lipoproteins levels in young adults from urban and rural areas of Costa Rica

Serum total homocysteine and lipoproteins levels in young adults from urban and rural areas of Costa Rica. This study evaluated the lipid profile and the serum levels of total homocysteine of 400 adults aged 20 to 40 years, residents of rural and urban areas of the central valley of Costa Rica. The results showed that the proportion of subjects from urban areas with high levels of LDL-C (= 4.13 mmol/L) was 11% higher than the proportion of adults from rural areas (29.2% and 18.0%, p = 0.045). On the contrary, the proportion of rural subjects with low HDL-C levels (< 1.03 mmol/ L) was higher 19% than the proportion of urban adults (56.0% and 75.3%, p = 0.001). Rural residents also showed higher serum levels of triglycerides and total homocysteine than the urban residents, although the differences were not significant (TG: 1.94 mmol/L and 2.02 mmol/L, p = 0.529; TH: 9.33 micromol/L and 9.84 micromol/L, p = 0.145). The prevalences of hyperhomocysteinemia (>15 micromol/L), hypercholesterolemia (= 5.17 mmol/L) and hypertriglyceridemia (= 1.69 mmol/L) in the studied population were 5.8%, 53.6% and 50.1% respectively. 82% of the studied population had LDL-C levels above 2.58 mmol/L and approximately 61% of the adults had HDL-C levels lower than 1.03 mmol/L. Our data suggest that the studied costarrican population has a very high cardiovascular risk. The prevalence of low levels of HDL-C (< 1.03 mmol/L), marginal levels of total homocysteine and a tendency to have high levels of triglycerides were the most outstanding cardiovascular risk factors found in this population, specially in rural subjects, which could be associated with the quality of the diet of these habitants. It is necessary to develop effective intervention strategies to promote healthy lifestyles in the population in order to reduce the cardiovascular mortality rates in Costa Rica.     

Requirements for foods containing soy protein in the food for peace program

Under the Food for Peace Program, whole grains, milled wheat flour, milled rice, soybean oil, soybean flour, nonfat dry milk, soyacontaining blended food supplements, and soya-fortified processed foods are provided by the U.S. to needy people abroad to alleviate malnutrition. These commodities are used in maternal/child health programs, school feeding, food for work projects and disaster relief. The wide diversity of nutritional requirements and traditional food preferences has led to development of nine soya-containing food types, which are used in the PL-480 Title II donation program as blended food supplements or fortified processed foods. Research studies have led to the development of product specifications. Blended food supplements include the standardized mixtures of corn-soya-milk (CSM), instant CSM, wheat-soy blend and whey-soy drink mix. These foods, developed to fulfill the nutritional requirements of preschool children, contain from 17.5 to 29.7% either toasted-defatted or equivalent full-fat soya flour, along with vitamins and minerals. In addition, 4–19% soya oil is added to improve caloric density. These products contain 19 or 20% minimum protein and 6 or 19% minimum fat content. Fortified processed foods include soya-fortified bulgur (SFB), soya-fortified bread wheat flour (SFWF), soya-fortified cornmeal (SFCM), soya-fortified sorghum grits (SFSG), and soya-fortified rolled oats (SFRO). These foods contain toasted soya flour, grits, or flakes added at 12–15% levels. Fortified foods are generally consumed by people other than infants.     

Trends and differentials in dietary patterns and nutrient intake among migrant Puerto Rican families

Preoccupation to define the nutritional status of Puerto Rican families migrating to the United States, motivated the present research. A total of 526 families residing in the South Bronx, New York, and four communities in Puerto Rico, were therefore studied. Results in regard to nutrient intake suggest that the mothers' diets appear to be adequate in the South Bronx as well as in Puerto Rico, except in iron consumption, in the latter. Furthermore, the data show an apparent tendency to overconsumption of certain foods in both the South Bronx and Puerto Rico, particularly of the protein group, as well as a high consumption of sugar and carbonated beverages in Puerto Rico. Dietary data were corroborated through nutritional anthropometry, conforming a tendency for overweight and obesity among the women studied. Detailed information on the dietary changes occurred during the last five years, is provided. Educational programs such as EFNEP, availability of new foods, and the food preferences of children in their homes, seem to be influencing factors in the dynamics of food modifications within societal groups in transition.     

Chemical Composition and Nutritional Information of Fats Used in Fillings of Sandwich Cookies

The aim of this work was to evaluate the characteristics of fillings used in cookies commercialized in Brazil and in USA according to their chemical composition, labels, nutritional information, ingredients list, and price. Fillings had approximately 25–32% of fat. In general, the composition of these fats consisted of approximately 50% of saturated fatty acids (SFA), mainly palmitic acid, and 50% of unsaturated fatty acids, mainly oleic acid. Brazilian samples had trans-fatty acids (TFA) in the range of 1–15% although in many cases their presence was not reported in the labels. USA product labels did not present a fixed portion weight but they showed detailed information about the types of fats used such as source and the process used for their production. In 70% of Brazilian product labels, the information shown in the ingredient list was limited to “vegetable fat,” which does not give enough information to consumers about the type of fat used. In addition, our results showed that low-trans-products or zero-trans-products, in which TFA were replaced by SFA, presented the highest prices. This research suggests that further legislation should be developed in Brazil to decrease the amount of TFA in foods and improve their nutritional properties.     

Microbiological contamination of enteral feeding solutions used in Costa Rican hospitals

Enteral feeding is the most common and preferred modality for providing nutritional support to hospital patients with a functional gastrointestinal tract that can not satisfy their nutritional requirements. Nevertheless, enteral feeding may be an important cause of bacterial infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbial contamination level of enteral feedings distributed in Costa Rican hospitals. A total of 124 samples of enteral feeding, coming from five different hospitals from San José, Costa Rica, were evaluated during the second semester of 1997 and first of 1998 for the presence and identification of total and fecal coliforms, Pseudomonas sp. and Listeria sp. A subpopulation of the Pseudomonas isolated was analyzed for their antibiotic susceptibility patterns. The concentration of Gram negative rods in the samples of enteral feeding solutions ranged from 10(3) to 10(7) CFU/mL, markedly exceeding the permissible level (10(2) CFU/mL or less). The coliforms most frequently isolated included Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coil, Serratia sp. and Klebsiella pnuemoniae, Pseudomonas sp. was isolated in more than 70% of the samples made from commercial based solutions, fruits and vegetables. P. aeruginosa and P. fluorescens were the species most frequently isolated. Listeria sp. was not isolated from enteral solutions samples. The results obtained demonstrate that it is urgent to assure strict hygiene during the preparation and handling of all enteral feed in order to avoid bacterial growth. The implementation of HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) system will be required in a near future for better quality control of enteral nutrition mixtures.     

Microbiological contamination of enteral feeding solutions used in Costa Rican hospitals

Enteral feeding is the most common and preferred modality for providing nutritional support to hospital patients with a functional gastrointestinal tract that can not satisfy their nutritional requirements. Nevertheless, enteral feeding may be an important cause of bacterial infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbial contamination level of enteral feedings distributed in Costa Rican hospitals. A total of 124 samples of enteral feeding, coming from five different hospitals from San José, Costa Rica, were evaluated during the second semester of 1997 and first of 1998 for the presence and identification of total and fecal coliforms, Pseudomonas sp. and Listeria sp. A subpopulation of the Pseudomonas isolated was analyzed for their antibiotic susceptibility patterns. The concentration of Gram negative rods in the samples of enteral feeding solutions ranged from 10(3) to 10(7) CFU/mL, markedly exceeding the permissible level (10(2) CFU/mL or less). The coliforms most frequently isolated included Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coil, Serratia sp. and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Pseudomonas sp. was isolated in more than 70% of the samples made from commercial based solutions, fruits and vegetables. P. aeruginosa and P. fluorescens were the species most frequently isolated. Listeria sp. was not isolated from enteral solutions samples. The results obtained demonstrate that it is urgent to assure strict hygiene during the preparation and handling of all enteral feed in order to avoid bacterial growth. The implementation of HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) system will be required in a near future for better quality control of enteral nutrition mixtures.     

Listeria monocytogenes incidence and evaluation of the sanitary quality of filleted fresh fish from the Metropolitan Area of San José

Fish constitutes a very important part of human diet due to its protein content. The poor commercialization system existing in Costa Rica for this product causes an important secondary contamination that may include microorganisms such as fecal coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus and even pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes. There is a lack of recent information about the microbiological quality of the fish that arrives to the Metropolitan Area of San José, Costa Rica, so the aim of this work was to study it through the detection of microbiological indicators and the incidence of L. monocytogenes. Five different samplings were realized to 27 fisheries located in two different areas from San José, Costa Rica: the Central Market and the rest of the Metropolitan Area. Each time, a 500 g sample of fresh filleted fish was taken and transported to the Food Microbiology Laboratory, Universidad de Costa Rica, for performing the different analysis, which included the presence/absence of L. monocytogenes, total plate count, total and fecal coliforms count and Most Probable Number of Staphylococcus aureus. Also, a hygiene evaluation of the different fisheries was performed. According to this, 22.2% of the fisheries were classified as excellent, 14.8% as good, 40.8% as regular and 22.2% as bad. Fisheries hygiene is independent of the incidence of L. monocytogenes with a 95% confidence level, and there is no significant relationship between hygiene and the other indicators analyzed. There is a significant relationship between the incidence of Listeria sp. and the hygiene of the Central Market area. It was determined that 96.3% and 29.6% of the fisheries accomplish with the microbiological limits established by ICMSF for S. aureus and total plate count, respectively. Listeria sp. was found in 65.2% of the fish samples analyzed. From these, 52.3% was L. monocytogenes, 43.2% L. innocua, 3.4% L. ivanovii and 1.1% L. seeligeri. In 88.9% of the fisheries the presence of L. monocytogenes was positive at least once.     

Changes in food availability in metropolitan Santiago Chile according to income (quintiles) 1988-1997

Changes in household food availability from 1988-1997 obtained in a representative sample of Metropolitan Santiago were assessed; and related to observed changes in the epidemiological profile. We evaluated expenditures in food and beverages from the IV and V Household Expenditure Surveys conducted every 10 years by the National Institute of Statistics to calculate the Consumer Price Index. Food items were similarly grouped and expenditures from both surveys adjusted to concordance by assigning prices according to of food; the units consumed outside and at home were determined. Food expenditures increased, leading to greater food availability in all households and income categories; the increment was largest in the poorest quintiles. Apparent consumption of processed cereals, pastries and baked goods, poultry and pork, processed dairies, beverages and juices, dressings and mayonnaise, pre cooked meals and meals consumed "out of home" increased. Fish, vegetables and fruits increased slightly with a concomitant decrease in legumes. The present dietary pattern is also characterized by a greater availability of animal food products and processed foods; increased energy density, fat and saturated fat energy, sugars and high glycemic index foods; lower in phytochemicals, antioxidants, dietary fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. These changes are probably having a significant impact on the epidemiological and nutritional profile of the country; as manifested by an epidemic increase in obesity and chronic disease burden related to diet and physical inactivity.     

Dietary intake of Senegalese adults

The aim of this work is to identify major food sources and dietary constituents of Senegalese adults. We conducted a cross-sectional study, using a single 24-hour dietary recall interview. Foods were classified into food groups based on similarities in nutrient content or use. Food groups included foods consumed individually, or as part of food mixtures such as stews, soups, or sandwiches. Median consumption (amount/day) of each food was determined and examined by relevant subgroups. Participants were 50 healthy Senegalese men, aged 20-62 years recruited at the Hôpital Général de Grand Yoff in Dakar, Senegal and from Sendou village, a rural area outside Dakar. A total of 90 foods and beverages were identified and classified into 11 groups. Sixty-five percent of foods identified could be classified as meats, grains, or fruits/vegetables. Fruits and vegetables comprised 42% (38/90) of all foods; meats 12% (11/90); and grains 11% (10/90). Sauces (6%, 5/90), sweets (4%, 4/90), and desserts (4%, 4/90) were also reported. The most common fruits/vegetables reported were potato, carrot, mango, and lettuce; commonly reported grains were bread and rice; and commonly reported meats were fish, beef, and ox. There were no differences in reported daily intake of each food by age, ethnicity, education, or residence. Most foods reported were traditional to the Senegalese diet, despite the increasing availability of Western foods in Senegal.