Food-based approaches should therefore include strategies to: improve the year-round availability of micronutrient-rich foods; ensure the access of households, especially those at risk,to these foods; and change feeding practices with respect to these foods.One of the greatest strengths of these food-based strategies lies in their potentialto result in multiple nutritional benefits. These benefits can, in turn, achieveboth short-term impact and long-term sustainability.In practice, food-based approaches should first address the production,preservation, processing, marketing, and preparation of food. Secondly, theyshould address feeding practices, such as intra-family food distribution andcare for vulnerable groups.Applied to iron deficiency, efforts should be directed towards promoting theavailability of, and access to, iron-rich foods. Examples include meat andorgans from cattle, fowl, fish, and poultry; and non-animal foods such aslegumes and green leafy vegetables.Similarly, focus should be upon foods which enhance the absorption or utilizationof iron. Examples include those of animal origin, and non-animal foods - suchas some fruits, vegetables, and tubers - that are good sources of vitamins Aand C, and folic acid. Finally, effective nutrition education - and information onhealth and nutrition for both supply and demand aspects of programmes - maybe needed to increase the demand for and consumption of such foods.The first step in this process involves obtaining and analysing information onthe various foods consumed and on the way they are processed, mixed, andprepared for a meal. Annex 4 suggests proposed strategies for obtaining suchinformation, adapted from the approach currently used with success in someprogrammes to promote consumption of foods rich in vitamin A.The interpretation of values concerning iron status which have been obtainedusing this methodology will vary according to the bioavailability of iron fromlocal food mixtures and meal patterns. Accordingly, this approach should beadapted to, and its value assessed under, local conditions.
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