ISBN 9783843946605

978-3-8439-4660-5, Reihe Ernährungswissenschaften

Julian Philipp Wald
Adaptation and application of a valid IT-based approach to assess dietary micronutrient intakes of different subpopulation groups within a Ghanaian setting

88 Seiten, Dissertation Universität Hohenheim Stuttgart-Hohenheim (2020), Softcover, A5

Zusammenfassung / Abstract

Worldwide food systems are progressively pressurized through population growth, urbanization, increased demands for biomass, climate changes and conflicts. Global trends in food security reveal an increasing number of undernourished people elucidating the fact that the combat against food insecurity and hidden hunger remains an imperative development priority having a profound impact on public health and economic output. Almost one billion people are undernourished, more than twice that number fall chronically short of adequate nutrient supplies. Affected individuals suffer from severe health consequences, cognitive and physical development disorders as well as an increased disease risk in later life through epigenetical modifications. Particularly within the 1.000-day-window, developmental implications that are caused through acute and chronic nutrient deficits can be profound fueling an intergenerational cycle and the double burden of malnutrition. Based on its multi-dimensional and flexible nature, the assessment of food security requires holistic approaches. Several proxy measures are currently in use, but the choice of indicator involves tradeoffs. From a nutritional perspective, the development of efficient interventions strategies requires an accurate identification and quantification of vulnerable subpopulation groups as well as the type of inadequacies in the first place. Unfortunately, appropriate concepts are not existent or still in early stages. This work contributes to the Calculator of Inadequate Micronutrient Intake (CIMI) concept through the adaptation, validation and application of the IT-based dietary assessment approach within a Ghanaian setting.