I work in rural Guatemala and we are trying to improve the child nutrition using high-protein grain, such as amaranthus spp.
All the literature and the status quo of the organizations is focused in promoting the consumption of animal source foods (ASF) for improving the nutritional status of children. However, I found it difficult in the communities where I work in, because people do not have economic nor physical access to ASF.
As nutritionist, I understand the importance of ASF (e.g. Vit. B 12, iron, Zn content and high bioavailability of these) but I also understand the unsustainability of the ASF production (due their large need of natural resources such as land and water) and the risk of increasing incidence of obesity when they start the economic development.
Why do you think organization and researchers have neglected high-protein grains and are focused on ASF?
Are there any evidence to support that practices: case studies, RCTs, anything?
Thanks,
Diana
Diet is very much related to ethnic and educational background: even in well educated people its difficult to change the nutritional behavior imprinted by ethnic origin and especially by early life education: nice example are the post war "meat eaters" in Europe!
Out of nearly a billion poor people in the world, a vast majority own some livestock, especially small stock and poultry. It is not essential that everyone should own livestock to abe able to consume livestock products. Some may produce and consume, may also sell to others who can afford to buy due to raised income. Even small quantities say a few eggs per month will provide essential protein and micronutrients. Meat and milk in small quantities are even better. The issue access - either through ownership and production or through market. There is an extensive lieterature on smallholder poultry and livestock for povert alleviation and better nutrition. May search the web.
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