Energy imbalance gap was associated with body mass index and sex in Latin American adolescents-results from the ELANS study.

Introduction: Energy imbalance gap (EIG) is defined as the average daily difference between energy intake (EI) and energy expenditure (EE). This study aimed to examine the associations between EIG and sociodemographic and anthropometric variables in the adolescent population of eight Latin America countries. Methods: A total of 680 adolescents aged 15 to 18 were included in this study. The estimation of EI was based on two non-consecutive 24-h dietary recalls. EE was predicted from Schofield equations using physical activity level obtained through the long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Sociodemographic data and anthropometric measurements were also obtained. A descriptive analysis and multilevel linear regression models were used to examine associations between variables. Results: The mean EI, EE, and EIG were 2091.3 kcal, 2067.8 kcal, and 23.5 kcal, respectively. Argentina had the highest EI and EIG, whereas Chile had the lowest EI and EIG. Males had a higher EI (2262.4 kcal) and EE (2172.2 kcal) than females (1930.1 kcal and 2084.5 kcal), respectively (p < 0.05). Overweight subjects had a lower EIG than did underweight and normal-weight subjects (p < 0.05). Subjects with low socioeconomic status (SES) had a lower EE (2047.0 kcal) than those with a high SES (2164.2 kcal) (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Sex and BMI were associated with EIG in adolescents from Latin America.

Contribution of Proteins to the Latin American Diet: Results of the ELANS Study.

Dietary protein intake is vital to life. Here we sought to characterize dietary sources of protein in eight Latin American countries. Survey data were collected for Estudio Latinoamericano de Nutrición y Salud (ELANS); participants were from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela (n = 9218, 15-65 years old). The primary aim of this analysis was to quantify per-person daily protein consumption by country and sociodemographic factors. Secondary aims: to quantify proportional intake of proteins by source, amount and processing, and to determine the adequacy of protein/essential amino acid intake. Younger groups (adolescents 15-19 years, adults 20-33 years) had the highest intake of proteins; middle-aged adults (34-49 years) had a lower intake, and older adults (50-65 years) had a strikingly lower intake. Protein consumption was higher in men than women. Animal proteins comprised nearly 70% of total daily protein intake in Argentina and Venezuela, contrasting with <60% in Peru, Chile, and Costa Rica. Brazil and Venezuela showed the highest protein intake within the highest education level. The higher the socioeconomic level, the higher the protein intake, except for Argentina, Chile, and Peru. Proportional intake of animal- and plant-based protein generally reflected the food availability by country. This study presents a pre-pandemic regional baseline and offers a perspective for future studies of changes related to government policies, climate, and dietary practices.

Exploring food security/insecurity determinants within Venezuela's complex humanitarian emergency.

Introduction: The complex humanitarian emergency that Venezuela has been going through for several years has deteriorated the quality of life of its citizens, deepened food insecurity in households and has promoted migratory movements of almost six million people to neighboring countries. Objective: To analyze food security in Venezuelan households to identify the determinant factors that might contribute to the design of evidence-based public policies. Materials and methods: A non-probabilistic survey of national scope was used in 2,041 urban and non-urban households. A descriptive statistical test was performed to analyze demographic variables and the three component indicators of the food security index (FSI): food consumption, economic vulnerability and coping strategies. The FSI was built according to the World Food Program (WFP) methodology, and a segmentation analysis was applied using the Chi-squared Automatic Interaction Detection (CHAID) algorithm to specify the influence of some variables as the best predictor at each level. Results: Only 9% of the households presented food security, 69% classified as marginally secure, and 22% presented moderate or severe food insecurity. The food consumption score (FCS) was the variable that best discriminated the level of food security, followed by coping strategies and the percentage of spending on food. Conclusion: Most of the households studied sacrifice their livelihoods to feed themselves and cover the minimum of their nutritional requirements. This needs attention to stop and reverse the deterioration within a framework of respect for the human rights to health and food.

Valoración del estado nutricional antropométrico de escolares venezolanos de 3 a 18 años / Assessment of the anthropometric nutritional status of Venezuelan schoolchildren aged 3 to 18 years

Introducción. La insuficiencia de ingresos en la familia para alimentarse y la inoperancia del programa de alimentación escolar, son factores que afectan el estado nutricional y favorecen el ascenso de la deserción escolar. Objetivo. Determinar el estado nutricional de grupos de niños, niñas y adolescentes de 13 escuelas en comunidades vulnerables. Materiales y métodos. Estudio transversal descriptivo en 7.252 escolares de 3 a 18 años, siete en el estado Bolívar (EB) y seis Distrito Capital (DC) y Estado Miranda (EM), realizado entre mayo y junio, 2019. El análisis se realizó en preescolares de 3 a 5 años y en escolares de 6 a 18 años, según localidad y sexo. Se determinó el estado nutricional con peso-talla (P/T) y talla-edad (T/E) en preescolares y el Índice de Masa Corporal (IMC) en escolares. Valores de referencia y puntos de corte OMS. Resultados: El porcentaje de desnutrición aguda en preescolares fue (1,5%) en ambas localidades y el riesgo EB 3,1% y DC-EM 3,3%. RC 8,2%, más alto EB (8,5%) y en sexo masculino (8,2%). En escolares, la delgadez- delgadez severa (6%), la talla baja y muy baja (6,8%) y el sobrepeso muy bajo (1%-1,4%). Conclusión. En los preescolares, el RC supera la DA, resultados que resumen la magnitud del retraso en los primeros 1.000 días y el impacto de la desnutrición infantil que va dejando huella en la talla baja. Las cifras de desnutrición aguda, retraso de crecimiento y delgadez más bajas que en otros estudios, posiblemente reflejan la presencia de algunos factores de protección que se deben investigar(AU)

Introduction. Insufficient income in the family to feed themselves and the ineffectiveness of the school feeding program are factors that affect the nutritional status and favor the rise of school dropouts. Objective. Determine the nutritional status of a group of children and adolescents from 13 schools in vulnerable communities. Materials and methods. Descriptive cross-sectional study in 7,252 schoolchildren from 3 to 18 years old, seven in the Bolívar state (EB) and six in the Capital District (DC) and Miranda State (EM), carried out between May and June, 2019. The analysis was carried out in preschoolers of 3 to 5 years and in schoolchildren from 6 to 18 years, according to location and sex. Nutritional status was determined with weight-height (W/T) and height-age (T/E) in preschoolers and the Body Mass Index (BMI) in schoolchildren. Reference values and WHO cut-off points. Results: The percentage of acute malnutrition in preschool children was (1.5%) in both localities and the EB risk was 3.1% and DC-EM 3.3%. CR 8.2%, higher EB (8.5%) and male (8.2%). In schoolchildren, thinness-severe thinness (6%), short and very short stature (6.8%) and very low overweight (1%-1.4%). Conclusion. In preschool children, the CR exceeds the AD, results that summarize the magnitude of the delay in the first 1,000 days and the impact of child malnutrition that leaves its mark on short stature. The lower figures for acute malnutrition, growth retardation and thinness than in other studies possibly reflect the presence of some protective factors that should be investigated(AU)

José María Bengoa de Sanare para el mundo de la nutrición social / José María Bengoa de Sanare for the world of social nutrition

José María Bengoa, hijo ilustre de Sanare, inicia su estadía en ese poblado rural en 1936, allí como el mismo lo expresó se forma en la Universidad de Sanare, donde con su acuciosa observación, reconoce los determinantes sociales de la desnutrición, allí descubrió que la desnutrición y el hambre, eran el denominador común de las enfermedades. Propone atender al niño y educar a la madre, y así surge el primer centro de recuperación nutricional. En medio de esa soledad recoge su experiencia, reflexiones, observaciones y soluciones prácticas las cuales publica en el libro "Medicina Social en el Medio Rural Venezolano" (1940). Logró extenderlo al resto de América, Asia y África desde su trabajo en Naciones Unidas. En 1941 dirige la Sección de Nutrición en el Ministerio de Sanidad y Asistencia Social, y contribuye con la creación del Instituto Nacional de Nutrición, la Escuela de Nutricionistas y Dietistas de la Universidad Central de Venezuela (1940 a 1950).En 1955 se incorpora a la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) en Ginebra, de esta experiencia comentaba "cuando comencé mis actividades en la OMS, había un hiato evidente entre investigación en nutrición y la salud pública", dirigió la Unidad de Nutrición(1964 ­ 1974). Dirige a la Fundación Cavendes y logra convertir a Caracas en la Capital Latinoamericana de la Nutrición gracias a su capacidad para integrar alianzas, con instituciones nacionales y con organismos internacionales. Trabajó intensamente para fortalecer las instituciones existentes y promover nuevas instituciones(AU)

Jose María Bengoa, illustrious son of Sanare, began his stay in that rural town in 1936, there, as he himself expressed it, he trained at the University of Sanare, where with his careful observation, he recognized the social determinants of malnutrition, there he discovered that malnutrition and hunger were the common denominator of diseases. He proposes caring for the child and educating the mother, and thus the first nutritional recovery center arises. In the midst of that loneliness he collects his experience, reflections, observations and practical solutions of his published in the book "Social Medicine in the Venezuelan Rural Environment" (1940). He managed to spread it to the rest of America, Asia and Africa from his work at the United Nations. In 1941 he directed the Nutrition Section in the Ministry of Health and Social Assistance, and contributed to the creation of the National Institute of Nutrition, the School of Nutritionists and Dieticians of the Central University of Venezuela (1940 to 1950). In 1955 he joined the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, commented on this experience "when I began my activities at WHO, there was an evident hiatus between research in nutrition and public health", he directed the Nutrition Unit (1964 - 1974). He directs the Cavendes Foundation and manages to turn Caracas into the Latin American Capital of Nutrition thanks to his ability to form alliances with national institutions and international organizations. He worked hard to strengthen existing institutions and promote new institutions(AU)

Anthropometric Profile of Latin American Population: Results From the ELANS Study.

Background: Latin America has experienced changes in lifestyle since 1960. Aim: The aim was to determine the prevalence of obesity and stunting among eight countries of Latin American and to identify the determinant risk factors for obesity. Subjects and Methods: Data were obtained from 9,218 participants of the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health (ELANS), a multicenter cross-sectional study of the representative samples in eight Latin American countries. All the participants completed a standard protocol to investigate the nutrient intake and anthropometric variables (weight, height, and circumferences) analyzed by country, gender, age, and socioeconomic status. Results: The prevalence of obesity was higher in Costa Rica and Venezuela (29%) and lower in Colombia (16%), stunting was reported higher in Peru (47%) and lower in Argentina (17%), and waist and neck circumferences showed the higher values in Costa Rica (43%) and Chile (52%) and lower values in Colombia (23 and 26%). Conclusion: This study indicates an increasing trend toward overweight and obesity that are associated with lower socioeconomic status, being a woman, and concurs with inadequate intakes of calcium, which may be related to poor quality diet and in the long term could constitute risk factors for the chronic diseases and a health burden to the region.

La hallaca tradición y nutrición / The hallaca tradition and nutrition

La hallaca es un plato nacional expresión de nuestro mestizaje, nace en la civilización del maíz, de la cual el plato más representativo es el tamal. Objetivo. Conocer las características históricas, culturales, sociales y nutricionales de la hallaca. Resultados. Hay diferencias culturales, la participación del elemento afrocaribeño-africano le dio un toque diferencial en el sabor, en el aroma, en la textura y en la presentación de los alimentos caribeños. En la preparación por ejemplo, en los andes incorporan papas, garbanzos, apio, caraota, entre otros y el guiso es crudo. En el oriente se añade pescado o mejillones y en el Zulia el plátano reemplaza algunas veces al maíz. El guiso con carne de res, de cerdo o de gallina picadas, juntos o separados, los demás condimentos, el adorno de huevos, aceitunas, pasas y el envoltorio de hojas de cambur o plátano soasadas, le comunican a la hallaca un sabor único. La masa es de maíz pilado con manteca de cochino, coloreada con onoto. Desde 1960, se usa la harina precocida de maíz, que facilitó su preparación urbana y su internacionalización. Cada una aporta 700 calorías, rica en proteínas animales, vitaminas y hierro. Está teñida de simbolismos, "la mejor hallaca es la de mi mamá" y es motivo de inspiración en distintas expresiones culturales. Conclusiones. La hallaca tiene un valor familiar y todas las clases sociales del país la consumen en navidad. La hallaca, ya es internacional, junto con la arepa, ha emprendido el viaje con cada venezolano que ha tenido que emigrar(AU)

The hallaca is a national dish, an expression of our mestizaje, born in the civilization of corn, of which the most representative dish is the tamale. Objetive. Know the historical, cultural, social, and nutritional characteristics of the hallaca. Results. There are cultural differences, the participation of the Afro-Caribbean-African element gave it a differential touch in the flavor, aroma, texture, and presentation of Caribbean foods. The preparation for example, in the Andes incorporate potatoes, chickpeas, celery, beans, among others and the stew is raw. In the east fish or mussels are added and in Zulia the banana sometimes replaces the corn. The stew with minced beef, pork, or chicken, together or separately, the other condiments, the garnish of eggs, olives, raisins and the wrapping of roasted banana or plantain leaves, give the hallaca a unique flavor. The dough is mashed corn with lard, colored with onoto. Since 1960, precooked corn flour has been used, which facilitated its urban preparation and its internationalization. Each one provides 700 calories, rich in animal proteins, vitamins, and iron. It is tinged with symbolism, "the best hallaca is my mother's" and is a source of inspiration in different cultural expressions. Conclusions. The hallaca has a family value and all social classes in the country consume it at Christmas. The hallaca, already international, along with the arepa, has embarked on the journey with every Venezuelan who has had to emigrate(AU)

Referencias internacional y nacional, su uso en el estudio del crecimiento y la maduración física / International and national references, their use in the study of growth and physical maturation

Los factores genéticos y ambientales interactúan durante todo el crecimiento. La talla final adulta, el ritmo o tempo de crecimiento y maduración, así como la maduración sexual, esquelética y dental, tienen una transmisibilidad entre 41 y 71%. El estirón puberal ocurre un año antes en africanos que en europeos y los asiáticos son intermedios. Esta heterogeneidad puberal dificulta el uso de una referencia internacional en esta etapa, aunque su valor al permitir la comparabilidad entre poblaciones es indiscutible, así como el hecho que no todos los países pueden desarrollar sus propias referencias. En la Región Latinoamericana, Argentina, Cuba y Venezuela desarrollaron referencias hace muchos años y recientemente, Colombia, Ecuador y Perú. En Venezuela, se realizó el Estudio Nacional de Crecimiento y Desarrollo Humano (ENCDH) y el Estudio Longitudinal de Caracas (ELAMC) para establecer patrones de referencia, relevantes debido a la maduración más temprana y a las diferencias significativas en crecimiento y maduración con los anglosajones. Así mismo se elaboró el Atlas de Maduración Ósea del Venezolano y se han construido Curvas para uso Clínico integrando ambos estudios. Debido a la disparidad en el uso de referencias- internacionales y nacionalesse está planificando un estudio multicéntrico, denominado PRONNA, de la línea de investigación sobre Crecimiento y Desarrollo en Niños y Adolescentes (CDNNA) del Grupo Transición Alimentaria y Nutricional (grupo TAN) para la escogencia definitiva de las referencias a ser usadas(au)

Genetic and environmental factors interact during growth. Final height, tempo of growth, sexual, skeletal and dental maturation have between 41 and 71% heritability. The puberal spurt occurs one year earlier in Africans than in European descendants, Asiatic are intermediate. This pubertal heterogeneity difficult the use of an international reference during this period, although its importance in the comparability of prevalences is unique, as well as the fact that many countries are unable to develop their own references. In the Latin American Region, Argentina, Cuba and Venezuela have long--standing references, Colombia, Ecuador and Perú only recently. In Venezuela, due to the earlier maturation and differences from puberty onwards with anglosaxons, the National Growth and Development Study and the Caracas Longitudinal Study were developed in order to obtain growth charts. Both studies integrated for Clinical Use dual use charts: an Atlas for Bone Maturity Asessment is also available. Due to the multiple use of references (national as well as international) a multicenter national study-PRONNA- is being planned in order to decide which reference is most adequate. This is part of the Growth and Development Research line of study of TAN Group (Food and Nutritional Transition Group)(AU)

Childbearing Age Women Characteristics in Latin America. Building Evidence Bases for Early Prevention. Results from the ELANS Study.

Latin American (LA) women have been exposed to demographic and epidemiologic changes that have transformed their lifestyle, with increasing sedentary and unhealthy eating behaviors. We aimed to identify characteristics of LA women to inform public policies that would benefit these women and their future children. The Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health (ELANS) is a multicenter cross-sectional study of representative samples in eight Latin American countries (n = 9218) with a standardized protocol to investigate dietary intake, anthropometric variables, physical activity, and socioeconomic characteristics. Here we included the subsample of all 3254 women of childbearing age (15 to <45 years). The majority of ELANS women had a low socioeconomic status (53.5%), had a basic education level (56.4%), had a mostly sedentary lifestyle (61.1%), and were overweight or obese (58.7%). According to the logistic multiple regression model, living in Peru and Ecuador predicts twice the risk of being obese, and an increased neck circumference is associated with a 12-fold increased obesity risk. An increased obesity risk was also predicted by age <19 years (Relative Risk (RR) 19.8) and adequate consumption of vitamin D (RR 2.12) and iron (RR 1.3). In conclusion, the identification of these risk predictors of obesity among Latin American women may facilitate targeted prevention strategies focusing on high-risk groups to promote the long-term health of women and their children.

Aproximación a la alimentación y nutrición en dos comunidades pobres de Venezuela / Approach to food and nutrition in two poor communities in eastern Venezuela

En los últimos 20 años han ocurrido cambios que han impactado directamente en la calidad de vida y en la alimentación de la población, incrementando la prevalencia de subalimentados debido a la dificultad en la adquisición de alimentos en cantidad y calidad adecuada para cubrir sus necesidades. Se aplicó una encuesta entre los meses de octubre - diciembre de 2019, en 80 hogares, que participaron de manera voluntaria. El 75% de las encuestadas fueron mujeres solteras jefas de hogar, quienes percibieron mensualmente entre 3,2 a 3,8 $ de ingreso. En estos hogares el consumo más frecuente fue de 10 alimentos, entre ellos, sal, azúcar, café, harina de maíz, aceite, margarina y arroz, en menor cantidad, los alimentos fuente de proteínas animal y alimentos ricos en vitaminas y minerales como frutas y vegetales. Además 59,2% de las familias reportaron haber reducido el número de comidas, el tamaño de las raciones y algunos de los adultos dejaron de comer para alimentar a los niños. La mayoría de los entrevistados no pudo cubrir la alimentación y la deficiencia de servicios básicos, contribuyo agravar la situación. Se observó un estado de inseguridad alimentaria, alto desempleo, migración masculina, bajo nivel educativo, CLAP irregulares, alta vulnerabilidad de inseguridad alimentaria, en hogares con jefes de hogar mujeres. Es indispensable rediseñar las políticas sociales y de seguridad alimentaria enfocados a estimular el empleo, la capacitación, mejorar los servicios, el ingreso, la disponibilidad y el acceso a los alimentos, la calidad de vida y la salud de las personas(AU)

In the last 20 years there have been changes that have directly impacted the quality of life and the diet of the population, increasing the prevalence of the undernourished due to the difficulty in acquiring food in adequate quantity and quality to meet their needs. A survey was applied between the months of October - December 2019, in 80 households, which participated voluntarily. 75% of the surveys were single women heads of household, who earned between $ 3.2 and $ 3.8 in monthly income. In these households, the most frequent consumption were 10 foods, among them, salt, sugar, coffee, corn flour, oil, margarine, and rice, in less quantity, sources of animal proteins and foods rich in vitamins and minerals such as fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, 59.2% of the families reported having reduced the number of meals, the size of the portions and some of the adults had stopped eating to feed their children. Most of the interviewees could not cover food security and the lack of basic services, contributed to aggravating the situation. A situation of food insecurity, high unemployment, male migration, low educational level, irregular CLAP distribution, high vulnerability of food insecurity, was observed in households with female heads of household. It is essential to redesign social and food security policies focused on stimulating employment, training, improving services, income, availability and access to food, quality of life and people's health(AU)

Comunicar para el desarrollo: una propuesta de divulgación radiofónica en la lucha contra el hambre y la malnutrición en Nicaragua / Communicating for development: a proposal for radio broadcasting to deal with hunger and malnutrition in Nicaragua

Nicaragua presenta altos niveles de inseguridad alimentaria y nutricional. Predomina la deficiencia proteico-energética y la carencia de nutrientes específicos y al mismo tiempo presenta la superposición epidemiológica-nutricional y la doble carga de riesgos para la salud. Faltan conocimientos para optimizar los escasos recursos para adquirir productos de mayor valor nutricional. El objetivo fue contribuir a reducir el hambre y la desnutrición y mejorar la alimentación y el estado nutricional de la población del municipio nicaragüense de Somotillo, a través de estrategias educativas difundidas por el medio radiofónico. Se ejecutó el programa "Por una mejor nutrición" en la radio (1 junio al 29 de julio, 2016) y se abordaron cuatro temas: conocimientos sobre alimentación saludable, higiene alimentaria, enfermedades asociadas a la malnutrición y alimentación del escolar y se acompañaron de tres cápsulas informativas cada uno, transmitidas 1v/s y 5v/s (8v/día), respectivamente, más una sesión 1v/s de respuesta a los oyentes (maestros y niños escolares). Además, se hizo una evaluación cualitativa (grupo de discusión con maestros y promotores de salud) y se aplicó un cuestionario de 5 preguntas pre y post intervención a 600 escolares seleccionados al azar en 20 escuelas rurales. Se encontró dominio parcial del tema de higiene pre-intervención y fallas en las acciones para prevenir las enfermedades que afectan el estado nutricional de los escolares (post intervención). El programa benefició a 2.349 estudiantes y familias. Esta experiencia puede mejorar el empoderamiento de las familias y la comunidad frente a los problemas de alimentación y prácticas higiénicas peligrosas existentes, pero requieren por parte de las comunidades garantizar la sostenibilidad y replicabilidad del mismo(AU)

Nicaragua has high levels of food and nutritional insecurity. Protein-energy deficiency and lack of specific nutrients predominate, while epidemiological-nutritional deficiencies and excess overlap and the double burden of health risks. There is a lack of knowledge in order to optimize scarce resources and to acquire products of greater nutritional value. The aim was to contribute to the reduction of hunger and malnutrition and to improve the diet and nutritional status of the population of the Nicaraguan municipality of Somotillo, through educational strategies broadcasted by radio. The program "For better nutrition" was carried out on the radio (1 June to 29 July 2016) and addressed four topics: knowledge of healthy eating, food hygiene, diseases associated with malnutrition and school feeding, and was accompanied by three information capsules, each transmitted 1/s and 5/s (8v/day), respectively, plus a 1/s response session for listeners (teachers and school children). In addition, a qualitative evaluation (discussion group with teachers and health promoters) and a questionnaire of 5 pre and post intervention questions were applied to 600 randomly selected schoolchildren in 20 rural schools. Partial mastery was found of the issue of pre-intervention hygiene and failures in actions to prevent diseases that affect the nutritional status of schoolchildren (post-intervention). The program benefited 2,349 students and families. This experience can improve the empowerment of families and the community in the face of existing food problems and dangerous hygiene practices(AU)

Venezuela entre la inseguridad alimentaria y la malnutrición / Venezuela between food insecurity and malnutrition

En América Latina y el Caribe la mayoría de los países con subalimentación (2011-2017), desaceleraron sus economías y, profundizaron la crisis alimentaria y los conflictos sociales. Venezuela vive un empobrecimiento masivo e inseguridad alimentaria que motiva la migración a otros países. Para conocer la situación actual de la seguridad alimentaria (SA) y la malnutrición, se estudiaron los principales determinantes, mediante el análisis de informes técnicos de acceso público en el último quinquenio. Se encontró que las dimensiones de la SA están severamente comprometidas: el acceso, la disponibilidad, la bioutilización y la estabilidad de las anteriores. Las preferencias alimentarias están afectadas por la distorsión entre precios e ingresos reales. El patrón de consumo de alimentos ha cambiado, resultando insuficiente en cantidad y calidad, sin variedad, basado en arroz, maíz, pasta, granos y aceite; carente en proteínas animales, vitaminas A, B y C, y minerales (hierro, ácido fólico zinc y calcio). El efecto directo es el incremento de la malnutrición y del hambre oculta, en los más vulnerables. La desnutrición crónica, principal problema nutricional, se solapa con el déficit calórico-proteico y las deficiencias de nutrientes. El programa de nutrición comunitaria y el Proyecto de emergencia social (2017-2018) reportaron severidad del retraso de crecimiento en talla (moderado y severo) y desnutrición aguda que afectaron principalmente a los niños menores de dos años, de las zonas de menores recursos rurales o periurbanas. Los tres determinantes inmediatos del estado nutricional del niño: seguridad alimentaria, atención adecuada y salud, están fuertemente afectados por la pobreza(AU)

In Latin America and the Caribbean, most countries with undernourishment (2011-2017) slowed their economies and deepened the food crisis and social conflicts. Venezuela is experiencing massive impoverishment and food insecurity that motivates migration to other countries. In order to know the current situation of food security (SA) and malnutrition, the main determinants were studied, through the analysis of technical reports of public access in the last five years. It was found that the dimensions of the SA are severely compromised: access, availability, bioutilization and stability of the above. Food preferences are affected by the distortion between prices and real incomes. The pattern of food consumption has changed, resulting in insufficient quantity and quality, without variety, based on rice, corn, pasta, grains and oil; lacking in animal proteins, vitamins A, B and C, and minerals (iron, folic acid zinc and calcium). The direct effect is the increase in malnutrition and hidden hunger in the most vulnerable. Chronic malnutrition, the main nutritional problem, overlaps with the caloric-protein deficit and nutrient deficiencies. The community nutrition program and the Social Emergency Project (2017-2018) reported severity of stunted growth (moderate and severe) and acute malnutrition that mainly affected children under two years of age, from areas with less rural resources or periurban. The three immediate determinants of the child's nutritional status: food security, adequate care and health, are strongly affected by poverty(AU)

Las precarias condiciones de alimentación de los venezolanos: encuesta nacional de condiciones de vida 2017 / The precarious food conditions of venezuelans: national survey of standard living conditions 2017

En la Encuesta Nacional de Condiciones de Vida (ENCOVI 2017), las características de la alimentación se obtienen mediante los patrones de compra de alimentos de los distintos grupos de la población según niveles de pobreza, y a través de la identificación de la severidad de la inseguridad alimentaria, los hábitos de alimentación dentro y fuera del hogar y las implicaciones que ellos tienen sobre el bienestar de los adultos. En 2017 continua la tendencia regresiva en la compra semanal de alimentos, esta se concentra en cereales 31,3% (arroz, harina de maíz, pan y pasta), tubérculos 9,3%, disminuyen carnes, pollo, leche, huevos, hortalizas y frutas y aumentan tubérculos (yuca) y leguminosas. Se reporta insuficiencia de alimentos y de ingresos (70%), inseguridad alimentaria (80%), presente en estos hogares, donde, la mitad no son pobres y su nivel educativo es medio y alto (empobrecimiento de la clase media), 27% de los entrevistados hacen dos o menos comidas diarias para unos 8,1 millones de personas en situación de hambre. La alimentación ha perdido cantidad y variedad, se ha transformado en una dieta anémica, debido a la ausencia de alimentos fuentes de hierro, zinc, vitamina A, complejo B y otros micronutrientes. En la Venezuela del Siglo XXI, 6 de cada 10 venezolanos perdieron aproximadamente 11 kg de peso en el último año por hambre. En los hogares pobres con inseguridad alimentaria habitan grupos vulnerables niños y mujeres en edad fértil, con grandes carencias alimentarias, de salud, de agua potable y vivienda. que limita los años de vida y compromete el desarrollo. Sin alimentación y sin salud, el desarrollo es imposible(AU)

The characteristics of the diet reported by the National Survey of Standard Living Conditions (ENCOVI 2017), are obtained through the food purchase patterns of the different groups of the population according to poverty levels, and through the identification of the severity level of the food insecurity, eating habits inside and outside the households and the implications that they have on the well-being of adults. In 2017 the regressive trend continues in the weekly purchase of food, which was concentrated in cereals 31.3% (rice, corn flour, bread and pasta), tubers 9.3%, and with a reduction in beef, chicken, milk, eggs, vegetables and fruits and showed an increase in tubers (yucca) and legumes. This study reports insufficient food and income (70%), and food insecurity (80%), present in these households, where half are not poor and their educational level is medium and high (meaning an impoverishment of the middle class), 27% of the interviewees make two or less daily meals, about 8.1 million people in situations of hunger. Food has lost quantity and variety, and has been transformed into an anemic diet, due to the absence of food sources of iron, zinc, vitamin A, B complex and other micronutrients. In the Venezuela of the XXI Century, 6 out of 10 Venezuelans lost approximately 11 kg of weight during the last year due to hunger. Within households with low and very low levels of food security are living vulnerable groups of children, women and men of childbearing age, with severe deficiencies in food, health, access to drinking water and vulnerable housing settings that limit the years of life and compromise the development. Without adequate food and without health, development is unreachable(AU)

Estudio venezolano de nutrición y salud: diseño y metodología. Grupo del estudio latinoamericano de nutrición y salud / Venezuelan study of nutrition and health: design and methodology. Latin american nutrition and health study group

La evaluación de los componentes del estilo de vida de los humanos en particular, del consumo de bebidas y alimentos y la actividad física resulta crucial en el entendimiento del bienestar y la calidad de vida de los individuos. Con el objetivo de actualizar esta información en Latinoamérica, se realizó un estudio transversal denominado Estudio Latinoamericano de Nutrición y Salud (ELANS), mediante muestreo aleatorio, polietápico por cuotas y estandarización metodológica para recopilar información sobre consumo de alimentos y bebidas, actividad física y antropometría. Se utilizó Recordatorio 24 horas, IPAQ largo, acelerometría, y obtención de peso, talla, circunferencias de cuello, cintura y cadera según las recomendaciones técnicas de OMS en Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Perú y Venezuela en una muestra de 9000 individuos. La muestra en Venezuela fue de 1132, distribuida por regiones, estrato social, edad y sexo, que se calculó según el censo 2011. Entre las fortalezas del estudio destacan, la representatividad por país, la estandarización metodológica entre los países participantes y el aporte de información actualizada sobre consumo de alimentos y bebidas, actividad física y gasto energético para los países que no lo tienen. ELANS y el Estudio Venezolano de Nutrición y Salud (EVANS) representan estudios de características particulares tanto en el ámbito regional como local que deben servir de bases para el diseño de políticas públicas basadas en evidencias(AU)

The evaluation of human lifestyle components particularly, the consumption of foods and beverages and physical activity is key in understanding the well-being and quality of life of individuals. With the objective of updating this information in Latin America, a cross-sectional study (called The Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health ELANS) was carried out. A random complex multistage sampling of 9000 adolescents and adults stratified by geographical region, age, sex and socioeconomic status was performed. A methodological standardization was required to collect information on food and beverage consumption, physical activity and anthropometry using methods: 24-hour recall, IPAQ long, accelerometry, and weight, height, neck, waist and hip circumferences according to WHO technical recommendations in subjects belonging to the following countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela. The representative sample for Venezuela was 1132 subjects distributed by regions and quotas assigned by social stratification, age and sex, calculated according to data from the 2011 census. Strengths of the study include: representativeness by country, methodological standardization among participating countries and the contribution of updated information on consumption of food and beverages, physical activity and energy expenditure for countries that do not have it. ELANS and the Venezuelan Study of Nutrition and Health (EVANS) represent a study of unique characteristics at both regional and local levels that should serve as the basis for the design of evidence-based public policies(AU)