Diet and Nutrition Status of Mongolian Adults

Abstract

(1) Background: Aspects of the Mongolian food supply, including high availability of animal-source foods and few plant foods, are plausibly associated with disease in the population. Data on Mongolian diets are lacking, and these risks are poorly quantified. The purpose of this study was to provide a multifaceted nutritional analysis of the modern Mongolian diet. (2) Methods: The study population consisted of 167 male and 167 female healthy non-pregnant urban and nomadic adults (22–55 years) randomly selected from lists of residents in 8 regions. From 2011–2016, 3-day weighed diet records and serum were collected twice from each participant in summer and winter; anthropometry was collected once from each participant. Serum was analyzed for biomarkers, and nutrient intake computed using purpose-built food composition data and adjusted for within-person variation. Exploratory dietary patterns were derived and analyzed for associations with diet and nutrition measurements. (3) Results: We collected 1838 of an expected 1986 diet records (92.5%), 610/658 serum samples (92.7%), and 315/334 height and weight measurements (94.3%). Sixty-one percent of men and 51% of women were overweight or obese. Consumption of red meat, refined grains, and whole-fat dairy was high, while that of fruits, non-tuberous vegetables, eggs, nuts and seeds, fish and poultry, and whole grains was low. Dairy and red meat were more consumed in summer and winter, respectively. Dietary inadequacy of 10 of 21 assessed nutrients, including fiber, folate, and vitamin D were >50% prevalent, while protein, zinc, and vitamin B12 inadequacy were low. Biochemical evidence of iron and vitamin A deficiency was also low. Three dietary patterns (Urban, Transitional, Nomadic) explained 41% of variation in food consumption. The Urban pattern was positively associated with BMI in multivariate analysis. (4) Conclusions: Results indicate a high prevalence of key dietary inadequacies and overweight among Mongolian adults. Prior studies by our group have suggested that expanded supplementation and food fortification would be effective in addressing micronutrient inadequacies; these strategies should be coupled with measures to mitigate the growing burden of chronic disease.

Early policy actions and emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Mongolia: experiences and challenges

“…9 Likewise, lifestyle risk factors indicators are poor, with the consumption of red meat being very high, few fruit and vegetables being consumed, and lives becoming increasingly sedentary. 13 , 16 , 17 …”

“…9 Likewise, lifestyle risk factors indicators are poor, with the consumption of red meat being very high, few fruit and vegetables being consumed, and lives becoming increasingly sedentary. 13,16,17 The efficiency of the emergency response in managing acute cases of the disease will greatly depend on how the health-care system will cope following a widespread outbreak. Main factors influencing the system's capacity include physician and nurse density per population, their technical skills, the number and availability of intensive care unit beds, and the quality of associated equipment, as well as the population demographics.…”

Dietary Components, Microbial Metabolites and Human Health: Reading between the Lines

“…However, the consumption of milk and dairy products varies upon seasons and regions. It would provide 2069 to 3266 kcal/day, and carbohydrates account for 37.4%–43.8% of the energy supply per day, while protein and total fat provide 19.1%–22.4% and 36.0%–41.0% of energy, respectively [ 141 ].…”

“…On the basis of these dietary taboos, the central Asian countries have inherited the dietary habits of the nomadic peoples, with pasta, beef and mutton, milk, potatoes, onions, tomatoes and other vegetables as the main products, especially meat and whole milk. This dietary pattern includes high availability of animal-source foods and few plant foods, with risks of overweight and micronutrient deficiencies [ 141 ]. The microbiomes of central Asians and Europeans are quite different, with the most striking difference being significantly more samples falling within the Prevotella -rich enterotype, potentially reflecting regional diets and lifestyles [ 144 ].…”

The Contributions of Food Groups to the Daily Caloric Intake in Mongolian Population: A Mon-Timeline Study

“…these recommendations outline the basic principles of a healthy diet, such as eating a variety of foods, eating three or more servings of vegetables, and eating at least two servings of fruits a day [7]. However, no study has yet been conducted on how this recommendation is followed among Mongolians [9][10][11].…”