Insights on food and nutrition in the Federated States of Micronesia: a review of the literature

Abstract

Background: Nutrition-related disorders, including vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and chronic diseases, are serious problems in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). Many suggest that these disorders are new problems related to dietary and lifestyle changes. In the past four decades, imported foods, such as white rice, flour, sugar, refined foods and fatty meats, have increasingly replaced local foods in the diet. Aim: A literature review was conducted to understand underlying issues related to dietary change and obtain insights for nutrition research and interventions. Method: Published and unpublished papers from different disciplines were reviewed and collated for information on food and nutrition in FSM. Topics covered were historical background, local foods, infant and child feeding, dietary assessment, and nutritional status. Particular focus was on information and data relating to VAD, the primary topic that led to the review of the literature. Conclusions: FSM, a tropical country of abundant agricultural resources, has suffered a great loss in production and consumption of local foods. Inconsistent external and internal government policies and food aid programmes have contributed to the problem. Further research on the nutrient content of local foods and factors affecting production, acquisition and consumption is needed, as well as a broad, well-planned, intersectoral intervention aimed at dietary improvement for all age groups in the population.

Artocarpus altilis and Pandanus tectorius: Two Important Fruits of Oceania with Medicinal Values

“…The content of vitamin C, β-carotene and lutein was 3.8 mg, 13 µg and 72 µg, respectively. Breadfruit is a good source of vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin and niacin (Englberger et al, 2003a). Nutritionally, breadfruit is comparable or superior to other staple food commonly consumed in Oceania e.g., taro, plantain, cassava, sweet potato and rice (Dignan et al, 2004).…”

“…Fruits of different varieties are distinct in size, shape, colour, flavour and juiciness. They are rich in vitamin C and carotenoids, including β-carotene (Dignan et al, 2004;Englberger et al, 2003a). Varieties with soft keys can be eaten raw while those with fibrous keys are processed into paste and flour before consumption or sold as chips (SPC, 2001;Ragone, 2011).…”

“…In the Marshall Islands, some 150 indigenous varieties of P. tectorius have been identified. About 60 varieties have been reported in the Federated States of Micronesia (Englberger et al, 2003a).…”

Reducing Cancer Health Disparities in the US-associated Pacific

“…8 Food choices are limited, and high status associated with imported and processed foods have contributed to concurrent increases in both obesity and malnutrition. 27 Among the chronic diseases, heart disease and cancer are increasing, and diabetes is almost pandemic. 6,28 Betel nut chewing is associated with higher-than-expected rates of oral cancer.…”

Factors to consider in Micronesian food-based interventions: a case study of preventing vitamin A deficiency

“…Consumption of foods rich in provitamin A carotenoids may alleviate VAD 9 , and epidemiological evidence suggests that carotenoid-rich foods may protect against these chronic diseases 10 -13 . Nutrition-related chronic disorders have developed since the 1960s, following a decrease in production and consumption of local foods, increased consumption of rice, sugar, wheat flour, fatty meats and other refined foods, and changes in lifestyle 14 . Inconsistent internal and external government policies, food aid programmes, lifestyle changes, the change from a subsistence to a market economy, and the convenience, cost and prestige of imported foods have contributed to the dietary shift from local † to imported foods 6,15 -17 .…”