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Research Article
Food System, Poverty, and Malnutrition in Bangladesh: Challenges and Policy Implications
Md Mizanur Rahman Sarker
,
Sumaia Jannat*,
Momena Ulfat Himany,
Ramisa Anjum,
Sanjida Tamanna
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, September 2026
Pages:
1-14
Received:
5 August 2026
Accepted:
14 August 2026
Published:
30 September 2026
Abstract: The interconnections among food systems, poverty, and malnutrition remain central to Bangladesh’s development trajectory. Despite substantial agricultural growth and notable reductions in poverty over the past two decades, structural challenges continue to constrain equitable access to food and nutrition. This study analyzes agricultural production trends, food system drivers, and consumption behaviors, situating Bangladesh in a comparative South Asian context. Using national survey data and secondary statistics, it further examines poverty dynamics, both income-based and multidimensional and their implications for food insecurity and nutrition outcomes. The empirical evidence highlights persistent disparities in dietary diversity, caloric intake, and affordability of healthy diets across rural–urban and socio-economic groups. Moreover, the prevalence of child undernutrition and the double burden of malnutrition underscore the fragility of current nutrition gains. The findings suggest that external shocks, including climate variability, market volatility, and global food price fluctuations, exacerbate systemic vulnerabilities. Policy analysis indicates that while government interventions in agriculture, poverty alleviation, and nutrition have achieved incremental success, gaps remain in coordination, targeting, and long-term sustainability. The paper argues for integrated, multisectoral strategies that enhance agricultural productivity, strengthen social protection mechanisms, and promote resilient, nutrition-sensitive food systems. Such approaches are essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on zero hunger, poverty reduction, and improved health outcomes in Bangladesh.
Abstract: The interconnections among food systems, poverty, and malnutrition remain central to Bangladesh’s development trajectory. Despite substantial agricultural growth and notable reductions in poverty over the past two decades, structural challenges continue to constrain equitable access to food and nutrition. This study analyzes agricultural production...
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Research Article
Prevalence, Regional Disparities and Associated Factors of Vitamin A-rich Food Consumption Among Children 6-24 Months in Somaliland: Evidence from a National Survey
Abdifatah Ibrahim Mouse*,
Ridwan Abdi Ibrahim,
Ibrahim Omar Abdi
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, September 2026
Pages:
15-24
Received:
25 August 2026
Accepted:
2 September 2026
Published:
9 October 2026
Abstract: Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly vitamin A deficiency (VAD), pose a significant public health challenge in developing nations by contributing to child morbidity and mortality; however, empirical evidence regarding dietary intake among young children in Somaliland remains limited. This study assessed the prevalence, regional disparities, and factors associated with the consumption of vitamin A-rich foods among children aged 6–24 months in Somaliland. A secondary analysis of 1,086 children was conducted using data from the 2020 Somaliland Demographic and Health Survey (SDHS), a nationally representative community-based cross-sectional survey. The outcome variable was the consumption of vitamin A-rich foods in the 24 hours preceding the interview, and multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors using Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CI). The overall prevalence of vitamin A-rich food consumption was 56.45% (95% CI: 53.47–59.37%), with fresh milk being the predominant source (48.07%), while fruit and vegetable intake remained markedly low. Substantial regional disparities were observed, ranging from 73.24% in the Sahil region to 49.48% in the Sanaag region. Multivariable analysis revealed that children from middle (AOR = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.38–0.93) and rich (AOR = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.36–0.71) wealth quintiles were significantly less likely to consume vitamin A-rich foods compared to those from poor households. Conversely, maternal exposure to mass media was a strong positive predictor of intake (AOR = 5.04; 95% CI: 1.55–16.43). In conclusion, vitamin A-rich food consumption among young children in Somaliland is suboptimal and geographically uneven. These findings highlight a dietary paradox where higher household wealth correlates with lower intake, underscoring the vital role of maternal media exposure and nutrition education in improving child feeding practices across all socioeconomic strata.
Abstract: Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly vitamin A deficiency (VAD), pose a significant public health challenge in developing nations by contributing to child morbidity and mortality; however, empirical evidence regarding dietary intake among young children in Somaliland remains limited. This study assessed the prevalence, regional disparities, and...
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Research Article
Correlation Between Selected Nutritional Biomarkers and Metabolic Syndrome Components Among In-School Adolescents in Gusau Urban Area, Zamfara State, Nigeria
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, September 2026
Pages:
25-35
Received:
8 May 2026
Accepted:
21 May 2026
Published:
9 October 2026
Abstract: The paucity of data on the dietary and nutrient intakes and the correlation between selected biomarkers and metabolic syndrome among adolescents in Gusau urban, Zamfara state, necessitates a comprehensive dietary assessments. This study investigated the correlation between selected nutritional biomarkers and metabolic syndrome components among adolescents in Gusau urban area, Zamfara State. This study used a cross-sectional design involving 400 participants drawn from 6 private and 5 public secondary schools. Respondents were selected through stratified proportionate sampling combined with random sampling techniques. Biochemical measurements included nutritional biomarkers and components of metabolic syndrome (MetS): blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein. All parameters were assessed using standard laboratory procedures. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s bivariate correlation to examine relationships between variables, with statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05 Results showed that most participants were aged 15–19 years (58.5%) and male (68.25%). While mean metabolic syndrome components and nutritional biomarkers were generally normal, females aged 10–14 years had an elevated Na: K ratio. Serum uric acid correlated positively with LDL (r= .548**) and TCH (r= .360*) in males 10-14 years, with a positive relationship with SBP (r =.391**) and DBP (r= .336*) in females (10-14). In males 15-19 years, SUA had a positive relationship with HDL (r= .337**), LDL(r= .337**), TRIG (r= .333**) and TCH (r= .484**). Serum sodium-to-potassium ratio correlated positively with LDL (r= .268*). Serum albumin correlated with TRIG (r= .371*) and TCH (r=.358*). There was a significant (p≤0.05) relationship between selected nutritional biomarkers and metabolic syndrome components in adolescents, offering evidence supporting the use of serum uric acid and albumin as potential early screening markers for metabolic syndrome in adolescents. This study demonstrates the practical relevance of the selected nutritional biomarkers and metabolic syndrome and further strengthens the case for early nutrition intervention in schools using these selected nutrition biomarkers as potential screening markers for metabolic syndrome screening.
Abstract: The paucity of data on the dietary and nutrient intakes and the correlation between selected biomarkers and metabolic syndrome among adolescents in Gusau urban, Zamfara state, necessitates a comprehensive dietary assessments. This study investigated the correlation between selected nutritional biomarkers and metabolic syndrome components among adol...
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Research Article
The Zedselkoush Theory a New Paradigm for Personalized Clinical Nutrition Through Dynamic Nutrient Allocation and Circulating Blood Biomarkers
Mohamed Samir Tawfiq Elkoush*
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, September 2026
Pages:
36-50
Received:
21 July 2026
Accepted:
4 August 2026
Published:
9 October 2026
Abstract: Conventional clinical nutrition primarily estimates energy requirements using demographic and anthropometric variables such as age, sex, body weight, and height. However, these approaches may not adequately reflect the dynamic physiological and metabolic changes associated with disease, contributing to substantial variability in individual nutritional responses. This paper introduces The Zedselkoush Theory, a novel conceptual framework proposing that the effectiveness of nutritional therapy is influenced not only by nutrient intake but also by dynamic nutrient allocation, tissue priority, and circulating blood biomarkers, which collectively reflect the body's current metabolic state. The theory suggests that blood can serve as a real-time indicator of metabolic adaptation and may contribute to a more personalized estimation of energy requirements and nutritional interventions. The proposed framework integrates these physiological components into a unified model and presents a preliminary mathematical concept to support future hypothesis generation. Potential applications include chronic kidney disease, diabetes, obesity, critical care, and other conditions characterized by altered metabolism. Rather than presenting a clinically validated model, this work establishes a theoretical foundation intended to guide future experimental and clinical research. Ultimately, The Zedselkoush Theory offers a new perspective on precision clinical nutrition by emphasizing individualized metabolic assessment beyond conventional calorie-based approaches.
Abstract: Conventional clinical nutrition primarily estimates energy requirements using demographic and anthropometric variables such as age, sex, body weight, and height. However, these approaches may not adequately reflect the dynamic physiological and metabolic changes associated with disease, contributing to substantial variability in individual nutritio...
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Research Article
Foam Mat Drying of Soursop Pulp: Evaluation of Phytochemicals and Physico-chemical Properties of Powder Obtained
Bridget Tola-Winjobi*,
Babatunde Adewumi,
Usman Dairo,
Philip Sobukola
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, September 2026
Pages:
51-67
Received:
28 July 2026
Accepted:
7 August 2026
Published:
9 October 2026
Abstract: Foam mat drying (FMD) was employed to dry soursop pulp, with the objective of assessing the powder quality parameters. Egg albumen was applied at 3%, 6%, 9%, 12%, and 15% wt/wt and methylcellulose at 0.4%, 0.8%, 1.2%, 1.6%, and 2% wt/wt as foaming and stabilizing agents, respectively. The samples were air-dried at different temperatures of 55, 60, 65, 70, and 75°C. The experimental design was determined using central composite. Physicochemical properties of the powders [hygroscopicity, bulk density (BD), pH, water absorption capacity (WAC), total soluble solids (TSS) and color], were evaluated. Additionally, qualitative analysis of the phytochemicals present, such as tannins, alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, was conducted. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, saponins, and flavonoids in soursop powder; anthocyanins were detected at selected drying temperatures indicating their retention under certain drying conditions. Identification of these phytochemicals is important for their potential application in functional foods. pH value ranged from 4.5 to 5.3, and TSS ranged from 3.9 to 6.95 brix. Hygroscopicity increased with increasing methylcellulose content, whereas the color parameters (L*, a*, and b*) were affected by the drying temperature, leading to discoloration during the process. BD, WAC, color, and wettability were significantly affected by drying temperature (p < 0.05). Based on these data, FMD may be considered a viable method for dehydrating soursop pulp; the resulting powder can be readily reconstituted for food formulations. Thus, soursop powder has significant potential for the development of functional foods.
Abstract: Foam mat drying (FMD) was employed to dry soursop pulp, with the objective of assessing the powder quality parameters. Egg albumen was applied at 3%, 6%, 9%, 12%, and 15% wt/wt and methylcellulose at 0.4%, 0.8%, 1.2%, 1.6%, and 2% wt/wt as foaming and stabilizing agents, respectively. The samples were air-dried at different temperatures of 55, 60, ...
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Research Article
Physical, Chemical, and Organoleptic Characteristics of Udon Substituted with Kimpul Tuber Flour in Various Treatments: Flour Concentration and Resting Time
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, September 2026
Pages:
68-76
Received:
30 July 2026
Accepted:
14 August 2026
Published:
9 October 2026
Abstract: Udon is kind a type of Japanese noodle made from wheat protein with a larger size and chewier texture characteristic than basic noodle. Optimizing local agricultural commodities by utilizing kimpul tubers as a substitute is an effort to reduce wheat import activities. Udon has spesifically characteristics that need to be is chewiness. Resting time is needed in udon making, so that water is absorbed into the dough and binds the dough maximally so that the udon is more elastic. The study was conducted to determine the characteristics of udon produced from variations in flour concentration and resting time treatment. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with two factors, the first factor was the concentration of kimpul and wheat flour 0%:100% (K1), 15%:85% (K2), and 30%:70% (K3). The second factor was the variation of resting time of 0 minutes (T1), 60 minutes (T2), and 120 minutes (T3). The results showed that udon had the following physical properties: elongation with values ranging from 18.29%-31.11%; tensile strength ranging from 0.47N/m2-2.77N/m2; cooking loss ranging from 0.63%-1.21%; rehydration ranging from 52.33%-69.33%; solubility ranging from 0.77%-1.04%; swelling power ranging from 3.146g/g-3.717g/g; brightness level 46.3-70.3. Than the chemical properties were moisture content ranged from 30.56%-36.90%; ash content ranged from 0.16%-1.61%; protein content ranged from 9.12%-13.86%; starch content ranged from 48.08%-52.49%; amylose content ranged from 11.53%-13.46%; amylopectin content ranged from 34.64%-40.92%. Udon has the highest color organoleptic value of 6.17 (like), taste value of 5.47 (like) texture value of 5.5 (like).
Abstract: Udon is kind a type of Japanese noodle made from wheat protein with a larger size and chewier texture characteristic than basic noodle. Optimizing local agricultural commodities by utilizing kimpul tubers as a substitute is an effort to reduce wheat import activities. Udon has spesifically characteristics that need to be is chewiness. Resting time ...
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