The influence of socio-economic status in the developing world on nutrient intake

2.7. Within any community, particularly one in the developing world, one also finds marked differences in intake reflecting socio-economic status. Figure 5 (see

FIG. 5. Average Daily Energy and Nutrient Intake by Pregnant Ethiopian Women, Compared with FAO/WHO Recommendations (Source: refs. 6 and 31)) shows the average daily energy and nutrient intakes of pregnant Ethiopian women (6, 31). Unfortunately, there are no comparable quantitative data for lactation, but with the exception of the immediate post-natal period when, as Gebre-Medhin has described, special highly nutritious foods are provided, it is reasonable to conclude that the pattern of nutrients in the diet during most stages of lactation will be similar. It is readily apparent that the social differential for nutrients such as vitamin C and niacin (nicotinic acid) is substantially greater than for dietary energy. The data also serve to demonstrate important inter-country differences. In Ethiopia, in contrast to India and the Gambia, vitamin A and to a relative extent, riboflavin are in good supply. A further important difference occurs during lactation, when mothers are not only permitted but encouraged to drink a thick, nutritious traditional beer called tell. This has been shown to be a good source of folate and even B12 (31 ).